No abstract

A727have investigated the utility of pharmacotherapy and epidural steroid injections (ESI) in large practice setting. We sought to gather comprehensive data about the characteristics, efficacy, tolerability and quality of life (QoL) of patients with LBP with these therapies. Methods: Information was collected on a standardized form. Information included patient characteristics, type and duration of therapies, adverse events, pain relief using visual analogue scale (VAS) and QoL by measuring disability using modified ODQ at each month of follow-up. Results: Consecutive 81 patients were recruited and followed for 6 months. Average baseline pain duration was found to be 45.5 months. Combination of drugs and ESI was given in 75 (92%) patients. Anticonvulsants (75%) and Antidepressants (57%) were most commonly prescribed medications. Change in VAS & ODQ score from baseline to each follow-up at 3 months (VAS -15), 6 months (VAS -25) was significantly (P < 0.05) improved. ConClusions: Pregabalin and amitriptyline were most commonly used drugs with maximum pain relief and improved Qol. Desired pain relief fluctuated with time. ESI can be promising choice when desirable pain relief is not achieved with medications.