What is the response rate to an epidural injection?
The success rates from epidural steroid injections vary greatly among patients. Some trials report success rates ranging from 25-89%. Obviously, there is a great deal of variability among patients and spinal disorders. Best results are obtained in more acute cases but even patients with long-standing symptoms have received benefit from epidural steroid injections. Each patient is evaluated on an individual basis. An initial, short-lasting beneficial response can be expected from the injection of a local anesthetic. The steroid response “kicks-in” after several days, but lasts much longer. Radiculopathies (disorders affecting one of the nerve roots that arise from the spinal cord) of six-month duration or less have an overall response rate to epidural steroid injection of 60-70%. Patients who present with pain of over a year duration have a response rate of 40-50%. The few studies available looking at long term results show a recurrence of pain in 50% of responders after twelve months.
