Back Pain: New Treatment for Sciatica

Selective Nerve Root Blocks Treatment of Acute Sciatica

Description:

Every year in BC, many workers suffer from low back injuries that cause pain down the leg. This condition, also known as sciatica, usually results in an average of three to four months lost from work. In approximately 15% of cases, surgery is necessary to relieve pain and regain normal function. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new treatment involving a special injection into the spine around the injured nerve. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be separated into three groups according to the length of their symptoms to receive either the treatment medication or another medication. Patients, the anesthetist performing the injection and the physician assessing the patients are “blinded” to what medication is used.

The study will look at functional improvement, quality of life, return to work and progression to surgery at three different times following the injection, six weeks, six months and one year. The results of this study will provide evidence as to whether this treatment reduces recovery time and the need for surgery in patients with sciatica.

Methodology:

This is a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial taking place at the Combined Spine Program at Vancouver General Hospital.

Participant Recruitment:

The study is open to most people who are suffering from low back pain and sciatica (leg pain). Specific criteria include: between the ages of 19 and 65 years; pain below the level of the knee; symptoms up to a maximum of 18 weeks; confirmation of symptoms through physical examination.

Impact For People With Arthritis:

Spinal disorders place an enormous burden on society. Sciatica refers to back-related pain that radiates down the leg. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if Selective Nerve Root Blockade (SNRB) with steroids is more effective than an analgesic in improving functional status of patients and helping them return to an active life.

Time Frame:

May 2003 to May 2005

Funding Agency:

Supported by the Workers Compensation Board.

Project Team Members:

Principal Investigators

Maziar Badii  MD, MHSc Candidate
Research Associate, ARC

Paul Bishop, MD
University of British Columbia

Co-Investigator
Jacek Kopec  MD, PhD
Research Scientist, ARC

Study Coordinator

Mario McKenna  MSc
Research Assistant, ARC

Other Institutions Involved:

Vancouver Hospital
Vancouver, Canada