A growing body of evidence suggests that spine injections for chronic back pain may offer little benefit, prompting experts to recommend against their use in routine clinical practice.
The Ineffectiveness of Spine Injections
Chronic back pain affects one in five adults aged 20–59 globally and is the leading cause of disability. Despite their widespread use, spine injections such as epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks have been found to provide minimal relief compared to placebo interventions. According to an expert panel from The BMJ, these injections do not significantly outperform sham procedures in pain relief.
Economic Implications of Spine Injections
In 2016 alone, $134.5 billion was spent on low back and neck pain in the United States. Given the lack of substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of spine injections, these procedures represent a significant economic burden without corresponding patient benefits. The high costs and limited benefits suggest that spine injections should not be routinely funded by healthcare systems, which must consider the broader impact on financial resources as noted by the panel from The BMJ.
Towards Alternative Pain Management Strategies
The BMJ's Rapid Recommendations initiative aims to pivot healthcare practices towards more effective and evidence-based strategies. As the ineffectiveness of spine injections becomes clearer, clinicians are urged to consider other pain management techniques, including physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and psychological support. This shift highlights a move towards non-invasive and cost-effective treatments that align with observed patient outcomes.