American Pain Society's 27th Annual Scientific Meeting (May 8 – 10, 2008): Lumbar Epidurals for Radicular Low Back Pain. Ongoing Controversy and Conflicting Evidence For and Against Their Use for Radiculpathy. Can They Be Used Effectively in the Daily Practice of Pain Management?

The use of epidural steroid injections remain a common option for the treatment of acute and chronic lumbar radicular pain conditions. Their efficacy and cost effectiveness remain controversial. This symposia will review pro- and con- perspectives of epidural injections for lumbar radicular pain conditions (i.e. herniated disc, spinal stenosis) based on recent published literature and consensus derived statements. Dr. Venu Akuthota will present the literature supporting their use in radicular low back pain and the rationale for how specific epidural injections work. Dr. Charles Argoff will review recent literature questioning their efficacy. Dr. Jerome Shofferman will discuss the practical clinical use of lumbar epidural along with other interventional spinal procedures as potential tools in pain management. The symposia will conclude with a panel discussion facilitated by questions from the audience.