Intradiscal corticosteroids in the treatment of lumbar and cervical disc problems.

Forty-two intradiscal injections were performed in 29 patients having lumbar disc disease, 19 of whom had nonradiating back pain and 20 of whom had back and leg pain. Discograms were abnormal for 27 patients, but myelograms were abnormal for only four. Twenty-two injections (52%) gave relief of pain for a minimum of one month, but only 14 (33%) for at least three months. Of the 29 patients, six (21%) have obtained relief lasting six months to several years and have not required surgery. Twenty injections were performed in 14 patients having cervical disc disease, 11 of whom had neck and arm pain and three of whom had discogenic neck pain. Contrast and anesthesia discograms were abnormal for all patients, but myelograms were abnormal for only four. Thirteen injections (65%) gave relief of pain for a minimum of one month, but only three (15%) for at least three months. Of the 14 patients, three (21%) have obtained relief lasting six months to several years and have not required surgery.