Comparison of Pain Reduction and Changes in Serum Cortisol and Glucose Levels to Different Doses of Lumbar Epidural Dexamethasone: A Prospective Study.

After the first lumbar epidural injection of either 4 mg or 8 mg of  dexamethasone, there was a reduction in pain in both groups. There was no significant difference in serum cortisol and glucose levels before treatment and during follow-up. Therefore, 4 mg or 8 mg of dexamethasone can be considered a treatment for patients who have low back pain.