Diagnostics and treatment of chronic low back pain

Patients with low back pain in the region of the SI joint of non-radicular character and pressure pain of the SI joint might benefit from intra-articular injections of a local anesthetic. Furthermore, addition of corticosteroids to local anesthetics may improve the magnitude and the duration of pain relief. Since the literature does not provide consensus regarding the choice of injected anesthetics for this particular pain complaint, we designed a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled study in which we compare three treatment modalities. With this study we aim to contribute to an improved diagnosis and treatment of SI complaints.

This research project will be further elaborated by a retrospective analysis of patient data and anatomic and immunohistologic analysis of the nociceptive (pain receptor) distribution in the SI joint. This research is embedded in the research institute EMGO .

Promovendi:Drs. K. Szadek

Karolina Szadek