Spine steroid shot eases back pain for a month, but not a year

NCT ID NCT00804531

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a steroid injection directly into the spinal disc could reduce pain in people with chronic lower back pain and disc inflammation (Modic I). 137 participants received either the steroid or a placebo. The steroid helped lower pain at 1 month, but the effect did not last to 12 months. It may offer short-term relief for some patients.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Hydrocortancyl (steroid)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a short-term pain relief option for people with chronic back pain and disc inflammation.
What could go wrong: This is a completed Phase 4 trial with 137 participants. The steroid injection only helped pain at 1 month, not at 12 months, so it is not a long-term solution. Risks include injection-related complications.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BACK PAIN LOWER BACK CHRONIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hôpital Cochin

Paris, 75014, France

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