Dexmedetomidine for Improved Pain Relief and Recovery in Spine Surgery

Optimal-dose of Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvant to Epidural Local Anesthetic/Steroid Injectate to Improve Pain and Quality of Waking in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Case-control Study

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. While various treatments like exercise, NSAIDs, and spinal manipulation are recommended, their effectiveness is limited. Epidural steroid injections can provide short-term relief but may not be cost-effective and have associated risks.

Dexmedetomidine (DXM) is a selective α2-adrenergic agonist with analgesic properties. It has been used as an adjuvant to anesthetics and analgesics to enhance pain relief and reduce opioid consumption. Using DXM in conjunction with local anesthetics for regional blocks has shown promising results in improving analgesia and functional outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who had Chronic Lower Back pain defined as persistent pain for more than 6 weeks with manifest affection of daily activities;
• Patients who had Chronic Lower Back pain defined as persistent pain for more than 6 weeks with manifest affection of quality of walking and life;
• Patients who had Chronic Lower Back pain defined as persistent pain for more than 6 weeks maintained on systemic analgesics;
• Patients who were free of exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The presence of osteolytic vertebral lesions;
• The Presence of previous surgical intervention;
• The presence of allergy to the studied drugs;
• Patients of ASA grade >II.