Outcome After Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection

Inclusion Criteria: * Acute onset of sensory symptoms with the primary complaint as pain as well as varying sensory symptoms (e.g. tingling, numbness) in one or more lumbar nerve root distributions * Positive physical exam findings including sensory findings consistent with a spinal nerve root, a positive straight leg raise test, and/or a diminished patellar or Achilles DTR consistent with sensory symptoms; AND * MRI of lumbar spine positive for HNP in a distribution correlating with physical examination Exclusion Criteria: * Plain radiography demonstrating severe loss of disc height, high grade DDD, spondylolisthesis greater than grade I * A history of prior lumbar surgery or trauma, weakness in a consistent distribution (non-progressive with strength at least 4/5) * Red flags including progressive weakness, bowel/bladder complaints, radiographic unknown mass, unexpected weight loss; AND * Diagnosis of inflammatory arthritides, crystalline arthropathies, or other rheumatologic diseases