Low-Dose Steroids to Decrease Postoperative Pain and Opioid Use

Although prescription opioid abuse is a serious concern, patients are commonly prescribed opioids for postoperative pain management. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose steroids to reduce postoperative pain and opioid use after lumbar laminectomy and/or discectomy. In the 10-day period postdischarge, patients prescribed a low-dose steroid reported decreased pain scores compared with those who were not prescribed a low-dose steroid; however, there was no associated significant difference in opioid consumption. Outcomes data suggest that postoperative oral steroid may reduce postoperative pain but does not necessarily decrease short-term opioid use after lumbar laminectomy and/or discectomy.