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Another exciting month in the EMJ awaits us all as we cover a real range of topics and problems pertinent to the international community of emergency and prehospital care.
Steroids in back pain
Well, we've tried them for just about everything else so there is perhaps no surprise that researchers in Australia have investigated the use of single dose steroids in the treatment of low back pain with radiculopathy. This randomized controlled trial demonstrates an interesting approach to a group of patients for whom we currently offer little more than analgesia and sympathy. Although small the study suggests that there may be a beneficial effect for the type of patients we see in the ED. I'd like to see other trials confirm this result but if you ever wonder what to do next with the patient with low back pain this is a must read.
Jet injection devices to reduce pain in EM
If you are in a department that conducts lumbar punctures then you will know that these are painful procedures that can be distressing for patients. Reducing the …