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• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 61-80 >> Interview CP09 >> Said that epidural steroid injections became less effective.

Back/neck pain since 1994. Spinal compression and arthritis. Surgery: Disc surgery in neck and surgery on lower back. Treatment: Epidural steroid injections. Pain management: Out-patient NHS pain management programme. Current medication: rofecoxib (Vioxx), amitriptyline, tramadol for flare-up. Past medication: morphine (oral and patches).

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 31-40 >> Interview CP21 >> Found that epidural steroid injections only helped her leg pain and not her back pain but she thinks they are worth it.

Back pain came on after injury at work, 1993. Surgery: Discectomy. Treatments: Pain clinic. Epidural steroid injections. Pain management: NHS outpatient pain management course. Current medication: dihydrocodeine, tramadol (slow release), amitriptyline, gabapentin.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP29 >> Had some steroid injections into his spine but knew they weren't a long-term solution because steroids can cause bone degeneration.

Back pain since, 1990. Surgery: Discectomy 1990, Discectomy 1991, Spinal stabilisation 1997, Bone fusion 2003. Treatment: Epidural steroid injections. TENS. Pain management: Going on Expert Patient Programme. Current medication: morphine, codeine, tramadol. Past Medication: fentanyl.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP27 >> Had an epidural, which helped him get back on his feet, but was put off having more when he asked about side effects.

Back pain since 1994. Treatments: Physiotherapy. Epidural steroid injections. Pain management: One-to-one counselling with psychologist. Current medication: Uses medication for flare up. Buprenorphine (Temgesic), co-proxamol, paracetamol, meloxicam, diclofenac.