Lumbar Steroid Use in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Decompression

This study examines whether injecting a steroid (Depo-Medrol) into the surgical site during back surgery helps reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers after a laminectomy — a procedure to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. The goal is to find better pain management options that reduce opioid use. You may be eligible if: - You are between 18 and 85 years old - You are scheduled to undergo a 1 to 2 level laminectomy (spinal decompression surgery) You may NOT be eligible if: - Your surgery will be minimally invasive - You have used opioids daily in the past 6 months - Your procedure includes spinal fusion or a revision surgery at the same level - You have a chronic pain syndrome, poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c > 6.5), cancer treatment, history of organ transplant, enlarged prostate, or history of urinary retention - You are on chronic steroid therapy or immunosuppressants - You do not speak English - You are allergic to Depo-Medrol, glucocorticoids, or other steroids Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.