Many of my chronic-pain clients receive steroid injections. This is especially true for those clients with back pain In fact, steroid injections seem to be a standard part of the conservative-treatment approach for bad backs. Insurance companies seem to insist that doctors try injections and physical therapy before they will approve surgery. Where surgery is not an option, doctors send patients to pain clinics. A prime feature of these clinics is steroid injections.
Two Things To Know About Steroid Injections
Most of the clients who are getting steroid injections say two things. First, the relief is temporary and second, the benefits diminish the more doctors repeat it. Eventually, the shots are more or less useless. Steroid injections being ineffective is one thing, Now comes new that these injections may actually be harmful.
New Research And New Issues
A new study found that steroid injections can actually make such conditions as osteoarthritis worse. In fact, having steroid injections can hasten the need for surgery to replace hips and knees.
Why steroids harm bones and joints is not clear. Some researchers think that the steroids actually attack the cartilage that attaches to the bones and joints.
Not surprisingly, doctors recommend a good diet, weight loss, and exercise rather than steroid injections. Easier said than done for people in chronic pain.
Talk To Your Doctor
As always, never stop any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you are getting steroid injections, talk to your doctor to see if it is the best treatment for you.
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