Back Pain Treatment with Steroids: Role, Varieties, Potential Risks
Steroid injections can be a viable treatment option for various conditions related to back pain. These man-made hormones, similar to those produced by the adrenal glands, are designed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
One common condition that steroids can help treat is herniated discs, where spinal discs rupture or bulge and press on nerves, causing pain that can radiate to legs or arms. Steroids reduce inflammation and nerve irritation, providing relief.
Another condition that can benefit from steroid injections is spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Steroids help reduce nerve inflammation and pressure.
Sciatica, a condition characterised by pain along the sciatic nerve path caused by nerve compression in the lower spine, can also be eased with steroids. They target inflamed nerves to relieve pain.
Degenerative disc disease, an age-related wear of spinal discs leading to chronic pain, can also be managed with steroid injections. They help manage inflammation-related discomfort.
Lumbar radiculopathy, nerve root irritation in the lower back causing pain radiating along the nerve, is another condition that can be treated with steroids.
In addition, bulging discs and post-surgical back pain are also commonly treated with steroids.
Epidural steroid injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the epidural space around nerves, reducing inflammation and nerve pressure to relieve pain and improve function. These injections are most effective for conditions where inflammation or nerve compression in the spine is the pain source, but less effective for muscular or bone-origin pain.
However, it's important to note that steroid injections can cause side effects. These may include swelling, flushing or redness in the face for a few hours, increased blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, development of infections, and raised blood pressure for a few days in people with high blood pressure.
Changes in the color of the skin near the injection site, which may be permanent, can also occur. Prolonged use of steroids may lead to more serious side effects such as heartburn, high blood pressure, increased appetite, increased risk for infections, sleeping difficulties, increased blood sugar levels, osteoporosis, increased risk of bruising on the skin, development of eye conditions, feeling anxious or irritable, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
To minimise these risks, people should avoid receiving more than 3 injections of steroids in the same area of the body in a period of 12 months and should wait for at least 6 weeks between injections.
Prednisolone, a common type of oral steroid, is often prescribed by doctors to treat chronic back pain.
In conclusion, while steroid injections can provide relief for various conditions related to back pain, it's crucial to understand the potential side effects and follow the recommended guidelines for their use. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
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- Steroids might be useful in predictive treatment for multiple health issues, including diabetes type 2, due to potential side effects on blood sugar levels.
- Aq, a type of steroid, is often used in therapies and treatments for various back pain conditions, such as sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
- In some cases, fitness and exercise, combined with appropriate nutrition, might help mitigate obesity, reducing the need for steroid injections in managing back pain.
- Mental health is an essential aspect to consider when evaluating the benefits and risks of steroid use, as potential side effects can include anxiety, irritability, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Science is constantly researching new methods to improve health-and-wellness, and some studies explore the role of nutrition in preventing or managing conditions like osteoporosis, a potential side effect of long-term steroid use.
- Asthma patients should be especially cautious, as increased risk for infections is a potential side effect of steroid use, which could exacerbate their condition.
- Healthcare professionals might prescribe Prednisolone, a common type of oral steroid, for managing chronic back pain, but it's essential to seek personalised advice before starting any new treatments or therapies.
