Epidural For Back Pain
Epidural steroid injections contain corticosteroids, which mimic the
effects of the hormones cortisone and hydrocortisone. When prescribed in
doses that exceed the natural levels of these hormones, corticosteroids
reduce inflammation around the irritated nerves. This can help relieve
pain, although only temporarily.
Epidural steroid injections are usually limited to just a few a year
because there's a chance these drugs might weaken your spinal bones and
nearby muscles. Steroid injections also suppress the body's natural
hormone balance and can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a serious medical
condition. Delaying repeat injections allows your body to return to its
normal balance. The risk of these side effects may increase with the
number of steroid injections you receive and the dose given in each
injection.
It's important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of
long-term epidural steroid injections. If you're in pain between
epidural steroid injections, you might ask your doctor about other
treatment options for back pain.
No comments:
Post a Comment