Steroids for Back Pain Relief: What You Need to Know

Everyone experiences back pain at some point in their life. However, there are back pains that just won’t go away or just keep coming back. When this happens, there are various treatments that your doctor might recommend. In some cases, steroids for back pain relief may be suggested by your pain physician. These steroids or injections work by reducing the inflammation and easing the back pain. However, you must keep in mind that steroid treatment is not for everybody, and only an experienced pain doctor can help properly diagnose you

Steroid Injection for Back Pain Relief

Steroid injections are usually used to treat back pain issues. The two most common problems that steroids are used for are inflammation in the back and spinal stenosis.

• Inflammation or damage to the nerve is medically known as radiculopathy. This usually affects the lower back because the problem is rooted from where the nerve exits the spine. The sharp pain radiates from the lower back to the legs. This can also be caused by herniated disc. Some professionals use steroid shots for back pain relief such as this type.
• Spinal stenosis is basically the narrowing of the spine. This is usually caused by a jutting bone spur, a herniated disc and sometimes, a tumor. When any of these
  presses on the spine, the nerves inside it are compressed, causing pain that runs from the back to the legs. This can be treated with steroids, among others, to alleviate the pain and other symptoms.

What do steroids do for back pain?

Steroids act as powerful anti-inflammatories, reducing inflammation around nerves or inflamed tissues in your back. This can ease pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms associated with certain conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and inflammatory arthritis.
Pain management experts often prescribe steroids to address back pain, particularly when inflammation is a significant contributing factor. Steroids, such as corticosteroids, work by suppressing inflammation, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or arthritis. By targeting the inflammatory response, steroids play a crucial role in providing relief and improving overall function in patients with back pain.

How quickly does steroids relieve back pain?

While not an instant fix, you may experience pain relief within 24-48 hours after steroid injection or a few days with oral medication. The speed at which steroids relieve back pain can vary among individuals and depends on factors such as the specific condition being treated, the severity of inflammation, and the chosen administration method (oral, injection, etc.). Remember, they address the inflammatory component, not the underlying cause of pain.

Oral Steroids For Back Pain

But not all steroids for back pain relief are injected. There is also such as oral steroids. It is a non-narcotic type of medication that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. This is sometimes used for low back pain. However, this must only be used as a short-term treatment, at most two weeks. This is because long-term use can cause adverse side effects and complications.

This type of steroids comes in many forms. Since this is a prescription medication, you can ask your doctor or back pain specialist what type of oral steroid you should take. Do not take this medication without the advice from a medical professional and without the required prescription.

How long can you take steroids for back pain?

The effectiveness of steroids in alleviating back pain is undeniable. However, their use, particularly for long durations, necessitates careful consideration due to potential side effects. At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, our pain management experts prioritize a comprehensive approach that balances the benefits of steroid therapy with the need for long-term well-being.

Arizona Pain and Spine Institute: Experts in Minimizing Risks, Maximizing Relief

Our team of experienced physicians understands the complexities of chronic pain management. We recognize that while steroids can offer significant relief during acute flare-ups, their long-term use can be detrimental. Therefore, we advocate for:

• Limiting steroid injections to a maximum of 3-4 courses per year.
• Prescribing oral steroids for short bursts, typically weeks to months.
• Exploring alternative or complementary therapies for long-term pain management.

A Personalized Approach to Pain Management

At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we believe in a personalized approach to pain management. We understand that no two patients are alike, and what works for one individual may not be suitable for another. Therefore, we:

• Develop individualized treatment plans that consider the underlying cause of pain, the patient’s medical history, and their specific needs and preferences.
• Regularly monitor progress to assess the effectiveness of treatment and identify any potential side effects.
• Maintain open communication with our patients to ensure they understand their treatment options and have a say in their care.

Steroids for back pain side effects

While steroids for back pain are often safe when used responsibly, they carry potential side effects, especially with prolonged use. These include:

• Weight gain and fluid retention
• Mood swings and insomnia
• Increased blood sugar and diabetes risk
• Bone loss and osteoporosis
• Weakened immune system

While steroids prove to be a valuable tool in managing back pain, it is imperative to approach their use with a keen awareness of potential side effects. Responsible and judicious administration, along with close monitoring by healthcare professionals, is crucial to mitigate risks and optimize the benefits of steroid therapy.

Need Back Pain Relief?

If you are looking for a trusted pain management solution provider, check out Arizona Pain and Spine Institute. With us, you can get relief from pain and other associated symptoms. We treat various kinds of back pain using safe and trusted approaches. Our treatment options include different kinds of steroids for back pain relief and other pain problems.

Make an appointment with us today to start your journey to recovery. You deserve to live a pain-free life.