Cortisone Injections for Back Pain

Cortisone injections can be a temporary method for treating back and leg pain. There are a variety of techniques a doctor may use to adminster an injection; the one they choose will depend on the specifics of your pain and medical history. If the injections are effective at managing pain, a patient can receive up to three procedures a year. Some of the potential benefits of cortisone injections include:

• Reducing the nerve pain and inflammation causing pain. Cortisone decreases the production of inflammatory substances in the body, which can reduce nerve sensitivity and pain signals. This reduction in inflammation and pain can reduce the need for oral pain medications.
• Provide pain relief to resume physical therapy. Often, these injections can provide enough relief to allow a person to continue to re-engage in a physical therapy program that can provide a long-term solution and eliminate
• Delay surgery. Injections can also help to delay surgery and provide temporary relief.

In general, cortisone injections are beneficial for treating acute instances of back and leg pain. However, the primary drawback is that they don’t always provide relief and when they do, it is usually temporary.

What Are the Risks Associated With Cortisone Injections?

Generally, cortisone injections are considered to be a safe and minimally invasive procedure. However, as with any procedure, these injections can come with potential complications and side effects. Some of the risks associated with cortisone injections include:

• Pain following the injection
• Fainting and dizziness
• Nausea
• Headaches

While these symtoms can be potential side effects of a cortisone injection, they usually resolve within a couple of hours. Rare and severe complications associated with cortisone injections include:

• Spinal cord damage
• Stroke
• Dural puncture

Ultimately, the best way to determine if a cortisone injection is right for you is to consult a skilled sine expert.

If you have been using conservative treatments for your leg or back pain but aren’t seeing results, it may be helpful to consult a spine surgeon to see if a cortisone injection is right for you. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our surgeons are dedicated to treating your pain and helping you get your life back.

Our experienced and board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic specialists work together to treat spine and back disorders with minimally invasive techniques. Our doctors understand that every person is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we treat people, not patients. To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled spine experts, call (866) 272-9271 or complete our online contact form.