Various Pain Relief Options For Back Pain
Back pain happens for various medical reasons ranging from mild to severe. Conservative treatment options include physical therapy, pain medications, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants. Other options include chiropractic care, massage, yoga, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. When conservative treatments are ineffective, doctors recommend either steroid injections or surgery.
Injecting the lumbar spine
There are a few reasons for injecting the back, such as treating back problems like spinal stenosis or inflamed nerve. The other reason is to know the cause of the back pain. Different injections are utilized, such as nerve block, discography, and epidural. Epidural injection commonly uses steroid drugs to treat lower back pain. Similar to other medications, steroid injections come with benefits and risks.
The good side of steroid shots
Like every medication or surgery, steroid injections also have some benefits. These benefits include temporary relief and avoiding or delaying any invasive procedures. A patient getting an injection will have an improved life and can engage more in daily activities. Getting steroid injections will also enable the person to engage in physical activity and rehabilitation.
The possible downside after getting injected
Steroid injections are considered safe normally but some may experience side effects or complications. Some side effects include tenderness at the site or temporary pain after the injection. Some risks include severe headaches, low blood pressure, bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. A person with diabetes or glaucoma may experience increased blood sugar or blood pressure. Before getting the injection, speak to the doctor and ensure that pre-existing medical conditions have been discussed.
Expectations of steroid injections
Steroid injections do not cure the medical condition. The shot gives an effect within 2-7 days and patients only receive temporary relief from the back pain. The duration of relief varies from person to person, but the shot can reduce pain for up to 6 months. There is no guarantee that everyone will experience a momentary relief. Some patients may require another shot of steroids after some weeks or months.
After getting the shot, warning signs to be vigilant
There are symptoms to be careful of after getting the steroid injections. Some symptoms include fever, severe headache, numb or weak legs, and loss of bladder or bowel control. If one experiences any of these symptoms, contact the doctor immediately. Not everyone will experience such symptoms but being cautious about the possible symptoms is vital to avoid further complications.
