Should I get a cortizone shot?

Question

I have suffered from back pain from an injury I got in the Army almost 10 years ago. It flares up every now and then but this is the 3rd day of extreme pain that I haven't had in years. I have never had surgery (don't want it), and never had a shot. How does a shot work? How long does it last?

Just to let everyone know, yes I have a diagnosis. Three crushed discs and sciatica from the pressure on the nerve. The flare up came this weekend specifically after working my desk job 12 hours a day for 2 weeks straight, so work stress could have contributed, but I get flare ups every now and then for various reasons.

I have been to various specialists and chiropractors and done all sorts of PT to treat it. But this pain is the worst it has been in years and 3days in length. I have had no time to rest it other than those heat patches and some painkillers which don't do much, which is why I ask this question.

Answer 1

I have had chronic back pain for many years stemming from an injury in the AF, so I understand what you are going through.

Yes, Cortisone can be very helpful for very acute flare-ups. You don't want to get Cortisone alot because it affects your adrenals over time, but when you are in agony, it can REALLY help.

Basically, it is just a shot in the butt. You'll start feeling better within hours. The effect is to help the body break the spasm/pain cycle...which is you get a spasm...it causes pain...which causes you to tense up more...which causes more pain...etc. The cortisone itself is out of your system within a few days.

BTW, Since you go to chiropractors occasionally, you should know that they do not want to do a manipulation until the cortisone is out of your system. Be sure and tell them when you have had the last cortisone injection if it is within a week of the appointment.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

Answer 2

Try a new approach on this problem. Perhaps that pain is due to some form of repressed anger. It only flares up from time to time, because it is your minds way of keeping you distracted from what you are not dealing with.
Think back about each time it has flared up and think about what may have been bothering you. Find a way to deal with the feeling and the pain will resolve.
I would recommend a book from Dr. John Sarno. Healing Back Pain. It worked for me.

Answer 3

Have you ever been diagnosed with the problem? Do you know what is causing the pain? If not, I first suggest you do so. But overall, stay away from cortisone shots. They provide a false sense of security and if you do something which increases the damage to your back, you may not know it due to the shot. PAIN is how we associate there is a problem.

I do applaud your choice of not having surgery. Most cases of back pain and problems do not require it and only make it worse. My second suggestion is seeking a good chiropractor. They have been known to make the worse back problems well again.

Answer 4

As a matter of fact, I'm getting mine today in my hip joints. I get them in my shoulder blade (in between) and my neck. They hurt for a bit but make a big difference. I take percoset for pain (chronic back) but the shots get the spots that the percs just dont reach. By the way, I am only 43. Hope this helps, I understand. My doctor is hot for surgery, too, and that electode zapper you wear on your belt. I have not heard a successful back surgery nor carpal tunnel surgery. Good luck hon.

Answer 5

I have had one for an injured shoulder joint. The needle was just a tad painful going in. BUT the end result was well worth the tad bit of pain in getting the shot. I have not had ANY problems since then. that was like 8 - 12 months ago.

Answer 6

i do not imagine it prevents zits...my dad receives a cortizone shot in his knee, b/c there is no longer a lot cartilage there anymore. It facilitates to cushion the joint, so as that the bones do not rub jointly...ouch!