steriods-injected into the spine

    
      Re: steriods-injected into the spine
    


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Posted by ccfNeuro MD on June 04, 1997 at 11:48:17:

In Reply to: steriods-injected into the spine posted by Sharon Mingus on May 29, 1997 at 21:33:07:

: Please help! Had back fusion done with plates and screws and now after two yrs fusion has not yet taken. Are steriod injections safe and effective?
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Sharon, It sounds like you have had a difficult time with your back.  Steroid injections are one form of treatment that is sometimes effective for backpain.  Steroids generally work by decreasing inflammation. Steroids can be injected into the epidural space (the space immediately outside of the spinal canal) or directly into the spinal joints. These steroid injections are often given in a series of 2-4.  There are some small risks of these injections, the most important of which is infection in the area of the injection. Steroids are known to cause osteoporosis (decrease in bone density) after longterm use. Because there is a problem with bone fusion in your case, extra caution may be warranted. Back pain that persists after surgery is a difficult problem to treat.  One treatment that is sometimes tried is a Transcutaneous stimulator (also called a TENS unit) which is a little box that provides a nonpainful sensory stimulation around the area of pain. It works by interfering with
the transmission of the painful signals traveling up the spinal cord to the brain.  If you would like a  second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic on treatment options for your backpain, you can call our Spine Center at 216-444-2225 for an appointment.  This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.