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"Cortisone Injections"

to Treat a

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a common cause of

numbness and pain, particularly lower back

pain. It may also cause general weakness

in a leg or arm.

For most people with a herniated disc, surgery

is not necessary to correct the problem.

However, many doctors do recommend

cortisone injections to treat the back pain and

swelling.

What is

a

Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a problem with one of the

rubbery discs located between the spinal

vertebrae, the stack of individual bones along

the spine.

The Mayo Clinic compares a spinal disc to a

jelly donut, something with a soft center and

a tough exterior.

Also called a slipped or ruptured disc, a

herniated disc occurs when the soft “jelly”

material in a disc pushes through a crack in

the hard exterior part.

The rupture may irritate the spinal nerves and

cause back pain, numbness, tingling and

weakness.

A herniated disc in the neck usually causes

pain in the shoulder and arm.

If a herniation occurs in the lower back, it may

cause intense pain in the buttocks, thigh and

leg; this is a common condition called

sciatica.

Causes &

Risk Factors

Most people, including doctors, cannot pinpoint

the exact cause of a herniated disc.

The condition often results from disc

degeneration, a gradual wear-and-tear that

occurs with age and use.

Sometimes injury contributes to disc

herniation.

Many people use their back muscles instead of

their leg or thigh muscles to lift and move

heavy objects.

Age, weight and occupation are three

factors that increase the risk of disc

herniation. Age plays a significant

role in spinal disc degeneration.

Excess weight stresses the lower

back and may cause a disc to

rupture.

Jobs that require repetitive lifting,

bending, pulling and pushing also

contribute to back problems.

Cortisone Treatments

for

Back Pain

Conservative treatment generally relieves back

pain in people with a herniated disc.

Such treatment includes avoiding further back

stress, taking appropriate pain medication,

and following a suitable exercise plan.

Many doctors also recommend

cortisone injections for patients

with back pain.

Sometimes called steroid shots,

cortisone injections are not pain-

relievers but anti-inflammatory

medications.

These hormone chemicals suppress

the spinal swelling that causes

back pain.

Cortisone injections typically contain a

corticosteroid medication as well as a local

anesthetic.

They are injected directly into the affected area of

the back, near the nerves.

Spinal imaging enables a doctor to safely guide

the needle to the right area of the spine.

Cortisone injections are an

effective treatment for herniated

disc pain.

However, most patients can

receive only a limited amount of

shots because of potential side

effects.

Too many cortisone shots carry a

risk of complications such as

joint infection, bone deterioration,

and nerve damage.

Preparing

for a

Cortisone Injection

People who take blood thinners

may need to forgo this treatment

for a few days prior to a

cortisone shot.

Certain nutritional supplements

also have a blood thinning effect,

so they must be halted too.

Patients about to receive a

cortisone injection should talk to

their doctor about medications to

avoid before the shot.

Before receiving a shot, patients may have to

change out of their clothes and into a hospital

gown.

They will then be moved into a position that

makes it easy for the doctor to insert a needle

into the affected area of the spine.

The area will be cleaned before the

shot is given, and the doctor may

also apply an anesthetic spray to

numb the area and reduce pain.

Some patients feel pressure as the

doctor inserts the needle.

If the procedure is uncomfortable,

they should tell the doctor.

After the needle is inserted, the doctor will

release the medication into the injection site.

The corticosteroid will relieve inflammation and

pain over time, but the anesthetic portion

provides immediate pain relief.

Some people experience a

warm, flushed face or

chest after a cortisone

injection.

Diabetics may experience

elevated blood sugar

levels.

These side effects are

temporary.

Doctors generally advise patients to rest and avoid

heavy lifting for a few days after a shot.

Patients should consult their doctor immediately if

they experience pain, redness, swelling or an

infection that lasts for more than 48 hours.

Get Fit Today!!

Even with a BAD BACK

You Can Still Get Fit!

Visit:

www.Get-Fit-Today.info