Do I need a Cortisone Injection?
Cortisone injections (CI), also known as corticosteroid injections, are a more invasive injection based therapy used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, Commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. However, understanding when you need a cortisone injection is important to ensure effective treatment and safety.
WHEN TO CONSIDER A CORTISONE INJECTION
While a CI will help to reduce inflammation (although often temporarily) and allow you to feel less pain, it’s something that should be considered only after conservative treatment and proper rehabilitation is trialled. injection base therapy, such as cortisone injections come with risks and side effects, such as tendon weakening or arthritic changes with repeated use.
WHAT CONDITIONS ARE CORTISONE SHOTS USED FOR?
CI are commonly considered to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions that create pain and inflammation, some common conditions include:
1. Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis (wear and tear of joints that can affect any person), or rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis developed genetically) may be treated with CI, especially in larger joints like hips, shoulders and knees.
2. Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammation seen in these areas can often last for periods of months to many years, injections to these tissues can assist with temporarily decreasing pain and inflammation
3. Spinal Conditions: Injections into the spine joints, discs & surrounding nerve roots can help relieve pain and inflammation in individuals with herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): A very common condition affecting the hand and wrist, it has demonstrated to be an effective tool to help discomfort if non-invasive treatments fall short.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CORTISONE INJECTION?
While a CI is useful for temporary relief of pain and inflammation, it does not solve the underlying cause. Once the pain and inflammation has been brought down to a stable level following an injection, it is essential that proper treatment including rehabilitation and tissue re-strengthening is implemented.
By managing the follow-up treatment and rehab appropriately, we can essentially ‘make the most’ of the reduction in pain and inflammation generated by the cortisone injection. The goal at this stage is to prevent this issue from recurring.
Unfortunately, all practitioners have seen cases where patients may have repeated injections into the one area, for example, for shoulder subacromial bursitis, only to get 3-4 months of relief and essentially make no progress towards long-term improvement.
long-term relief from a from pain or injury?
If you’re considering an CI, or would like to reduce the chances of recurring injections, the team at Fortitude Chiropractic can help.
Our experienced team will work with you in developing a treatment plan including adjustments, dry needling, soft tissue therapies and targeted exercise therapy to best suit your needs.
Give us a call at (08) 6184 8835 or book online here and get the help and advice you need.
Here is some of our other blogs:
Do I need a referral to see a Chiropractor?
‘Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor from my doctor or GP?’ Is a common question that we receive from new patients looking to book in to see us. The short answer is no! But there are a couple of cases in which you may need a referral from your GP or Doctor...
Why am I Sore After Chiropractic Adjustments
Why am I sore after chiropractic adjustments?It is normal to feel sore after a chiropractic adjustment, mild muscle soreness or stiffness is one of the most common short-term responses following chiropractic treatment. For most people, it feels similar to...
Tight Upper Back? How a Perth Chiropractor Can Help
Tight Upper Back? How a Perth Chiropractor Can HelpThat nagging tightness between your shoulder blades isn't just annoying, it's your body's check-engine light. Most of the time it comes down to your thoracic spine being stuck in one position too long: hours at a...