Regenerative Medicine
Diagnosis & Understanding
2. PRP Injection
1:42
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
2. Laser Therapy
2:05
3. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Neck or Cervical Pain
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Caudal Epidural
1:33
5. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
10. Interventional Pain Procedures
1:58
13. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Low back or Lumbar Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Herniated Disc
1:58
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Steroid Precautions- What you need to know
1746881119
Steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain, but they come with risks, and their use is declining, especially for direct joint, tendon, and ligament treatments. While steroids may provide temporary relief, they do not heal damaged tissues and can cause cartilage breakdown, tendon weakening or rupture, bone loss, and increased infection risk. These concerns have led many experts to recommend alternative treatments.
Before receiving a steroid injection, inform your provider if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, an infection, or any allergies. Steroids can raise blood sugar and suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of complications. If you take blood thinners, you may need to adjust them before treatment. Steroids may also be avoided if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have osteoporosis due to potential long-term effects.
After an injection, you may experience temporary soreness, swelling, flushing, mood changes, or sleep disturbances, but these effects usually fade within a few days. However, repeated steroid use has been linked to joint degeneration, tendon damage, and delayed healing, leading many specialists to limit their use.
For safer alternatives, local anesthetic injections can provide pain relief without the risks of steroids. Regenerative therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow derived treatments offer promising options by stimulating the body’s natural healing process rather than masking symptoms. These approaches may be an alternative as they may promote long-term recovery while avoiding steroid-related complications.
If you are considering a steroid injection, talk to your doctor about potential alteneratives and risks so you are best informed about your healthcare decisions.
FAQs
Are there alternatives to steroid injections for pain and inflammation?
Yes, there are safer alternatives to steroid injections. Local anesthetic injections can provide short-term pain relief without the risks associated with steroids. Regenerative therapies, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow-derived treatments, offer promising options by stimulating the body's natural healing process, potentially providing a more sustainable solution.
What are some potential side effects after receiving a steroid injection?
After receiving a steroid injection, you may experience temporary side effects such as soreness, swelling, flushing, mood changes, or sleep disturbances. These effects generally subside within a few days, but it's important to monitor any prolonged or severe symptoms and discuss them with a healthcare professional.
What are steroid injections used for, and what are the risks associated with them?
Steroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in conditions affecting joints, tendons, and ligaments. However, they come with risks such as cartilage breakdown, tendon weakening or rupture, bone loss, and increased infection risk, leading to a decline in their use for certain treatments.
What should I inform my healthcare provider about before receiving a steroid injection?
Before receiving a steroid injection, inform your provider if you have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, an infection, or any allergies. Additionally, share information about pregnancy status, current use of blood thinners, or any immunocompromised state, as these factors may influence the decision to proceed with steroid treatment.
Why is it important to discuss alternatives and risks with my doctor before opting for a steroid injection?
Discussing alternatives and risks with your doctor is crucial before opting for a steroid injection to ensure informed decision-making. Understanding potential side effects, long-term impacts, and available alternatives can help tailor a treatment plan that aligns with both your medical needs and personal preferences, minimizing potential health risks.