Hey- a couple of weeks ago, I posted a short video about epidurals. In the video, I related that the injections often contain steroids, and I received comments from 3 concerned viewers who had received epidural injections, and were not aware that steroids could be part of the medication, and had worries about steroids in general.
Unfortunately, steroids get a pretty bad rap due to all of the news- this athlete or that athlete have been accused of using steroids. While steroids are a serious class of medication, there are a two main categories commonly in use, and a little clarification is in order.
The two broad categories of steroids are anabolic steroids and corticosteroids.
The steroids you hear about on the news are of the anabolic variety, and carry with them all sorts of side effects, including muscle growth, rage, psychosis, sexual dysfunction, as well a others.
The steroids included in therapeutic injections are corticosteroids, and are used as an anti-inflammatory agent. They carry with them some potentially serious side effects when inappropriately taken or prescribed, but have many great uses when dealing with various types of pain & inflammation. These drugs should be considered largely safe for short term use when appropriately prescribed.
Oral steroids in the form of Prednisone, or the commonly prescribed Medrol Dose Pack- can be used for nerve root irritation and other nerve mediated pain syndromes. Injectable steroids can be used when more aggressive therapy is needed. These injections can be superficial, in the case of trigger pint injections. Deeper injections are often placed with flouroscopic (live x-ray) guidance, to ensure they are directed to the most accurate location.
I hope this clears things up. The steroids present in epidural injections are safe and effective, and should not give you concern.
Look for the final 2 postings on the top 10 list, as well as a recap next week.
Also check back for our first guest interview with extraordinary physical therapist, Debra Rasansky, coming Thursday.
Be Well!!
