Steroids are a category of anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a wide range of pain conditions. At Vulcan Pain Management in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, our experienced doctor, Victor Mendoza, MD, provides minimally invasive steroid injections when you suffer from sciatica, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, gout, back pain, neck pain, degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and other pain conditions. Let’s take a closer look at this popular treatment.
“Steroid” is the shortened name for corticosteroid, a type of medicine that works quickly and effectively to relieve inflammation and the pain associated with it. Orthopedic, sports medicine, and pain medicine doctors have been using steroid injections to help patients manage pain conditions safely since the 1950s. They are administered in several ways, including by:
Steroids also come in cream form and are often prescribed for topical use.
Your adrenal glands make a hormone called cortisol when it feels stress. Cortisol actively works to keep your immune system balanced and to identify and decrease inflammation. Steroids are a human-made version of cortisol. When prescribed in specific dosages or injected into arthritic or damaged joints, they minimize inflammation and alleviate pain.
At Vulcan Pain Management, we deliver your shot directly into the area, causing you pain or range of motion issues, such as:
Dr. Mendoza injects a highly concentrated dose of steroids to treat the inflammation that’s causing you pain.
In general, you can expect almost immediate pain relief after you receive the injection. In most cases, it lasts for several weeks, at which time you can return for a follow-up injection. When you come in for your initial consultation and comprehensive physical exam, Dr. Mendoza writes up a custom treatment plan, so you’ll know how many treatments he recommends and just what to expect at each appointment.
With any injection, it’s possible to have an adverse reaction. In the vast majority of cases, there are no side effects other than a pinch and some minor discomfort at the injection site. It is possible to get an infection or have an allergic reaction. Our team will go over the risks and benefits with you to ensure your candidacy for the procedure.
If you’re struggling to keep up with your regular activities and hobbies because you have tissue damage, inflammation, and pain, turn to our trusted providers at Vulcan Pain Management. Call the Birmingham or Montgomery office to book an appointment or use the online booking option.
