Are steroids given for degenerated disc problems?
Steroids applied locally by injection can be very helpful if properly given to selected patients and generally post few dangers. These injections should be given by an experienced pain specialist or radiologist. They may be most effective in the setting of spinal stenosis or nerve root irritation due to disc degeneration. Steroids given orally in the form of pills (such as Prednisone ) may have significant side affects on various organ systems including the bones (osteoporosis, avascular necrosis) that can exceed the potential medical benefits. One must realize that a mildly bulging, or “dried out” disc is rarely a severe problem. Disc changes are a normal part of aging in the spine. When discs are found to lose water content, it means they are losing some of their ability to act as a shock absorber and the function of properly binding the vertebrae. This can lead to a very subtle instability that may be responsible for pain in some people. If the pain is not severe when a person is in
