How can steroids be helpful?
Steroids are very effective in decreasing swelling and inflammation in the body. Often steroids are used to ‘cool off’ inflammation in a joint or in the spine around a disc. This is a very effective treatment method with few side effects. Many patients ask about the potential risks or side effects of steroid use. While it is true that long-term repetitive use of steroids over many years can increase the risk of side effects, short-term cortisone use in the form of injections or oral medications is thought to be relatively safe with hardly any side effects or problems.
