How Long Does It Take For Steroid Injections To Work? Chronic Pain Management

Do You Have Chronic Pain?

At some point in life, everyone suffers from some type of pain. But for 1 in 5 Americans, the pain can be chronic. Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting 3 months or more that does not respond to treatment. There are a few ways to address chronic pain, and steroid injections are a useful option.

A shot to ease the pain

Steroid injections often called corticosteroid injections, are an effective form of treatment for pain. Steroid injections consist of artificial hormones that are similar to those made from the adrenal glands. The active ingredients act as an anti-inflammatory, reducing pain and swelling. A medical professional will inject the steroid directly into the affected area in a simple, outpatient procedure.

How fast do steroid injections work?

The procedure is immediate, but the medicine takes some time to work. On average, a patient can feel some relief after 5 days. However, the speed and effectiveness of the steroid injection vary from patient to patient. Each patient has a different condition, for instance, arthritis or tendonitis. Others have varying degrees of inflammation and at various locations. In some cases, the relief comes in a matter of days, while in others, relief may take weeks. This timeframe can last even longer if the pain has not declined for a long time.

Are you feeling immediate relief?

Some patients report pain relief almost immediately. The hormones start to work immediately but will take some time for the body to feel the effects. However, some steroid injections contain added anesthetic, which can numb the area and bring quick relief. In some cases, the doctor can perform other procedures or provide additional medication. Together with the injection, the patient may feel relief in as little as a few hours. Whether immediate or over a few days, steroid injections are short-lived. The effects last a few months, and doctors tend to perform no more than 3 per year.

Steroid shots aren’t for everyone

For a quick solution to chronic pain, these shots have a high success rate. For instance, up to 80% of people receiving a spinal injection report at least a 50% reduction in pain. Most people can have steroid injections. However, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications should not have injections. Other reasons include past reactions to steroid injections or health conditions like diabetes, kidney, liver, or heart issues. Speak with a doctor about any medical concerns before getting steroid injections.

Other chronic pain management options

Steroid injections aren’t for everyone, but that does not mean that all hope is lost. There are a few ways to manage and treat chronic pain effectively. Most persons with chronic pain that’s not disease-related can benefit from physical therapy. Staying active through exercise and maintaining a healthy diet are other powerful methods. There are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid medication that are powerful when used correctly. A doctor may also suggest a range of alternative treatments like massage therapy, cold laser therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or chiropractic care. Each method has pros and cons.

Tackle chronic pain with steroid injections

Steroid injections are effective in treating long-term inflammation, pain, and swelling. Chronic pain can come from a range of conditions, placing a severe damper on the quality of life. If primary treatment fails, the doctor can use these injections to provide relief. The relief can last for weeks or even months. If chronic pain management continually fails, even with steroid injections, speak with a doctor about alternative options, including surgery.