Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by mcelik
Herniated discs are a common spinal disorder. They happen when the soft inner gel of the disc leaks out. This can cause pain and inflammation. At Liv Hospital, we look at different ways to treat this, including epidural steroid injections.
When the soft inner gel leaks out, it can be very uncomfortable. Cortisone shots are often used to help manage this pain. We will look into how well do cortisone shots help herniated disc work and share important facts for patients.
Herniated discs happen when the soft center of the disc leaks out through a tear. This can irritate nearby nerves. It’s most common in the lumbar spine, followed by the cervical spine, as the NCBI Bookshelf notes.
When a disc herniates, the soft center pushes against nerves. This can cause inflammation and pain. The pain and discomfort can be severe.
The process of herniation is complex. It involves the disc’s structure and the surrounding spinal anatomy. Knowing this helps doctors diagnose and treat herniated discs better.
Symptoms of herniated discs vary but often include localized back pain. They can also include radiculopathy (pain along a nerve path) and sensory disturbances like numbness or tingling. The symptoms depend on where and how severe the herniation is.
Several factors increase the risk of herniated discs. These include age, as discs degenerate over time. Smoking can also reduce disc nutrition. Occupational lumbar load, like heavy lifting, can strain the spine.
Knowing these risk factors can help prevent herniated discs. It can also help manage symptoms better.
Cortisone shots are used to ease pain from herniated discs. But, many don’t fully understand how they work. Steroid injections, also known as cortisone shots, are a popular choice for treating herniated disc pain.
Corticosteroids are man-made hormones that fight swelling and inflammation. Medical News Today says they’re used to lessen inflammation and pain, including from herniated discs. When injected, they target the inflamed area, easing pain and discomfort.
These shots work by calming the immune system’s reaction to inflammation. This reduces swelling around the herniated disc. It also lessens pressure on the nerves nearby.
There are many steroid injections for herniated discs, with epidural steroid injections being the most common. Epidural injections put corticosteroids near the spinal cord. This method gets the medicine right to the problem area.
Other injections, like facet joint injections and selective nerve root blocks, target specific spine areas. They aim to cut down inflammation and pain.
The anti-inflammatory effect of cortisone shots is key for pain relief. When a disc herniates, it can cause inflammation around the nerves. Corticosteroids stop the body from making inflammatory chemicals. This reduces swelling and pain.
“Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents that can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling, providing relief from pain associated with herniated discs.”
Knowing how cortisone shots work helps people make better choices for treating herniated disc pain.
Clinical trials and studies give us insight into cortisone shots for herniated discs. We look at the evidence on their success, focusing on success rates, studies, and what affects treatment results.
Many studies have checked if cortisone shots help with herniated disc pain. The NCBI Bookshelf says 42-56 percent of patients with lumbar disc herniation get pain relief from these shots.
A study in a top medical journal showed patients with cortisone shots had less pain and better function than those with a placebo.
| Study | Success Rate | Follow-Up Period |
| NCBI Bookshelf Study | 42-56% | Short-term |
| Medical Journal Study | 60% | 6 months |
Cortisone shots work differently for short-term and long-term pain relief. They can help a lot in the short term but their long-term benefits are being studied more.
A leading researcher says, “Cortisone shots are great for acute herniated disc pain. They give patients time to start physical therapy and other treatments.”
Many things can change how well cortisone shots work for herniated discs. These include how bad the symptoms are, if there are other health issues, and the patient’s overall health.
It’s important to know how well cortisone shots work for herniated disc pain. These shots, or epidural steroid injections, help many people feel better. They are a common treatment for pain from herniated discs.
Many studies show these injections help with pain relief. We’ll look at how often they work and how long the relief lasts.
Studies show that a lot of people get pain relief from these shots. The NCBI Bookshelf says 42-56 percent of patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation experience relief. This means a big group of people find their pain goes away or lessens.
How long the pain relief lasts can vary. Some people get short-term relief that lasts weeks or months. Others get long-term benefits that last six months or more. What affects how long the relief lasts includes how bad the herniation is, the person’s health, and how they react to the shot.
It’s key to remember that cortisone shots don’t fix herniated discs. They help manage pain and improve life quality. By easing pain, these shots help people do better in physical therapy and other treatments.
When thinking about cortisone shots for herniated discs, knowing the procedure can ease worries. It helps patients get ready for what’s ahead. The steps include preparation and recovery.
Before a cortisone shot, a detailed check is done to see if it’s right for you. This might include a physical check, looking at your medical history, and maybe imaging like MRI or CT scans. You might be told to stop certain medicines a few days before, like blood thinners.
It’s wise to have someone drive you home after. This is because any sedation might take time to wear off.
The procedure, or epidural steroid injection, is done by a specialist in a clinical setting. You’ll lie on your stomach or side to access the herniated disc area. The skin is cleaned, and a local anesthetic numbs the area.
Using X-ray images, the doctor guides the needle to the right spot. Then, the cortisone is injected. The whole thing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Right after, you’ll be watched for any quick reactions. Some might feel more pain or discomfort at the site, which can be eased with ice and pain meds. It’s best to avoid hard activities for the rest of the day.
Slowly getting back to normal activities over a few days is suggested. The cortisone’s full effects might take a week to kick in. It works to lessen inflammation and ease nerve pressure.
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after a cortisone shot helps patients prepare. It aids in making informed choices about their treatment.
Thinking about getting epidural steroid injections? It’s key to know how often you can get them. The right frequency is important for managing herniated disc symptoms well.
Medical guidelines say you can get these injections every three to six months. This advice comes from studies and expert opinions. It aims to find the right balance between benefits and risks.
“The best time for epidural steroid injections is something researchers are always looking into,” a study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine says. “Right now, it looks like you can safely get them every 3 to 6 months, as needed.”
Epidural steroid injections can really help, but there are safety points to think about, mainly with more than one injection. Getting these injections too often might cause:
Talking to your healthcare provider about your personal risks is very important. They can help figure out the safest and most effective treatment for you.
How often you get epidural steroid injections can change based on several things. These include how bad your symptoms are, your overall health, and how you’ve reacted to injections before. Doctors look at these things to decide the best schedule for you.
Key factors influencing injection frequency include:
By looking at these factors, doctors can make a treatment plan that fits you best. This way, you get the most benefits from the injections while avoiding risks.
Cortisone shots can help with herniated discs, but it’s important to know the possible side effects and risks. These injections, like any medical treatment, can affect the body in different ways.
Most people do well with cortisone shots, but some might face common side effects. These can include:
Medical News Today says these side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. But, it’s key to talk to your doctor about any worries.
Even though rare, serious complications can happen with cortisone shots. These might include:
A study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine found the risk of serious complications is low. But, it’s important for patients to know about these risks.
“The risk of complications from epidural steroid injections is low, but not negligible. Patients should be counseled on the possible risks and benefits.”
Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine
Some people should not get cortisone injections or should be careful. These include:
It’s vital for patients to share their full medical history with their doctor. This helps decide if cortisone shots are safe and right for their herniated disc.
A treatment plan that includes cortisone shots can greatly help patients with herniated discs. This plan mixes injections with other treatments for the best pain relief and recovery.
Using cortisone shots and physical therapy together is very effective for herniated discs. Physical therapy boosts flexibility, strength, and movement. Cortisone shots cut down on inflammation and pain. Research shows this mix leads to better results and less need for surgery.
Benefits of Combined Therapy:
Changing your lifestyle is also key in recovering from herniated discs. Keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and using good posture can help lessen symptoms and improve spinal health.
Key Lifestyle Changes:
Exercise is vital for recovering from disc herniation. It makes the muscles around the spine stronger, improves flexibility, and aids in healing. A good exercise plan can also stop future disc problems.
Exercise Benefits:
Dealing with herniated discs can be painful. Knowing the difference between cortisone injections and surgery is key. Each option has its role in treating herniated disc symptoms. The right choice depends on several factors.
Cortisone injections can help manage herniated disc symptoms without surgery. Patients with mild to moderate symptoms often see relief. These injections reduce inflammation and ease nerve pressure, leading to pain relief.
A study on the NCBI Bookshelf shows that steroid injections are often tried first before surgery (PMC7145384).
Even with cortisone injections, surgery might be needed in some cases. Those with severe or progressive neurological deficits may need surgery to avoid more damage. If injections don’t work, surgery could be the next step.
Choosing between injections and surgery involves several factors. These include the severity of symptoms, the patient’s overall health, and any neurological deficits. Healthcare providers use these to guide treatment choices.
The right choice depends on the patient’s specific needs. Understanding both options helps patients and doctors create a treatment plan that works.
Herniated disc treatment has evolved, with many alternatives to cortisone injections. These options can help relieve pain and support recovery. It’s important to explore a range of treatments that fit individual needs.
Non-invasive treatments manage symptoms and promote healing without surgery. These include:
These non-invasive methods can be very effective, often when used with other treatments. For example, physical therapy can enhance the effects of cortisone injections and support long-term recovery.
Other injection-based therapies are also being explored for herniated discs. These include:
These therapies offer promising alternatives to traditional cortisone injections. For instance, PRP therapy has shown promise in promoting healing and reducing inflammation in various musculoskeletal conditions.
The field of orthopedics is always evolving, with new treatments for herniated discs being developed. Some emerging treatments include:
As research continues, these emerging treatments may offer new hope for patients with herniated discs. They provide more effective and personalized treatment options.
Cortisone shots can help with herniated discs by easing pain. Studies show they can make people feel better and move easier. For example, a study on NCBI PMC shows they work well for back pain from herniated discs.
Deciding on cortisone shots means knowing the good and bad sides. It also depends on how bad the pain is and your overall health. It’s important for patients to learn about their options.
Talking to a doctor about treatment plans is key. This way, patients can choose what’s best for them. Using cortisone shots wisely can help avoid more serious surgeries.
A herniated disc happens when the soft center leaks out through a tear. This causes pain and swelling. The leaked material can press on nerves, leading to back pain and other symptoms.
Cortisone shots reduce swelling around the herniated disc. This swelling can press on nerves and cause pain. The shots help ease this pressure, giving pain relief.
Studies show 42-56 percent of patients get relief from herniated disc pain with cortisone shots. Relief can last from short-term to long-term, depending on the individual.
Guidelines suggest getting epidural steroid injections every three to six months. But, how often depends on your symptoms and health.
Side effects include bruising, flushing, and temporary pain increases. Serious risks like infection and nerve damage are rare but possible. People with diabetes or on certain meds should avoid them.
Yes, cortisone shots can be part of a treatment plan. They work best when combined with physical therapy and lifestyle changes. This approach can improve pain relief and function.
Cortisone shots might avoid surgery for mild to moderate symptoms. But, surgery is needed for severe cases. The choice depends on symptom severity and health.
Yes, there are non-invasive options like physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Other injections, like PRP therapy, are also available. New treatments, including regenerative medicine, are being explored.
When thinking about cortisone shots, talk to your healthcare provider. Discuss your symptoms and health to find the best treatment for you.