Are you tired of dealing with chronic pain? Have you been told you need steroid injections from your doctor to help the pain? We’ve found that unfortunately the risks associated with steroid injections far outweigh the benefits.
Reason 1: Cartilage Damage
Steroid injections actually damage cartilage in the long-term by drying up the fluid in the area where they are injected. This drying effect causes microtears in the cartilage which the body tries to repair by “sanding down” the cartilage. This leads to less cusion in the area. This cascade of drying and loss of space ultimately leads to bone-on-bone conditions, degeneration, arthritis, and more pain.
Reason 2: Systemic Side Effects
Corticosteroid injections can also have systemic side effects, which can impact overall health by disrupting your hormones. These side effects can include weight gain, mood changes, insomnia, and increased blood pressure. In some cases, corticosteroids can also suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections and diseases. Additionally, corticosteroids are similar to hormones produced by the adrenal glands. When taken or injected, they can suppress the body’s natural production of these hormones. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones to meet the body’s needs.
Reason 3: Masking the Underlying Cause
Steroid injections mask the underlying cause of your pain, making it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat the problem. When you begin to have chronic issues, the body starts to ignore that area and no longer recognizes the need to repair or send healing properties. This can lead to a cycle of pain, more injections, and temporary relief, without addressing the root issue.
What quality of life have you lost due to chronic pain? At Schneider Clinic, we offer a natural and effective approach to managing pain by using the body’s natural systems to heal itself. Utilizing both chiropractic techniques and functional medicine, our in-depth treatment plans get to the root cause of your pain and help restore your quality of life.