I have a lot of patients mention that their MD tells them that they need an epidural or steroid injection into their spine. I always teach people to make sure that any treatments they receive should be focused on getting to the root cause of the problem to create a long term correction, and not just a quick fix. Steroid injections are a quick fix. They may temporarily decrease the symptoms, but do not address the cause. This still poses the question, are spinal injections safe?
FDA Warning
In April of this year the FDA issued a statement warning that “Injection of corticosteroids into the epidural space of the spine may result in rare but serious adverse events, including loss of vision, stroke, paralysis and death. We are requiring the addition of a warning to the drug labels of injectable corticosteroids to describe these risks. Patients should discuss the benefits and risks of epidural corticosteroid injections with their health care professionals, along with the benefits and risks associated with other possible treatments.”
These injectable treatments have been used for people who are suffering from neck or lower back pain that radiates into the arm or legs, oftentimes caused by disc injuries. With this new warning from the FDA, it’s even more important that you seek a chiropractor when suffering from this kind of pain.
If your doctor does prescribe such a treatment, make sure you seek a second opinion from a natural healthcare provider like a chiropractor. Chiropractic has a proven track record of being safe and effective in treating spinal conditions that effect nerves and radiate into the legs and/or arms.
Get Involved
Have you been told by your medical doctor that you need a spinal injection? Leave comments below!