These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Herniated disk treatment
Question: I have read the "pharmacy" version of side effects associated
with cortisone (med-pak) treatment. Can you provide more information about any harmful
effects for women of child-bearing years? My condition is moderate and I've tried
everything from physical therapy to acupuncture over 6 months with no response. What is
the long-term outlook for recovery from this condition? What is the likelihood that the
cortisone would be effective?
Answer: Systemic cortisone is not usually tried with a herniated disc. Local
steroid injections are commonly tried and are about 40% effective for the long term in my
experience. 20-30% additionally will experience relief lasting to two or three months.
Side effects from one or two injections are minimal and limited to infections around the
injection site or local trauma from the injection.
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