How To Prevent And Treat A Herniated Disc

Cortisone Injections

An individual with a herniated disc may need to have cortisone injections as part of their treatment regimen. If a patient is unable to take oral corticosteroids to help treat the inflammation caused by their herniated disc, cortisone injections may be more effective at relieving pain. Cortisone injections are administered right into the epidural space, which is the cavity filled with fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Because cortisone injections into this region of the spine require a procedure and anesthesia, this treatment is only reserved in cases where no other method has been effective or tolerable for a patient. X-ray guidance is used so a patient's physician can inject the medication into the precise location required. The relief achieved with the use of cortisone injections can last for between one week and one year depending on the severity of the herniated disc.