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Can Steroid Shots Decrease Pain After A Compression Fracture Of The L4 Vertebrae?
Question: My 84 year old mother has a compression fracture of the L4 vertebrae. I have been told by a surgeon that she will not get any pain relief from an epidural shot / steroid shot because the injury is bone related. Do you agree? The doctor recommends Kyphoplasty surgery as the best option.
Brief Answer:
I agree.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The surgeon does have a point, steroid shots are aimed at reducing inflammation, they do not help much with the mechanical issue of a fracture. Analgesics like lidocaine may be added to the shots but still do not address the source and not always effective.
Conservative treatment may be tried initially through back bracing, pain killers and activity modification to avoid loading the spine. However if that's been tried and is not enough and the pain persists, then procedures like kyphoplasty are minimally invasive and effective.
Of course medication for the usual cause, osteoporosis must be considered in order to prevent future fractures.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
I agree.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The surgeon does have a point, steroid shots are aimed at reducing inflammation, they do not help much with the mechanical issue of a fracture. Analgesics like lidocaine may be added to the shots but still do not address the source and not always effective.
Conservative treatment may be tried initially through back bracing, pain killers and activity modification to avoid loading the spine. However if that's been tried and is not enough and the pain persists, then procedures like kyphoplasty are minimally invasive and effective.
Of course medication for the usual cause, osteoporosis must be considered in order to prevent future fractures.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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