How Anti-Inflammatory Shots Can Help Tackle Your Chronic Pain

With chronic pain, everyday activities can become painful and difficult. Anti-inflammatory shots may provide an option for those looking to reduce their pain or inflammation symptoms without needing to take medication or undergo surgery. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of anti-inflammatory shots and how they can help tackle your chronic pain. 

When Does Pain Turn Chronic?

Pain is a sign that something has happened, that something is wrong. Acute pain happens quickly and goes away when there is no cause, but chronic pain lasts longer than six months and can continue when the injury or illness has been treated. Chronic pain is pain that is ongoing and usually lasts longer than six months. This type of pain can continue even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed or gone away. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months or years. Some people suffer chronic pain even when there is no past injury or apparent body damage. Chronic pain is linked to conditions that include:

• Headache.
• Arthritis.
• Cancer.
• Nerve pain.
• Back pain.
• Fibromyalgia.

Symptoms of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain syndrome takes a toll on both your physical and mental health. While the pain can be near-constant, there may be flares of more intense pain due to increases in stress or activity. Symptoms include:

• joint pain
• muscle aches
• burning pain
• fatigue
• sleep problems
• loss of stamina and flexibility, due to decreased activity
• mood problems, including depression, anxiety, and irritability

Who’s at Risk for Chronic Pain?

Anyone can be at risk for chronic pain, but there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing it. These include:

• Aging – As people age, they’re more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.
• Previous Injury – Previous injuries can lead to long-term chronic pain.
• Obesity – Increased weight puts increased stress on the body, leading to pain in the joints and muscles.

What are Anti-Inflammatory Shots?

Anti-inflammatory shots, also known as cortisone shots, are a medical injection that contains a steroid medication to reduce inflammation and pain. The injections can be used to treat many types of pain, including back pain, joint pain, and even headaches. These shots work by reducing the inflammation in the affected area, which can help reduce pain and stiffness.

The Benefits of Anti-Inflammatory Shots

Anti-inflammatory shots provide an effective treatment without the need for surgery or long-term use of medications. They are an ideal option for those who suffer from ongoing pain that flares up periodically and doesn’t respond to other treatments. Benefits of anti-inflammatory shots include:

• Localized pain relief – irritation in just one knee can be solved without affecting the rest of your body.
• Rapid relief – the pain could start fading before you even leave the office.
• Long lasting results – one injection could last weeks.
• Few side effects – you will not have to miss work for weeks, as you will with surgical options.
• Restored range of motion – relieving inflamed muscles and nerves could help you move more freely.
• Dependability – these injections usually work even for patients that do not respond to other pain killers.
• Quick – there is no need for long healing periods or hours of treatment in the office.
• Stop arthritis progression- adding a replacement substance to a knee joint can help decrease further deterioration caused by arthritis.

What Conditions Can Anti-Inflammatory Shots Help?

You do not have to be suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis just to enjoy the quick relief of an anti-inflammatory injection. This kind of treatment is recommended for conditions that include:

• Back pain, neck pain, and other forms of chronic pain
• Recurring headaches and migraines
• Sciatica and other types of inflammation that affect the hip
• Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Pinched nerve
• Knee pain due to injuries, age, or joint degeneration
• Shoulder inflammation and limited range of movement in the elbow or wrist

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, we understand the toll chronic pain can take on your life. Through personalized plans, we can help you find relief from the discomfort of chronic pain with anti-inflammatory injections. Make an appointment today to learn more about how our experienced staff can help you live a fuller life.