Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) commonly known as "cortisone shots" are a very common treatment for neck, back and limb pain and have become the most common procedure doctors do for low back pain - done nearly 9 million times a year.
The FDA recently came out with a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) warning about the dangers of epidural steroid injections for neck, back and limb pain. These injections have NEVER been FDA approved.
The report says:
The report says:
"Patients receiving epidural injections of corticosteroids for neck, back, or limb pain are at risk of rare but serious adverse events, including blindness, stroke, paralysis, and death, according to a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning.
Epidural injections of corticosteroids are a common treatment offered to patients who experience back pain, neck pain, or pain that radiates to the arms and legs. However, such injections are not FDA approved, and there is limited evidence backing their safety or effectiveness, according to the agency. A review of data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System found cases of death, spinal cord infarction, paraplegia, quadriplegia, cortical blindness, stroke, seizures, nerve injury, and brain swelling in patients who had received epidural steroid injections. These events occurred within minutes to 2 days after injection. According to the FDA, many of the patients did not recover from these injuries."
You can read the full report in JAMA here.
Here is an in-depth investigation into epidural steroid injections by Elizabeth Leamy.
Another recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that epidural steroid injections are associated with increased spinal fractures. You can read an article about the study here and the published study here.
If you or anyone you know is looking into getting an epidural steroid injection for neck, back or limb pain send them this information so they can make an informed decision. If you have neck, back or limb pain and are looking for an alternative to ESIs and surgery, I would be happy to do a free consultation and evaluation to see if Postural Alignment Therapy with OET is right for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Here is an in-depth investigation into epidural steroid injections by Elizabeth Leamy.
Another recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that epidural steroid injections are associated with increased spinal fractures. You can read an article about the study here and the published study here.
If you or anyone you know is looking into getting an epidural steroid injection for neck, back or limb pain send them this information so they can make an informed decision. If you have neck, back or limb pain and are looking for an alternative to ESIs and surgery, I would be happy to do a free consultation and evaluation to see if Postural Alignment Therapy with OET is right for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
RSS Feed