由 home-healthhaven 
Back pain is an incredibly common problem that affects many people in the US and around the world. A busy lifestyle, bad posture, and wearing the wrong shoes can all cause back pain. Studies show that nearly 80% of all Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and it’s the leading reason people miss work. While back pain can affect people of any age, it’s most common among adults aged 35 to 55. Because it’s so widespread, lots of research has been done to find ways to effectively treat it, ranging from medications to surgeries.
### Risk Factors of Back Pain
Several factors can contribute to back pain, including:
– Job stress
– Pregnancy
– Anxiety and depression
– Aging
– Obesity
– Physically demanding work
### Steroid Injections for Back Pain
One of the treatments under study for back pain is the use of steroid injections. These injections are given in the same spot as an epidural, usually requiring 2 or 3 shots over a few months, depending on the pain’s severity. Most patients need more than one injection to relieve pain.
Steroid injections have been used for back pain relief since 1952 and are a key part of non-surgical treatments for sciatica and lower back pain. While they are primarily meant to relieve pain, they are often combined with rehabilitation programs to boost overall health.
### Benefits of Steroid Injections
– **Targeted Relief:** Delivers medication directly to the site of pain, unlike painkillers that spread throughout the body and act slowly.
– **Reduces Inflammation:** Since most back pain stems from inflammation, steroid injections can help alleviate this.
– **Non-Surgical:** No post-surgery complications.
– **Quick Recovery:** Patients can often return to work the next day after this outpatient procedure.
### Associated Risks
Despite their effectiveness, steroid injections come with risks. Researchers found that the risk of fractures increases by 29% with each steroid injection, raising safety concerns. Dr. Sholomo Mandel, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon and lead author of a study on steroid injections, noted that the already high risk of bone fractures in the American population is further increased by these injections.
The study on fracture risks associated with steroid injections was recognized as the Best Paper at the North American Spine Society meeting in Dallas. Estimates indicate that spine fractures are most common in patients with osteoporosis, affecting about 750,000 people annually. Often, patients initially receive physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs, but if pain persists, they are given steroid injections, which can reduce bone quality significantly.
This hypothesis was tested by comparing data from 6,000 patients treated for back pain between 2007 and 2010. Of these, 3,000 patients received at least one steroid injection, while the other 3,000 did not. The study, examining patients with an average age of 66, found that fractures were more common in those who had received steroids. This was confirmed using survival analysis techniques.
### Conclusion
Every treatment has its benefits and side effects, so it’s crucial to talk with your doctor before getting steroid injections for back pain.