I injured my back lifting too much weight at work. There was a disc protrusion identified on MRI. To avoid surgery, the doctor has recommended steroid injections. What’s the thinking behind using medication like this for a damaged disc?

Studies have shown that when a disc has been injured, an inflammatory process follows. Chemicals that are part of this process irritate the nearby nerves.

Steroid medication is known to alter or stop the release of these irritating chemicals and even block pain signals. A new method has been developed to inject medication directly at the site of inflammation. This method, called fluoroscopy, has improved the results of injections by reducing pain, improving motion, and preventing more involved surgery.