Duration of intake
The duration of cortisone intake depends on the improvement of symptoms under therapy. Since the cortisone is taken to improve the symptoms of the herniated disc, the reduction in symptoms should also be the control variable that decides on the intake. Basically, the intake of a glucocorticoid over a few weeks is rather harmless.
The longer cortisone is taken, the more likely systemic side effects become. However, if the cortisone helps the patient so well and the side effects are acceptable for the patient, or less severe than the symptoms of the herniated disc, the cortisone can also be taken for several years. However, regular blood count checks should be carried out.
Alternatives to cortisone
Since cortisone already represents a significant increase within conservative therapy, oral cortisone administration is followed by periradicular therapy. In addition to the application of cortisone to the nerve root, the use of a local anaesthetic may be considered. This should specifically block the pain transmission to the brain.
If this is also unsuccessful, surgery is usually the next step in therapy. Here, one tries to create enough space for the nerve root so that it is not constricted by other structures. For this purpose, the bulging disc is usually removed. Whether it is sufficient to remove the disc or whether the disc is removed completely and the intervertebral space is stiffened varies from patient to patient. Furthermore, the canal through which the nerve is guided past the spinal column to the periphery can also be widened, provided that there is a narrowing here that causes the nerve to become trapped.
Additional information about cortisone
Cortisone is a steroid hormone and belongs to the group of glucocorticoids. It is produced by the body in the adrenal cortex and performs important functions in the mineral and water balance, the immune system and also has effects on bones, muscles, the central nervous system and the eyes. It is also used for therapeutic purposes in many inflammatory diseases such as skin diseases, asthma and rheumatism.
Cortisone has a strong anti-inflammatory effect as it prevents the production of certain inflammatory mediators. As a result, the body’s own immune system is contained and can also prevent an excessive reaction in cases of allergies or asthma. Here you can find detailed information about the drug:
- Cortisone
Summary of cortisone therapy for a herniated disc
A herniated disc can cause loss of muscle tone and sensitivity. The cause is the constriction of certain nerve fibres in the spinal canal due to the slipped gelatinous core, which is part of the intervertebral disc. In order to prevent the symptoms from progressing further and to prevent permanent damage to the nerve cords, conservative treatment attempts to alleviate the symptoms with cortisone.
Cortisone has an anti-inflammatory effect and also reduces swelling. It is hoped that the treatment will reduce the swelling in the area of the herniated disc. If the swelling goes down, the symptoms often improve.
The constriction of the nerves and surrounding tissue can also trigger an inflammatory reaction, which would further damage the spine, but this can be avoided by the administration of cortisone. Cortisone can be administered in the form of tablets, as an infusion or locally as injections. Which method is used depends primarily on the severity of the symptoms, which in turn are determined by the extent of the damaged nerve fibres.
A good diagnosis should therefore be preceded by treatment with cortisone. In addition to cortisone, other drugs are often administered. Thus, the patient receives a painkiller and, if necessary, a local anaesthetic at the same time.
Cortisone therapy is used specifically for short-term improvement of the symptoms. In most cases a long-term causal therapy is recommended.
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