Are Epidural Steroid Injections Harmful?

cassis101
Jul 21
3 min read

What You Need to Know Before Repeating Another Shot

By Deborah Westergaard, MD | Pain Experts | Dallas–Plano

When Relief Comes at a Cost

Epidural steroid injections are widely used for back and neck pain. They’re covered by insurance. They’re quick. And they seem to help — at least at first.

But here’s the question more people are asking: Are epidural steroid injections harmful?

The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no — but it is time for a more honest conversation.

A single injection might offer short-term relief — especially for a disc flare or as a diagnostic tool. But repeating these injections over and over without addressing the root problem may actually do more harm than good.

In fact, studies show:

Relief may last only 2 to 6 weeks, or at best a few months
No long-term tissue repair occurs from steroid use
Fracture risk increases in women over 65 after multiple injections
Steroids can weaken ligaments, reduce bone density, and suppress the body’s natural repair processes

If you’re stuck on a repeat injection treadmill, it’s worth asking: Is this really helping… or just delaying the inevitable?

Stop Masking, Start Repairing

The goal of modern medicine should be structural repair — not just silencing symptoms.

Your body already has the tools for repair. Inside your blood are growth factors and platelets designed to reduce inflammation and repair damaged tissue. Orthobiologic treatments concentrate these components and deliver them precisely where your body needs support.

At Pain Experts, we offer:

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Excellent for ligaments, joints, and muscles
Platelet Lysate: A refined, nerve-friendly version of PRP that’s ideal for spinal nerve treatments
Tailored concentrations: Especially important as we age — higher platelet dosing supports better tissue repair in older patients

These regenerative therapies don’t just block inflammation — they initiate the tissue repair response that steroid injections suppress.

And unlike repeat steroids, you’re not harming bone density, weakening tissue, or compromising long-term function.

Real Medicine, Rooted in Excellence

One of my patients — a healthy 35-year-old man with clear facet joint arthritis — didn’t need “everything injected.” His ligaments were fine. His muscles were strong. We treated only the facet joints with orthobiologics — and that was enough.

Other patients, particularly those with age-related spine degeneration, may need a broader regenerative plan. But even then, it’s about precision, quality, and tissue repair — not blanket injections or shortcuts.

Let’s be clear: There is a place for a carefully dosed, one-time epidural steroid — especially in acute cases. But more is not better. And certainly not safer.

So… Are Epidural Steroid Injections Harmful?

They can be — especially when repeated unnecessarily
They don’t support tissue repair — they suppress symptoms
They may increase fracture risk and reduce long-term function

Meanwhile, orthobiologic treatments offer a path to actual tissue repair. You may need to invest more upfront, but you gain something priceless: Longer-lasting results. Fewer risks. A body that can restore and strengthen itself.

Choose Repair Over Repetition

If you’re ready to step off the injection treadmill…If you’re tired of chasing short-term relief while your spine keeps degenerating…

It’s time for a new direction.

Pain Experts in Dallas and Plano delivers evidence-based, customized orthobiologic treatments for spine pain that don’t rely on outdated thinking or insurance-driven care.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward regenerative spine care rooted in trust, transformation, and repair-focused excellence.

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