Romford and Ilford Chiropractic Clinic

1. Corticosteroids (steroid tablets)
313 High Road Chadwell Heath, Romford, Essex RM6 6AX
Tel: 0208 252 1010 or 0208 262 3140
www.chiropracticcare.co.uk
Cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone steroid tablets are widely used to reduce inflammation, treat a
multitude of musculoskeletal disorders, and suppress the immune system in order to try to control conditions
that facilitates your body’s immune system in attacking its own tissues.
Corticosteroids are synthetic derivatives of the glucocosteriods, natural hormones released from the adrenal
glands in response to stress, such as infection or injury.
Possible short-term side effects of using steroid tablets include:
• Poor wound healing and increased chances of contracting infections as steroids may suppress the
immune system
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Appetite gain or loss
• Weight gain or ‘puffiness’ around the face
• Increase in blood pressure
• Changes to mood and behaviour
Possible long-term side effects of using steroid tablets include:
• Slowing of growth in children
• Acne
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Thinning of the skin
• Osteoporosis
• Stomach ulcers
• Liver and kidney failure

2. Corticosteroids (steroid tablets) Page 2
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Corticosteroid injections
Musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and shoulder; inflammatory arthritis, such as
rheumatoid arthritis; carpel tunnel syndrome; lumbar and cervical spinal pain, and whiplash are commonly
treated with corticosteroid injections.
Possible side effects of corticosteroid injections include:
• Pain and local infection at injection site
• Localised bleeding and clotting
• Possible allergic reaction to the injection itself
• Unstable joints due to muscular and ligament weakness and
severe cartilage degeneration
• Connective tissue damage (muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage)
• Possibility of the injection piercing the wrong tissue leading to permanent long-term spinal pain or
alternatively causing no change to existing pain
The following testimonials highlight some of these possible side effects:
“After I had a cortisone injection into my right heel for two heel spurs, I experienced heart palpitations and a
flushed face.”
“I had spinal cortisone injections four days ago into my L4 and L5 facets and S1 illiac joint. The following day I
suffered from a very red forehead, nose and cheeks. I saw my GP who prescribed an antihistamine, which
almost immediately reduced the redness. I am having flu-like symptoms at present and I feel very low in mood.
The site of the injections remains quite sore. I am still unable to sit upright without feeling pressure on my
spine.”
Sources: AK Jonasson, student project 2001; www.medicinenet.com