Cortisone Injections at MSK Québec

The pain caused by a cortisone shot depends on the individual. In general, the injection is not pleasant, but well tolerated.

No, because it’s impossible to completely numb the needle path with precision. Numbing the skin and the needle path would mean making 2 injections and therefore 2 times the discomfort.

The doctor uses small needles the size of those used for vaccines.

Be aware that the doctor usually injects a numbing drug (an anesthetic, like at the dentist’s) with the cortisone to reduce discomfort after the injection.

No.

No. You should take your medication as usual. This includes painkillers and blood thinners, like anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Only change this if your physiatrist tells you to.

The main objective is to reduce pain during the healing process. However, every case is different, and some pathologies may require a single injection, while others may need several.

No, there’s no dependency as with the use of narcotics. However, injections alone rarely cure everything. It’s important to follow your doctor’s other recommendations.

The effect varies greatly from person to person, depending on the problem being treated. That said, the effect can last up to 3 months on average.

Yes, you must not remain completely still.

Avoid major physical activity for the first few days following injection. Afterwards, you can carry on with your normal activities without any problems.

Side effects are frequent, temporary and not dangerous. They can occur even after several injections without any side effects in the past.

Increased pain following injection: It’s normal to feel an increase in your usual symptoms for a few days. This is because we have introduced a needle(s) into an area where there is already pain. Cortisone often takes several days to several weeks to take effect

• Apply ice (bag of frozen vegetables, gel bag, magic bag) to the injection site for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 hours. You can also take Tylenol.
• Heat can also help relieve pain (electric pillow, magic bag, hot bath). Use whichever solution  gives you the most relief.

“Flushing”: A phenomenon characterized by redness and heat in the face, neck and chest. Don’t be alarmed. It should disappear within 48 hours after the injection.

Local infection: If you experience unusual sensitivity at the injection site, accompanied by redness and warmth, and/or a rise in temperature (>38°C), please contact our medical team as soon as possible. If this occurs on a weekend or holiday, go to the emergency room.

For women

Change in menstrual periods: the next 2 menstrual periods may be altered in terms of date, duration and quantity.

Vaginal bleeding after menopause: menopausal women may experience vaginal bleeding in the month following menopause. This is not dangerous and requires no investigation. However, a doctor should be consulted if it persists.

For people with high blood pressure

Blood pressure may be higher for 1-2 weeks. Call your pharmacist if necessary.

For diabetics

You should monitor your blood sugar levels, as they may be “unbalanced” for a period of 1 to 2 weeks. If you notice a rise in your blood sugar, or if it’s higher than usual, we suggest you:

• Increase your hydration
• Monitor your diet
• Watch for symptoms such as intense thirst, drowsiness, blurred vision

For those who have an insulin scale, follow it and modify your doses as needed.

If you have no symptoms, there’s no need to consult your doctor. You can contact Info-Santé at any time at 811/ pharmacist.

For patients on coumadin or sintrom

Take your next dose at the usual time and have your INR checked within 10 days.

If you have symptoms or your blood sugar is above 20, contact your pharmacist. he or she can refer you to an emergency room or walk-in clinic.

Some patients feel relief after 2 days, but the full effect can take up to 2 weeks. Similarly, some spinal injections can take 4 to 6 weeks to take effect.

Rarely, a small area of discolouration may appear on the skin near the injection site. The risk of developing this potential side effect can be minimized by choosing the right type of cortisone for the location.