Pain has a way of creeping into everything, from how you move to how well you sleep and focus. Many people try to push through it, hoping it will resolve on its own. But when pain sticks around or worsens, it’s often a sign that the underlying problem may need more than time and patience.
At Pain Management Specialists in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland, our team takes a patient-centered approach to pain care. Led by board-certified physicians Stuart Hough, MD, and Ramani Peruvemba, MD, our practice focuses on identifying the source of pain and choosing treatments that make sense for your body and your life.
Cortisone injections are one option we may consider as part of a broader, individualized plan.
Cortisone is a fast-acting, powerful anti-inflammatory medication. When injected directly into a painful or inflamed area, it works to calm irritated tissues and reduce swelling around joints, nerves, or spinal structures. Less inflammation often means less pain and improved movement.
Unlike oral medications that affect the entire body, cortisone injections are targeted. This medication is commonly used for conditions involving the spine, joints, or compressed nerves.
Cortisone injections aren’t a first step for everyone, but they can be helpful in specific situations. You may be a candidate if pain has lasted several weeks or months and hasn’t responded to more conservative care. This includes persistent back pain, sciatica, pinched nerves, spinal stenosis, or joint pain that flares with movement.
Another sign is when pain limits your ability to participate in physical therapy or everyday activities. In these cases, reducing inflammation with an injection can create a window of relief that allows healing and rehabilitation to move forward.
Cortisone shots aren’t meant to serve as a permanent fix. Their real value is how they fit into a comprehensive pain management strategy. At Pain Management Specialists, we use injections thoughtfully, often alongside physical therapy, guided exercise, education, and other interventional treatments when needed.
By calming inflammation at the source, cortisone can help break a cycle of pain and muscle guarding. This often makes other therapies more effective and can reduce reliance on long-term pain medications.
Most cortisone injections are performed in-office and take only a short time. Using imaging guidance when appropriate, our physicians place the medication directly where it’s needed. Discomfort is usually minimal, and many patients return to normal activities within a day.
Relief may begin within a few days, though timing varies depending on the condition being treated. Some patients experience significant improvement lasting weeks or months, while others may need additional treatments as part of an ongoing plan.
Cortisone injections aren’t appropriate for everyone or for every type of pain. Repeated injections in the same area are limited, and certain medical conditions may influence whether this option is recommended. This makes having a careful evaluation crucial.
Our team takes pride in avoiding unnecessary procedures. If a cortisone shot isn’t likely to help, we can discuss other options that better match your situation.
Chronic pain is complex, and effective treatment starts with understanding it fully. Cortisone shots can be a valuable tool when used at the right time and for the right reason, but they work best as part of a personalized, multimodal approach.
At Pain Management Specialists, we focus on high-value care that puts your needs first. If pain is limiting your life and you’re wondering whether cortisone injections could help, our team is in your corner. Call our Rockville or Frederick office or send us a message through our secure portal to explore your options and take the next step toward lasting relief.
