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Steroid Injections

Injecting a steroid and local anesthetic solution into painful joints has been a foundational treatment for pain management since the 1950s. As a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone (a common variant) has the capacity to quickly relieve pain for inflamed bursa, muscles, tendons, and joints. Other examples of this drug class are prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone. All are different, jaw-stretching names that work similarly to reduce inflammation and allow the body to heal itself.

The exact type of steroid used depends upon the condition being treated. While primary-care doctors or dermatologists might choose a different medicine, Dr. Kaufman focuses on cortisone for its ability to reduce inflammation fast. As we’ve mentioned previously in other sections, it’s inaccurate to think of cortisone as a pain reliever, though that is the ultimate goal. When you consider that pain is often caused by a panicked immune system desperately trying to heal an injury for which it is hopelessly overmatched – resulting in chronic swelling and inflammation – a cortisone injection makes perfect sense.

In the absence of a systemic condition like rheumatoid arthritis, a cortisone injection works best when targeted to a specific trouble spot, like a painful knee, hip, shoulder, or lower back. Dr. Kaufman has seen significant improvement in cases of frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, rotator cuff issues, bursitis, and more from a single dose of cortisone. A fear of needles may cause concern in a certain percentage of the population, but we hope you won’t be so quick to dismiss the possible gain in quality of life. It’s natural that a patient would be concerned with the spine perhaps more than any other region. After all, it’s the command center for the body. Keep in mind that injections into sensitive and critical areas like the the lower back to address chronic lumbar pain is conducted by a highly-skilled technician using x-ray technology to precisely guide the needle into the spinal canal.

The bottom line is that cortisone works faster and avoids the stomach irritation often associated with oral steroids, can be easily given in the doctor’s office, and enjoys a high success rate. What’s not to like?

If you are presently in the Miami area and in pain, call Dr. Kaufman at 786.369.4010 to schedule an appointment today. You don’t have to live like that.

Patient Testimonials

  • "I've suffered with back pain ever since my back surgery. Due to Dr. Kaufman and his non-surgical, non-invasive spinal injections, my pain has been greatly alleviated. It saved me another trip back to the operating room"
    Donna Franchetti Patient
  • "After spine surgery that did not relieve my pain I was referred to Dr. Seth Kaufman. He gave me his full attention and patiently listened, with empathy, to all my concerns and made me feel as though I was his only patient. Dr. Kaufman has managed my back pain, effectively, for many years. My only regret is that I did not meet him prior to surgery. I have complete confidence and recommend him to anyone without reservation."
    Sharon James Patient
  • "I'm a patient of Dr. Seth Kaufman's. For several years he has really helped me relieve the pain in my back and my legs. I've received several shots from him and they have really helped me. He is always available and he is very compassionate. I would highly recommend him."
    Ann Robinson Patient
  • " I was referred to Dr. Kaufman by my primary care physician, thank God, and he has helped me tremendously with pain after my back surgery, extensive back surgery, when I was left with more pain then I got rid of. Through his injections and use of topical ointments most of the pain has gone away. He is still helping me and still trying to get rid of the rest of it."
    Mary Wilson Patient
  • "I am a patient of Dr. Seth Kaufman's and have been seeing him for several years for back issues and knee issues. He has treated me very well, his injections were great and I got a lot of relief from him. I would recommend him to anyone, at any time."
    Robin Fisher
  • "Dr. Seth Kaufman, I cannot say enough wonderful things. This man saved my life from pain. He is dedicated and wonderful and I don't know what I would do without him. I would like to adopt him as my son, but so does everyone else who knows him. He truly keeps the pain out of my body."
  • "I was referred to Dr. Kaufman about 10 years ago. I was scheduled to have back surgery due to herniated discs in my lower back. Dr. Kaufman suggested injections and I took his advice. He administered several injections and I've been pain free for over 10 years, with no surgery needed and Dr. Kaufman continues to be my doctor. He's very, very knowledgeable and an expert in his field and I thank him very, very much."
  • "I had severe back pain. It started out of the blue and I felt it going down my leg. I am a spine surgeon myself and I have been caring for patients with these pains for years – I knew exactly what the problem was as soon as I obtained an MRI – I had a herniated disk - and I could not see myself taking care of patients with this horrible pain. Doctor Kaufman gave me 2 epidural steroid injections and I went back to work the same day with no pain. Most patients do not need spine surgery and if you are like me, try to avoid surgery. The best way to avoid surgery is with a properly targeted transforaminal epidural steroid injection, done in a modern safe manner – “transforaminal”. This applies to both neck and back pain. I recommend Dr. Kaufman to all my patients and my family. Call him and he will help you without surgery."
    Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Dr. Kaufman’s Patient