Cortisone Vs. Acupuncture

Steroids and acupuncture are used to treat a variety of pain disorders. Both may be advantageous in different ways. Steroids are strong, highly effective medications to deal with a number of specific pain disorders. Unfortunately, their lack of safety is an important issue which limits their use. Acupuncture, a technique deriving from ancient Chinese medicine, is a form of therapy which uses small needles that are inserted into specific parts of the body. The technique is very safe, but while some people may swear by the efficacy of this technique, there is a lack of data to confirm its usefulness. If you are suffering from chronic pain conditions, talk to your medical practitioner about effective options for controlling your pain.

Benefits of Cortisol

Cortisol is an example of a corticosteroid. One of the functions of this medication is to limit the activity of the immune system. Cortisol is helpful in a variety of muscle and joint disorders in which the immune system is overactive. In conditions such as severe rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, cortisol can be injected directly into the joint to cause rapid relief. Cortisol is also effective in treating specific muscle disorders. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an autoimmune disease of joints that can cause muscle pain in elderly individuals. Polymyositis is an autoimmune disease which causes muscle inflammation; dermatomyositis is a similar disease which causes a skin rash in addition to the muscle pain. Steroids are highly effective at treating these kinds of muscle pain.

Disadvantages of Cortisol

While cortisol is remarkably effective in causing pain relief, it carries with it several risks. Cortisol can suppress the immune system to a degree that can expose the body to dangerous infections. In addition, prolonged use of cortisol can cause hypertension, osteoporosis, mental disease, obesity and increased sugar levels. Because of the dangers associated with cortisol, doctors try to use the smallest dose as possible, for the smallest duration, according to "Rang & Dale's Pharmacology," by H.P. Rang et al.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used for a variety of conditions. For example, acupuncture may be used for fibromyalgia, headaches, labor pain, low back pain, osteoarthritis, dental pain and tennis elbow. According to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, acupuncture can be done safely when performed by a certified practitioner. Some people who receive treatment with this therapy find it to be very effective at managing chronic pain.

Disadvantages of Acupuncture

Unfortunately, acupuncture does not have consistent results. Research testing the claims of acupuncture in controlled settings is lacking. According to MayoClinic.com, part of the problem in testing acupuncture are in the fact that it is difficult to find a suitable control group. The risks of acupuncture may be increased if performed by an unqualified practitioner -- this includes a risk of bleeding, soreness and possibly damage to internal organs. If unsterile needles are used, there is also a risk of transmission of infections, such as hepatitis and HIV.

Which One to Choose

The decision between steroids and acupuncture should be made by you and your doctor. If you have specific conditions for which steroids can be effective, then this may be the best route to go. Other medications besides steroids can also be useful in treating chronic pain and should be considered. If you want to try a treatment that is less likely to have side effects, however, acupuncture is worth a try. Of course, there is no reason why the two cannot be combined to get the best pain relief.