inflammatory conditions
"I've taken prednisone tapers on and off for chronic back pain and inflammation. Usually when I've reached a point when pain meds aren't working I give in to an injection and a steroid taper. Steroids weaken the immune system so if you're body is currently fighting an infection, that you may be unaware of, the infection can become full blown since your body can't fight it off.... and this happened to me. I ended up with shingles of the mouth. Excruciatingly painful. I am now prone to getting shingles if I'm not careful. I think prednisone is a gamble. Take if you have reached a point of not having too many other options. Try a higher dose of NSAIDs for a week if no reprieve then steroids. Best of luck."