I had a cortizone shot injection in my knee a few years back, but it was a very small needle and I don't remember pain in particular. Often, cortisone injections are performed with a very small needle that causes little discomfort. Most likely, the shot will be administered to the joint, by-passing muscle and bone. But the pain will depend upon the presence of scar tissue, as well. The Mayo Clinic has done a nice summary of the procedure and potential problems here. Good luck!

I had a cortizone shot in my shoulder it stung for a mintue then it was over

Yesterday, I had 4 shots, 2 in shoulder Bursa, and 2 in hip Bursa. I won't sugar coat it. It hurt so bad I was bawling, but the relief came instantly after it was done. If I needed more shots, I would do it again, this compares nothing to the pain that I have gone through for the last 4 months. My wood packing days are over. Now comes Physical Therapy.

I had a cortisone injection in both shoulders two days ago. The injections were done by a sports doctor. The injections were not painful at all. I wonder if the people that are reporting that the proceedure is painful are being treated by doctors that do not have the requisite experience. I cannot tell yet if the injections are working. I think there is some improvement. I am encouraged that the posted replies indicate that it does work.

I've never had to have a cortisone shot but I've been able to keep my shoulder from stiffen up so that it doesn't freeze through exercise and strengthening of the shoulder muscles. I started doing a lot of research of cortisone shot. It can be great for some but ineffective for others and over time it does weaken your tendon and ligaments in the joint.
I personally hate needles and would always search for another method before going that route.

I posted last on June 3,2009. It is now six days since I had cortisone shots in both shoulders. I should note that the sports doctor I saw was reluctant inject both shoulders on the same day. He was only prepared to do it in consideration of the distance I had to travel to see him. I did not notice any difference in my shoulder pain until four days after the shots. Since then the problem has slowly improved to the point that at present I have very little pain. The problem with my shoulders first arose two years ago. At that time I went to physio and the problem was slowly worked out over about three months. I blame my recent problem with not keeping up regular stretching exercises.

It appears my post was not allowed by the moderator because I offer another alternative solution besides cortisone injections. How can you claim that this is a health forum if you do not allow other options to health?

I had a cortisone injection into my right shoulder which hurt a bit at the time and was then ok. The day after I had a dull ache in the whole of my shoulder, is this a common thing to happen after an injection?

I had a cortisone shot to my left shoulder 5 days ago. At first there was a dull ache but then my shoulder felt 80% of capacity (which was great). I woke up this morning (5 days post-shot) and now my shoulder is in MAJOR pain again. Not sure if the shot "wore" out but I'm extremely depressed that I now feel worse than before. Anyone else experiencing this?

I had a cortisone injection in C-spine five days ago. The first day I felt better, although I had a bit of a pain, but it was different than my ordinary pain, and I guessed that it was post-procedure (injection) pain and that it would go away. The second day I had more pain and that felt like my traditional pain which I blamed on taking a nap on the couch which can cause flaring of the neck/shoulder pain. Now it's been five days since the shot, and flare-up from the nap is gone, but I still have that aching pain. Maybe it's cortisone flare. This is listed as a side-effect of a cortisone injection, but it usually only lasts a couple of days. I guess I will just ice it and take Tylenol or Advil. Another side effect I have had is insomnia. I've only been getting about five hours of sleep. I do take Adderall, though, and I am ADD without hyperactivity. I didn't take it today, and think I will probably sleep better tonight. Anyone else out there having what they think might be cortisone flare hanging around for more than a couple of days?

I had a cortisone injection 2 years ago for a frozen shoulder it worked hense not had another since. I had cortisone injection today and my shoulder is aching with a dull ache hoping its going be alot better than the pain before but found out that my other shoulder is the same and im going have to have one in that soon but much better than the pain im having.

I postponed having a cortisone injection in my shoulder due to fear! I had heard terrible pain stories about the shots. I told my doc that I was scared, so he sprayed Freeze on my shoulder, then shot of novacaine in it, and then the cortisone, using a very thin needle. I NEVER FELT A THING! Speak up and Ask your doctor to do that before an injection and it will not hurt at all. I hope it helps take away the pain I've been having and gives me better range of motion.