Hi --since neck surgery 2010 --I have taken them several times high dose--3 month on then off 6 months ---right now im having a horrible flare up in arm neck& mainly shoulder ---takes my breath away---and I cant go back on steroids till May due to side effects . I have tried every med for pain nothing works now im trying natural things for inflamation but nothing is kicking in yet.For me at least steroids helped the most between calming this down-- but there are health risks involved with steroids and each person reacts so differently. Hope this helps!!