Questions about cortizone shots.?

My doctor has offered these for arthritis in my spine. Now, I have it in other areas too but the degenerative arthritis that literally slows me down is in my spine. I have been on pain pills for at least 6 years and I'm not even 50 yet. What I want to know is...do they actually help? If I get them, is it possible for me to do something stupid and hurt myself and not know it? I have a young child, and I need to keep up with her. I don't feel old and having this is absolutely the MOST frustrating thing I've ever experienced, because I have always been athletic and active, and this cr@p is forcing me to be an old person before my time. I still try to do things I've always done, but my body is not cooperating and it's really honking me off. Any opinions about this option? Thanks!