Why would my dr. decline a refill on a previously prescribed 20mg dose of prednisone for a recurring pinched nerve?

Recurrent radicular: I would never prescribed more than one course of steroids for an episode of radiculopathy. Even one course maybe too many. If does not resolve with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and epidural injection, then surgeryrecommended. Steroids only relief while taking them and infrequently give any long-term benefit while ensuring long-term harm.