Procedure Instructions
On the day of the Procedure
- Bring your diagnostic studies (MRI, X-rays, etc.)
- Bring your list of allergies
- Bring your list of medications
- Bring your insurance card
- If you have a referral or prescription from your doctor, please bring it with you
- Make arrangements for a ride home.
- If you are prescribed pain pills, bring them with you
- Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing
- In the preceding 24 hours, drink plenty of water
Stop eating 4 hours before the procedure. If you suffer from diabetes, bring your medication and a snack, if necessary.
Take all your medications up to the time of the procedure except for blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Plavix, aspirin, Aggrenox, Lovenox and Coumadin, only if your prescribing physician is agreeable.
After the Procedure
Resume all your medications as before. You may restart Coumadin the day after your procedure. Lovenox and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be started in 4 to 6 hours.
You may experience soreness and pain at the injection site for several days. Icing the area 20 minutes at a time, three times per day, for a couple of days may help. Use caution with heat or ice, as your skin may be numb.
You may experience temporary tingling and numbness after the injection. Avoid operating machinery for 12 hours after the procedure.
Rest for the first 12 hours after the procedure. You may resume Physical therapy the next day, but avoid strenuous exercise for a week. Slowly increase your activity and exercise level as tolerated.
Improvement in pain may take up to 3 to 14 days, and often the procedure needs to be repeated.