POST PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

Post Procedure Instructions:

• If you received a steroid, it may take 7-10 days to become effective.
• You may experience a temporary increase in your pain following the procedure.

Treatments that may help:

• Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time every 2 hours for the first 24 hours as needed. You may switch to heat the day after the procedure.
• You may take over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil or Aleve as needed.
• Limited activity and rest is recommended the day of the procedure. You may gradually increase activities as your discomfort subsides.
• Do not drive or operate machinery for 12 hours after the injection. This is due to the numbing medication that may temporary cause weakness in your arms (neck injections) or legs (back injections).
• You may shower later today, but do not soak in a hot tub, pool or bath tub for 24 hours following the procedure.
• If you are taking blood thinning medication, resume the medication as your prescribing doctor has instructed.
• If you are diabetic, the steroid may increase your blood sugar for 7 to 14 days. Monitor your blood sugars. If they increase, please contact the physician that manages your Diabetes if adjustments are needed.

Please notify the Center for Pain Medicine if any of the following occur:

• Discomfort that becomes severe and/or interferes with normal movement of feeling.
• Signs of infection at injection sites which may include redness, warmth, swelling, foul odor and drainage.
• Increase in temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• New changes in sensation or motor function such as new areas of numbness, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function.