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 | Pain management procedures fall into two categories —diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic procedures result in additional knowledge about your condition and finding the source of your pain. Therapeutic procedures can result in pain relief with the goal of returning you to normal activity.
Our injections are image-guided, which means that imaging equipment called fluoroscopy (a type of low-dose x-ray) is used to clearly view the area in real time, on a video monitor. This ensures exact placement of the needle during the procedure.
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All of these procedures are image-guided injections through a precisely placed, small needle.
Other Injection Procedures Before Making Your Appointment
Let the scheduler know about any of the following: - Pregnancy – known or possible
- Allergies to medications or x-ray dye (contrast)
- Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Plavix, Ticlid). You will have to stop the medication prior to the procedure. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping any medication to determine if it is safe for you.
- If you have an active infection and are taking antibiotics, the medication course must be complete prior to the procedure, to ensure that no infection remains.
Patient Preparation
You must have with you: - Previous x-rays if requested by your healthcare provider's office
- Your appointment form
- Complete insurance information including your insurance card
- Bring someone to drive you home
- Do not eat solid food 3 hours prior to the appointment
Patient Experience
Injections are under the direct supervision of a subspecialty board-certified radiologist, a doctor who has extensive training and expertise in medical imaging and injections.
Depending on the area to be injected, you will lie on an x-ray table on your stomach or back. The area will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution and a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
After the needle is placed, contrast material is injected to confirm that the needle is in the correct location. Some patients feel a slight pressure sensation or discomfort as the contrast is injected. This is temporary and will gradually dissipate within a short time after the procedure.
Depending on the type of procedure you're having, the injection may contain one or both of the following:
-Anesthetic, which helps give immediate pain relief.
-Steroid preparation, which may be effective in long-term control of your symptoms.
After the procedure, you will be observed for a short time. You will need to have someone drive you home.
After Your Exam
A summary of the procedure and findings will be sent to your healthcare provider.
You can resume normal activity the next day, but for the next 24 hours avoid driving, rigorous activity and alcohol consumption. You may feel soreness at the needle insertion site for two to three days; you can use an ice pack to relieve any discomfort, up to 15 minutes per hour.
As with any procedure involving a needle, there is a small chance of infection or bleeding. Rarely there could be neural injury, headache, temporary numbness, weakness or facial flushing.
Injection Procedures are available at: Coon Rapids, Maple Grove and Southdale. |
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