SOMA Orthopedics
Medical Group Inc.
Why Perform
Injections?
Spinal
injections can be an important part of your
treatment plan. They provide two essential
functions. First, they can relieve significant
amount of pain. While fundamentally they do not
change the pathology, they can often provide enough
relief so that patients can successfully proceed
with a rehabilitation program.
Secondly, since the injections are very precise,
they have diagnostic value. For example, if an
injection a level L4-5 in the spine relieves only
50% of the pain, then there must another structure
that must responsible for the remaining pain.
Knowing precisely what is causing the pain allows
your physician to accurately treat the
problems.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Typically, it could take up two
weeks to receive authorization, although it can
sometimes take longer. If you have not heard
anything from our office after two weeks, please
contact us. Once we have authorization from your
insurance, we will contact you to schedule your
procedure.
How do I prepare?
If you
are having IV sedation, please do not eat or drink
anything for six hours before the procedure. You
can take your medications with a sip of water. If
you happen to eat or drink before the procedure, it
can still be done, but you will not be able to have
sedation because of safety concerns.
You should continue taking your regular medication
with a sip of water. Please contact the office for
specific instructions if you are on any other blood
thinner besides aspirin. Example of such
medications include: Plavix, coumadin, warfarin,
and lovenox. If you are a diabetic, please contact
us for specific instructions.
If you are having IV sedation, you will need
someone to take you home.
Please arrive two hours before the procedure in
order to prepare.
Please contact us before the procedure if you
develop symptoms of an infection like fever,
chills, or night sweats.
Please wear comfortable clothing. Leave jewelry and
valuables at home.
If you think that you are pregnant, please contact
the office.
What type of
medications are typically used?
Most
procedures use a combination of a local anesthetic
and a steroid. The local anesthetic provides some
immediate relief. The steroid, which is designed to
give the extended relief, can take anywhere between
two days to two weeks to take full effect.
What are the
risks?
Although
most of the procedures are safe, there are always
risks with every procedure. You will have a chance
to discuss any specific concerns before the
procedure with a physician.
Will the
procedure be painful?
Most
procedures can be done under local anesthesia with
mild discomfort. IV sedation can help relieve some
of the associated anxiety. However, “knocking
someone out” for an injection is not done as
that in itself carries significant risks. Certain
diagnostic injections like discography are more
painful and require active cooperation with the
patient. As a result, less sedation is given before
the diagnostic portion of the procedure.
What happens
during the procedure?
After an
IV has been established, you will be taken to the
operating room, which is a sterile working
environment. An x-ray machine will be used to
direct medication to the appropriate location.
Every step of the procedure will be explained to
you before proceeding. If you feel discomfort,
pain, or anxiety, please inform us so that steps
can be taken to make you more comfortable.
What happens
afterwards?
Most
procedures take between ten and twenty minutes.
Afterwards, you will be taken to recovery areas
where your vital signs will be monitored for
approximately thirty minutes. A nurse will be
taking care of you and will give you specific
instructions before your discharge.
What can I expect
when I go home?
You will
be given specific instructions corresponding to the
procedure you had. In general, you can resume all
previous medications. Do not drive the rest of the
day. You can do any activity you wish. You can have
soreness at the needle insertion site, which you
can treat with an over the counter
anti-inflammatory. Minor side effects from steroids
include: flushing, upset stomach, headache,
palpitations, anxiety, increased blood sugars, and
flu-like symptoms.