Get Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
Most steroid injections are safe up to six times per year. The number of steroid injections needed by a patient depends on their response to the injections.
Since the injections are done locally and precisely using a fluoroscope (x-ray) machine, the amount of steroid injected is very small. Steroid side effects are dose-dependent, and at these small doses, one rarely develops side effects.
Steroids decrease the local inflammation in the area of injection. In many cases, the local inflammation is the cause of the pain, and therefore, reducing or eliminating the inflammation should cure your pain.
Intravenous sedation is offered for the procedure to assist with comfort. General anesthesia is not needed for these procedures.
In most cases, you should be able to go home about 30–45 minutes after the procedure.
Most procedures will take less than 30 minutes.
It depends on the pain condition for which the steroid is injected, as well as the physical condition and well-being of the patient. Often one can obtain at least 3-6 months of good relief depending upon the procedure.
You will have a full consultation and physical exam by our staff on a separate day before your procedure. The procedure and pre-procedure instructions will be given to you at that time, and all your questions will be answered.
With the advancement of technology, we are able to perform minimally invasive surgery at our facility to treat conditions such as disk herniation, bulging, and vertebral compression fractures. If we are unable to assist you with your pain condition, the appropriate surgical referral will be made.
It depends on the pain condition as well as the type of procedure. The relief is rarely immediate; it may take a few days up to a few weeks until you get relief.
We aim to treat your pain in multiple ways including medical management solutions. Your treatment is not solely dependent on procedures.
If you have an upcoming appointment, please remember these steps
All the procedures are completed in an outpatient office.1) Eating or Drinking: You should refrain from eating or drinking six hours prior to your procedure.2) Ride: You must have someone, age 18+, drive you after your procedure.3) Medication: You likely will have to hold your blood thinning medication. If you take Aspirin or Plavix, it should be stopped one week before the procedure. If you take Coumadin, it should be stopped five days prior to your procedure. Always check with the physician prescribing your blood thinner medication to see if it is safe for you to be off of it for that length of time. Sometimes, the risk of being off the medication is too high to warrant doing the procedure. You may take your other medications with a sip of water according to your regular schedule. If you have diabetes, you will be given special instructions regarding taking your medication. 4) Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing.