Post-Op
Discharge Instructions for Spine Injections
You received a:
□ Cervical Epidural Injection
□ Caudal Injection
□ Thoracic Epidural Injection
□ Cervical Transforaminal Injection
□ Facet Joint Injection
□ Thoracic Transforaminal Injection
□ Lumbar Epidural Injection
□ Sacroiliac Joint Injection
□ Lumbar Transforaminal Injection
□ Medial Branch Nerve Injection
□ Selective Nerve Root Block
□ Arthroscopy
□ Spinal Fixation (StabiLink)
□ Interspinous Spacer (Vertiflex)
□ Other
Upon arrival at home, you may lie down for 1 to 2 hours. Then you may walk short distances and perform light activities. You may resume your normal daily activity tomorrow. If you have had a diagnostic medial branch block, then do light activities that normally cause your pain after procedure to evaluate if the medication is working for you. Avoid lifting heavy objects (over 20 pounds). Do not drive for 12 hours after the procedure.
Keep the injection site dry and inspect the site twice a day for 3 days. Remove the Band-Aid 24 hours after the injection. You may shower today. No soaking baths, hot tubs, whirlpools or swimming pools for 48 hours.
Some discomfort may occur at the injection site. You may:
Take over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Motrin or prescribed pain medication.
Apply an ice pack for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day for the first 24 hours.
Then you may apply heat.
It may take 7-10 days for the steroid medication to respond. You may even notice worsening symptoms for 1-2 days after the injection. The onset and degree of pain relief is variable.
Steroids can cause side effects. They are almost always short lived in duration. Some of these side effects include: Sweating, insomnia, swelling, flushing, headache, fluid retention, palpitations, flu-like symptoms, nausea, increased heart rate, menstrual changes. If you are a diabetic, your blood sugar may rise. Follow up with the doctor managing your diabetes for any concerns regarding any elevated blood sugar following these injections. Call Lone Tree Surgery Center if you have any questions regarding these side effects.
If you take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
(Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Relafen, etc.) – You may resume the evening of the procedure.
If you take a blood thinning medication, please discuss this with your primary care physician and your pain physician.
If you had IV sedation, try clear liquids first, then advance diet as tolerable. If you are nauseated go back to clear liquids and advance as tolerated. If the nausea persists, please contact your provider.
FOR NON-EMERGENCIES OR QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL: 303-623-2680
Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
After 5:00 PM or on weekends, please contact your provider if you have emergent needs. Medication refills need to be addressed during regular business hours by calling your physician’s office.
Call Lone Tree Surgery Center office at 303-623-2680, if you are experiencing the following:
Severe back pain
Severe headache that does not go away with medicine, worsens when sitting or standing up and is greatly relieved upon lying down. The headache may be associated with nausea and/or vomiting.
Chills or fever (101⁰F, 38.5⁰C or greater).
Redness, swelling, tenderness, or drainage at the injection site, or new onset of radiating pain to a different location of your body.
If you are experiencing the following, proceed immediately to an emergency room to have your back scanned for possible spinal cord bleeding or infection:
High fever
Sudden chest pain/shortness of breath
Cannot move your legs
Sensory loss in the groin and rectal area
Sudden loss of strength in arms/legs
Severe lethargy, seizures or new onset of confusion
Not able to urinate after the injection or lose bowel or bladder control
You may call the nursing staff at 303-623-2680 or email at info@lonetreesurgerycenter.com with any non-emergent questions or concerns.
If your procedure was performed for diagnostic purposes, please schedule a follow up appointment with the referring doctor’s office.