Post-spinal injection procedure instructions:

Following any spinal injection procedure, one may experience temporary soreness at the injection site and/or numbness in the upper or lower extremities for several hours after the procedure. You may experience a temporary “roller coaster” effect or increase in your own symptoms for several days following the procedure. Do not be alarmed, this is not unusual. Temporary side effects from the corticosteroids include stomach upset, insomnia, facial flushing, leg cramping and irritability. Some females may experience temporary menstrual cycle irregularities, including prolonged menses and spotting. Corticosteroids may also cause other, uncommon side effects. Should you develop any unexpected symptoms, please do not hesitate to call the office.

Applying cold compresses to the injections its can help with post-injection soreness. This can be done as frequently as 15-20 minutes every hour. Melatonin 3 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg (over-the-counter) before bedtime may help with steroid-induced insomnia (use with caution if you are already taking sedating medications). Benadryl 25 mg every 6 hours, as needed, may help with facial flushing. Leg cramping may be due to steroid-induced potassium depletion and often responds to increasing fluid and potassium intake, i.e. electrolyte water or Low calorie Gatorate/PowerAde.

You may resume taking any and all medications after the procedure, unless instructed otherwise. You may resume your normal, non-pain provoking pre-injection level of activity as tolerated with the exception of abstaining from driving on the day of the procedure. You may proceed with physical therapy 24 hours after the procedure as long as you do not have significant pain or unless Dr. Carter has instructed you otherwise. Once you start to feel better, do not engage in any new vigorous physical or potentially pain provoking activity until you speak with Dr. Carter. Please pay very close attention to the degree, the duration and location of any pain relief that you experience. Keep a written journal if necessary. This information will help determine if you will need an additional spinal injection procedures. Please CALL the office immediately if you develop significantly increased pain, fever or redness at the injections site.

It may take up to two weeks or more before you experience a substantial reduction of your symptoms. Please call Dr. Carter 10-14 days after your procedure to discuss your response to the injection.