There are several important things to expect from a spinal epidural injection NJ for back pain. Notably, an epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive spine surgery New Jersey doctors often use to treat back pain. With this treatment method, doctors can deliver corticosteroids directly into the painful area to reduce inflammation. Often, this works to provide pain relief for patients suffering from spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or sciatica. As a candidate for spinal epidural injections, you need to know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. This way, you can properly prepare yourself once you have a doctor\’s referral. Read on to learn about what to expect from a spinal epidural injection NJ for back pain.
Before Your Procedure
First, you need to know what to expect before your spinal epidural injection NJ. Typically, doctors will schedule an appointment before your procedure. During this visit, they may speak with you about your medical history, allergies, and any current medications you are taking. For example, physicians often require patients to stop taking blood thinning medications several days before the injection procedure. Of course, the doctor will also inquire about your pain levels and assess image scans as needed. If you are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, be sure to discuss this with your pain management doctor. This way, they can discuss this with you and recommend the best treatment option. Definitely, it is essential to know what to expect before your spinal epidural NJ procedure.
The Day Of Your Injection
Next, you need to know what to expect on the day of your epidural NJ for back pain. Typically, the injection only takes about 15 minutes. However, you should prepare to spend at least 60 to 90 minutes at the doctor\’s office or outpatient care center. This way, you can account for the time before and after your procedure. In addition, you should arrange for a driver to take you to and from the medical facility. Indeed, most doctors do not allow patients to operate motor vehicles after getting the procedure. If you do not have a driver with you, you will likely have to reschedule your appointment. Additionally, you may need to reschedule your appointment if you develop a fever or active infection before your procedure. Alternatively, you can talk to a medical marijuana doctor NJ about other pain management options. Absolutely, patients should know what to expect on the day of their epidural injection NJ so they can arrange a ride and take proper precautions.
During Your Epidural
In addition, you should also know what to expect during your spinal epidural New Jersey. Typically, the doctor asks you to lay on your stomach on the exam table. Depending on where your injection site is located, the physician may elevate your body with a pillow to open up spaces lamina near the spinal cord. Once you are in position, physicians use fluoroscopy x-ray imaging to guide the needle. Then, they inject an anesthetic into the soft tissue at the injection site. After administering the anesthetic, the doctor guides the main procedure needle into the lamina openings. At the inflammation site, they usually release a numbing agent, followed by the steroid. Often, this consists of lidocaine and cortisone. Usually, patients only feel a small pinch during the injection and may have the option for IV sedation. This way, they can minimize pain during the spinal epidural injection NJ.
Epidural Recovery
Moreover, you should also know what to expect through your epidural injection NJ recovery process. After the procedure, you may feel heaviness or numbness in your legs. Thus, you may not be able to walk well on your own for a few hours after the injection. If your injection contained local anesthetic, you may feel better right away. However, this relief may subside after a few hours since the steroids take about 1 to 5 days to work. In addition, the injection may cause soreness for a few days. Ideally, you should rest as needed. Depending on how you feel, this may require breaking from your normal routine. Of course, make sure to go to your follow-up appointments and call your post-surgical rehab specialists Hoboken NJ if you are experiencing any problems. Certainly, epidural injection recovery NJ is essential for any patient.
Pain Relief
Of course, you should also know how epidural injections NJ can provide pain relief. According to recent research, 70 to 90% of patients experience pain relief from epidural injections. Notably, this can last from several weeks to a year. If you experience a positive response, your doctor may recommend a second injection if your improvement begins to taper off. Over a one-year span, doctors can usually give up to 3 epidural injections for back pain relief. In addition, this pain relief may provide sufficient pain relief, allowing patients to move forward with physical therapy programs. Over time, this can produce more long-term reductions in inflammation and nerve pain. In short, patients need to know how epidural injections NJ provide pain relief before undergoing the procedure.
There are several important things to expect from a spinal epidural injection NJ for back pain. First, you need to know what to expect before your procedure. Next, you should know what to expect on the day of your injection so you can take proper precautions and arrange a ride. In addition, understand how your injection works to familiarize yourself with the procedure. Moreover, you should also know what to expect during the epidural recovery process. Of course, patients need to know how these injections work for pain relief as well. Consider these points to know what to expect from a spinal epidural injection NJ for back pain.
