Post Procedure Information

POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for trusting our team with your care today. The following guidelines will help you recover safely and comfortably after your injection procedure.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

It is normal to experience temporary soreness, stiffness, or increased pain at the injection site for 24–72 hours. This does not mean the procedure was unsuccessful. Local anesthetic may provide short-term relief, followed by a return of symptoms before steroid medication begins working. Steroid effects typically begin within 3–10 days but may take up to 2 weeks.

You may also notice mild numbness, heaviness, or warmth in the treated area for several hours after the procedure.

ACTIVITY:

You may resume light daily activities today. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or repetitive bending and twisting for the remainder of the day. Normal activity may be resumed gradually the following day as tolerated.

If you received sedation, do not drive, operate machinery, sign important documents, or drink alcohol for 24 hours.

INJECTION SITE CARE:

Keep the area clean and dry for the remainder of the day. You may remove any bandage later today. Showering is allowed the next day.

Avoid soaking or submerging the injection site in water for 24–48 hours after the procedure. This includes bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, lakes, or other bodies of water. Showering is permitted same day.

Ice may be applied to the injection site for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours for soreness. After 24 hours, heat or ice may be used based on comfort.

MEDICATIONS:

Resume your usual medications unless instructed otherwise. If blood thinners were held for the procedure, follow the specific restart instructions provided by your physician.

You may use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medications if approved by your provider.

BLOOD SUGAR:

If you have diabetes, steroids may temporarily increase blood sugar levels for several days. Monitor closely and adjust medications as directed by your primary care provider.

WHEN TO CALL OUR OFFICE:

Please contact our office if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening weakness

• Severe or progressive numbness

• Fever greater than 101°F

• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site

• Severe headache that worsens when sitting or standing

• Difficulty with bladder or bowel control

• Any new or concerning symptoms

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE:

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe weakness, or signs of an allergic reaction.

FOLLOW-UP:

Pain relief and functional improvement are important indicators of treatment response. Please keep your scheduled follow-up appointment so we can evaluate your progress and determine next steps in your care plan.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office.