The following instructions will help you to care for yourself, or someone else to care for you when you return home today. These guidelines are for your care immediately after your procedure.

1. Wound Care and hygiene
Ice packs: for about 15-30 min at a time for the next 3 days to decrease swelling.
Warm heating pad: 3-4 times daily starting after 3 days.

2. Activity

You may return to work or school usually in 2-3 days after the injection (some patients may require a little longer time period). Recommended activities are as follows: minimal activity the day of the injection, 50% of normal activity the 2nd day, 90% of normal activity the 3rd day [NOTE: activity as tolerated with the above guidelines]. If you have weakness or numbness anywhere caused by the injection, limit activity until sensation returns to normal.

NO HOT TUBBING or BATHS for 24 hours after your injection (you may shower if desired).

3. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will be coordinated with the type of injection you received.

4. Diet
Drink plenty of fluids and eat light meals today. Start your regular diet today if you are not nauseated and feel up to it.

5. Anesthesia precautions and expectations
After having local anesthesia, rest and limit your physical activity for the rest of the day. After having sedation, rest for 24 hours. Do not drive, drink alcoholic beverages, take care when getting up to walk around as you may feel unsteady and are more likely to fall, or make any important decisions during this time.

6. What to expect after the procedure
Some soreness and bruising at the injection sites. Other side effects: please refer to the information sheet on the procedure you had done.

7. Call your doctor for any unusual increase in you level of pain or any unexpected swelling, weakness, or development of a skin rash or itching.

8. Other instructions
To help us check the results of your injection, please note if or when your pain returns.

• Record when it returns fully and when you need to start taking pain medicines.
• Ice pack to the injection site as needed for pain.
• Call your doctor's office for a follow up appointment.

If questions or problems arise, or should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Phone: (503) 885-8008