Post-Procedure Instructions

Your procedure will be performed in one of the procedure rooms.
You will be positioned with pillows for support.

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Most procedures last about 1-2 hours from prep to discharge.

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Your family or friends can either return to pick you up (please leave a phone number) or wait in the waiting area.

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Pain relief is sometimes not immediate.
It may take several days for pain relief to occur.

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Your blood pressure, pulse, and respirations will be monitored by a nurse throughout your time here,
which includes about 30 minutes after the procedure is over.
You will be given fluids to drink during this post-procedure period.

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Minimal drainage at the procedure site(s) is expected.
However, if the drainage increases or changes color, or if you develop a fever higher than 100.5oF, please call our office immediately.

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You may experience an increase in pain and some soreness at the procedure site for up to 72 hours.

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Ice packs (over the top of clothing or wrapped in a light washcloth/towel) can be applied to the area(s) for 20-minute intervals on and then off;
repeat as often as necessary.

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After 3 days, if you prefer to use heat rather than ice, please do so;
DO NOT switch back and forth between ice and heat.

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For Rhizotomy patients, you may experience soreness for up to 10-14 days.
We strongly encourage you to use ice as much as possible and extend your ice application to include this time frame if it doesn’t make your soreness feel worse.

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If you are having a procedure involving steroid injections, you may experience a flushed face, hot flashes, or slight swelling of the hands or feet.
This will subside within 5-7 days.

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If you are having a procedure involving steroid injection and you experience leg cramps, you may want to consider increasing potassium-rich foods (such as oranges, bananas, watermelon, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, nuts, dried apricots, raisins, sweet potatoes, etc.) for about a week.
If you have any questions about this, contact us or your primary care physician.

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You may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness of the arms (cervical), or buttocks/legs (lumbar).
This should subside within 6-10 hours and we advise you to use caution in your activities after discharge until then.

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You should continue all medications as ordered by your physician(s) unless told differently.

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Please take it easy for the rest of the day.
You may resume your normal activities the following day, including physical therapy.

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No pool, tub baths, hot tubs, whirlpools, etc. for 3 days after your procedure to lessen your risk for infection.
We ask that you take showers only.

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If you have had sedation, you MUST have a licensed driver to drive you home.
We strongly discourage ANY driving, making any legally binding decisions, or any activity requiring skill, quick reflexes, or sound judgment for the remainder of the day.

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No alcohol consumption for 24 hours after your procedure.

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