Where are the procedures done?

The majority of injections and procedures are done in Interventional Pain Center of Chesterfield (IPCC) a fully accredited free standing surgery center.

What are steroid injections and why are they helpful?

A steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medicine into an area to decrease inflammation of nerves, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues, hopefully reducing the pain in that area. The injections may help the injury to heal by reducing inflammation. It may provide extended relief or provide a period of relief while the injury or cause of pain is healing. Injection therapy is often combined with physical therapy, stretching exercises, or chiropractic treatments.

What happens during the procedure?

The patient is placed in the best position to access the site for the steroid injection. The patient may be lying on the back, side, or stomach, or sometimes sitting up straight on an x-ray table so that the physician can best visualize the back, neck, etc using x-ray guidance. The skin is scrubbed using a surgical prep of sterile soap. Next, the physician numbs a small area of skin with numbing medicine. This medicine stings for several seconds. After the numbing medicine has been given time to be effective, the physician guides a small needle, using x-ray guidance into position. A small amount of contrast dye may be injected to insure proper needle position. Then the anti-inflammatory (cortisone/steroid) is injected. Procedures takes anywhere between 5 minutes to an hour.

What happens after the procedure?

Patients are brought back to a room to rest and vital signs are taken. Patients will then be given discharge instructions before leaving. You may be asked to return to your doctor's office or make another appointment for another injection. These injections are usually done in a series of three (3), about one (1) week apart. There may be an increase in soreness in the area of the injection or rarely, a temporary increased soreness of the arms or legs.

General Pre/Post procedure instructions

Take your medications as usual (including pain medication) prior to coming in for your initial consult. Most medications can be taken prior to procedures unless it is a blood thinner such as Plavix or Coumadin. A local anesthetic or "numbing" medicine will be given prior to procedures. In many situations sedation is not administered, and you may eat before the procedure. Some procedures do not require you to bring a driver. Mild sedation is offered prior to some procedures. In this case, you will be unable to eat prior to the procedure, and a driver must accompany you. Please let a staff member know if you are on any blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix. Detailed instructions will be given at your visit. See the chronic pain section which has a description of many of the procedures.

If IV sedation is not given, you may be permitted to return to work or drive. In some situations, you may be able to resume normal activities the same day. Your treatment plan will be personalized according to your diagnosis and health needs.

Your treatment plan will be personalized according to your diagnosis and health needs.