What will happen to me during the procedure?
First, an IV is started so that you may be given medicine for relaxation if you so desire. Next, while lying on a x-ray table your skin will be well cleansed with an antiseptic. The physician will numb a small area of skin and a small needle will be inserted. Next, the physician will use x-ray guidance to direct the small needle next to the targeted structure or zone where the pain signals originate or come together. He will then inject contrast dye to confirm that the medicine spreads to the affected area or in the precise space where nerve pain and inflammation are located. After this, the physician will lusually inject a combination of numbing medicine (anesthetic) and time released anti-inflammatory (steroid), use nerve altering medications, or perform heat denervation procedures, depending on the type of procedure..
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What should I do or expect after the procedure?
You may have some partial numbness in your arm, chest, or leg from the anesthetic after the injection. This may last several hours but you will be able to function safely as long as you take precautions. You may or may not obtain improvement in the first few hours after the injection, depending upon if the nerve that was injected was your main pain source. You will report your remaining pain (if any) and also record the relief you experience over the next week in a "pain diary" which we will provide. Mail the completed pain diary in the envelope provided, so that your treating physician can be informed of your results and plan future tests and/or treatment if needed. Try to limit your pain medicines the first 4-6 hours after the procedure so that the diagnostic information obtained from the procedure is accurate.

You may notice an increase in your pain lasting for several days. This occurs after the numbing medicine wears off but before the steroid (if used) has a chance to work. Ice will typically be more helpful than heat during this time. You may begin to notice an improvement in your pain 1-5 days after the injection. Improvements will generally occur within 10 days after the injection.

On the day of the injection, you should not drive, and should rest and avoid any strenuous activities. Other than pain medications, which should not be taken for 4-6 hours after the procedure, you may take all other medications at their usual times. On the day after the procedure, you may return to your regular activities. When your pain is improved, start your regular exercise/activities in moderation. Even if you are significantly improved, gradually increase your activities over 1-2 weeks to avoid recurrence of your pain.