- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
If you have pain that radiates from your spine into your arms and legs, you may be having pressure or irritation of the nerves of the spine. Often, an epidural injection targeting these nerves can offer relief.
Our physicians use fluoroscopy to inject an anti-inflammatory solution into an area of fatty tissue that surrounds the spinal nerves called the epidural space. As this area becomes less inflamed, you should experience increased relief.
When you start to experience pain relief, it is important to address muscle weakness and posture issues. Doing so will improve and lengthen the relief. The physiotherapists at Vivo Cura Health can help you with this effort.
| *Coumadin* | Lovenox | Heparin | Ticlid | Pradaxa (Dabigatran) | Plavix, Persantine, Aggrenox, Trental, or Arixtra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stop 5 days before procedure | Stop 48 Hours before procedure | Stop 6 hours before procedure | Stop 14 days before procedure | Stop 4 days before procedure | Stop 7 days before procedure |
**If you are currently taking antibiotics or have an active infection at this time, please notify us.
**If you are on Coumadin, a PT/INR should be ordered by your primary care physician. You can have your blood work drawn on the day before your scheduled procedure and have the results faxed to us at 403-351-8882.
It is acceptable to continue taking Motrin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Please continue to take Aspirin if it has been prescribed to you by a physician. Please notify us if you:
The procedure may last 15-45 minutes, followed by a recovery period.
You will lie on the X-ray table. Freezing is used to numb the treatment area, so discomfort is minimal throughout the procedure. You will remain awake during the injection to provide feedback to the physician.
With the aid of an x-ray fluoroscope, the physician directs a needle through the skin and into the epidural space. Fluoroscopy allows the physician to watch the needle in real-time on the x-ray monitor, ensuring that the needle goes to the desired location. Some discomfort occurs, but you are more likely to feel pressure than pain.
You may experience immediate relief of your symptoms (for about 4-6 hours) due to the freezing. Your pain may return until the cortisone starts to work. This can take up to one week. If you are diabetic and measure your blood sugar at home, you may find you have increased blood sugar for several days following the procedure. Please discuss this with the doctor treating your diabetes. Please have someone available to give you a ride home after your procedure. If a ride is not available, you will need to remain in the department for a minimum of 20 minutes to assure you do not have temporary dizziness, leg or arm numbness or weakness.
