Frequently Asked Questions

At the Spalding Interventional Pain Center, our goal is to provide you with the best patient care possible. Our staff members work together through your entire visit to reach this goal. 

Are there specific instructions to follow prior to the procedure?

Yes, careful attention to the following instructions will help ensure your comfort and reduce the possibility of complications.

Review the Pre-Admission Patient Instructions>>

What should I expect the day of the procedure?

Registration
When patients arrive at the Interventional Pain Center they are greeted by one of our Admissions staff who will check the patient in. Patients are asked to sign a “Consent to Treat and Disclose Information” form that acknowledges your permission for the physicians and facility to care for you. If this is your first visit you will be asked to fill out an “Admission Data” form with questions related to your medical history, current health, pain, medications, and allergies. Once the registration is complete, a nurse will escort you to the pre-procedure area where you will be prepped for your procedure.

Pre-Procedure
In preparation for the procedure you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, you will be connected to a monitor to obtain baseline vital signs, and an IV will be started. A nurse will review your medical history, current health, pain, medications, and allergies. The physician will go over a procedure consent form with you, reviewing the purpose of the procedure with a brief description and the potential complications. If you have any questions, they will be answered at this time. Your family and friends can be with you before and after the procedure. No family members or friends are allowed into the procedure room.

Procedure
The procedure is performed in a procedure room equipped with an x-ray (fluoroscopy) machine. You will be positioned on the procedure table according to the procedure being performed. If opted for, a sedative medication will be given through the IV to make the procedure as easy as possible. However, you will remain awake throughout the procedure. A nurse will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation throughout the procedure. The area to be injected will be thoroughly cleaned and covered with sterile drapes. Using “real-time” x-ray, called fluoroscopy, your physician will carefully guide a needle to the correct position for the procedure being performed. An x-ray (contract) dye, when appropriate, is injected to ensure proper flow of the injected medicines.  Once the correct position is verified the local anesthetic (numbing medication) and steroid (anti-inflammatory medication) will be injected. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Post-Procedure
When the procedure is complete, you will be taken to the recovery area where a nurse will monitor you for 15 to 30 minutes. Post procedure instruction will be reviewed and the Center will provide you with a written copy of the instructions. Due to the sedative medications you will need someone to drive you home. You will be asked to call 3 days post procedure to answer follow-up questions listed on your Discharge Instruction form.

Will I be awake or sleeping during the procedure?

Patients have the option of intravenous sedation during the procedure. Short-acting benzodiazepines (Versed) and opiods (Fentanyl) are given intravenously just before the procedure and as needed during the procedure for sedation. The medicines are designed to keep you comfortable and relaxed, at all times you will be conscious and responsive.