After the numbing medicine has been given time to be effective, the physician directs a very small needle, using x-ray guidance into the joint. One or several joints may be injected depending on location of the patients usual pain. Immediately after the procedure, the patient will move their neck, shoulders and arms around and try to imitate something that would normally bring about their usual pain. This will be given to the patient when they are discharged home. This is fairly uncommon, but does occasionally happen.
Patients can eat a light meal within a few hours before the procedure.
If a patient is an insulin dependent diabetic, they must not change their normal eating pattern prior to the procedure. Patients may take their routine medications. Patients should not take pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications the day of their procedure. Patients have to be hurting prior to this procedure. They may not take medications that may give pain relief or lessen their usual pain.