After the numbing medicine has been given time to be effective, the physician directs a very small needle, using x-ray guidance near the specific nerve being tested. This may increase the patients usual paint for about 30 minutes. Immediately after the procedure, the patient will move 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 common and happens following a selective nerve root block.
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.