To learn more about the different types of spinal injections for pain and how they work, read our overview guide: Types of Spinal Injections for Back and Neck Pain.
Preparing for a spinal injection is usually simple. Your care team will provide clear instructions based on your health and the type of procedure, helping ensure safety, comfort, and the best possible results.
Why Preparation Matters
Taking a few simple steps before your spinal injection helps ensure a safe and smooth experience. Proper preparation can:
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Ensure medications are managed safely
- Improve procedure accuracy and comfort
- Support a quicker, smoother recovery
How to Prepare for Your Spinal Injection
- Follow Medication Instructions: Your provider will review your medications before the procedure. You may need to pause blood thinners, while most regular medications can usually be continued unless instructed otherwise. Be sure to inform your care team about any supplements, allergies, and diabetes medications.
- Arrange Transportation: Most patients should plan for someone to drive them home after the procedure, especially if sedation is used.
- Follow Eating and Drinking Guidelines: Some spinal injections require fasting, while others allow a light meal. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing and avoid jewelry or restrictive items.
- Bring Important Information: Bring a list of your medications, your insurance information, and any imaging results if your provider has requested them.
Watch our helpful spinal injection preparation videos to get comfortable before you go.
What Happens on the Day of Your Injection
On the day of your spinal injection, your care team will guide you through each step to keep you comfortable and informed. Most procedures follow a simple process:
- Check-in and brief preparation
- Local anesthetic is applied to numb the area
- Imaging guidance (such as fluoroscopy) is used for precise placement
- The injection itself typically takes only a few minutes
- A short observation period before you go home
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients recover quickly after spinal injections, with only mild, temporary effects.
Common Short-Term Effects
- Mild soreness at the injection site
- Temporary numbness or weakness
- Gradual pain relief as inflammation decreases
Activity Guidelines
- Light activity is usually safe the same day
- Avoid strenuous activity for about 24 hours
When to Call Your Provider
Contact your care team if you experience:
- Fever
- Severe or worsening pain
- Signs of infection, such as redness or swelling at the injection site
Talk With a Spine Specialist
If you’re considering spinal injections for pain relief, the spine specialists at Neuroscience Group provide personalized care focused on minimally invasive treatment options.
Our team will guide you through every step, from preparation to recovery, to help you feel confident, comfortable, and supported.
Request an appointment to learn whether spinal injections may be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for a spinal injection?
Preparation typically includes following your provider’s medication instructions (you may need to pause blood thinners), arranging transportation home if sedation is used, following any fasting or eating guidelines, wearing loose comfortable clothing, and bringing a list of medications, insurance information, and any requested imaging.
Do I need to stop taking my medications before a spinal injection?
It depends on the medication. You may need to pause blood thinners, but most regular medications can usually continue unless your provider instructs otherwise. Be sure to tell your care team about any supplements, allergies, and diabetes medications.
Will I need someone to drive me home after a spinal injection?
Most patients should plan for someone to drive them home, especially if sedation is used during the procedure.
What happens during a spinal injection procedure?
Most procedures follow a simple process: check-in and brief preparation, a local anesthetic to numb the area, imaging guidance like fluoroscopy for precise placement, the injection itself (which typically takes only a few minutes), and a short observation period before going home.
What side effects are normal after a spinal injection?
Common short-term effects include mild soreness at the injection site, temporary numbness or weakness, and gradual pain relief as inflammation decreases. Light activity is usually safe the same day, though strenuous activity should be avoided for about 24 hours.
When should I call my provider after a spinal injection?
Contact your care team if you experience fever, severe or worsening pain, or signs of infection such as redness or swelling at the injection site.
Do I need to fast before a spinal injection?
It depends on the specific type of injection. Some require fasting beforehand, while others allow a light meal, so it’s important to follow your provider’s specific instructions for your procedure.