PAIN MANAGEMENT

BGSA Radiology makes it a priority to ensure patients are at ease during their procedure so here is what you should expect when you come visit our clinic:

• Please report to the clinic approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Please turn off or mute your phone before arriving.
• BGSA may ask you to change into a gown depending on the type of procedure you are having. As well, you may be asked to remove your jewelry.
• Please consult with your physician if you are on blood thinners, as some exams require you to suspend their use.
• You cannot be taking anti-biotics at the time of the injection.
• Our radiologist will clean the site to be injected and administer a local anesthesia.
• Once the area is numbed, the radiologist will use fluoroscopy (or ultrasound) to guide the needle into proper position.
• X-ray dye may be injected to confirm the needle’s positioning.
• The radiologist will then inject a corticosteroid/ local anesthetic mixture which can give you immediate and long term pain relief (effects vary with each individual).
• Patients are then monitored for a few minutes until the pain levels can be re-evaluated.
• Once the procedure is complete, you are free to leave and return to normal daily activities, with the exception of heavy lifting. Patients are asked to refrain from any strenuous activities.
• For any procedures done on the neck and certain ones on the lower spine, you will be required to have a driver.