New Patients

New Patient Packet

Please download our New Patient Packet. You can fill it out and bring it with you to your appointment. If you have any questions let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Facet Joint Injection?
Facet joint injection is an injection of a long acting steroid and local anesthetic in the facet joints located in the back area as a part of the bony structure. This is done by using x-ray so that joints can be identified.
What is the purpose of this injection?
The injected steroid reduces the inflammation and/or swelling of the tissue in the joint space. This may in turn reduce pain and other symptoms caused by inflamation/irritation of the joint and surrounding structures.
How long does the injection take?
The actual procedure takes about 35 minutes, but patients should be prepared to stay for at least two to three hours.
What type of medication is used in the injection?
The injection consists of two medicines, Depo-Medrol (steroid) and bupivacaine (local anesthetic).
How is the injection performed?
Patients are monitored with EKG, a blood pressure cuff, and oxygen-monitoring device. The back is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The injection is then carried out under x-ray guidance. After the injection, patients will be placed on their back or side and monitored in recovery room until discharged.
What should I do after the procedure?
You will need someone to drive you home. We advise patients to limit activity for the rest of the day after injection. We discourage driving and walking without assistance for 24 hours, after the injection.
What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Epidural Steroid Injection is an injection of long acting steroids and local anesthetics in the epidural space. The epidural space surrounds the spinal cord and the nerves.
How long does the injection take?
The actual injection takes up to 20 minutes. Patients should be prepared to stay for at least three to five hours.
How is the injection performed?
The procedure is done by having the patient lie on their stomach. The patients are monitored with EKG, blood pressure cuff and blood oxygen-monitoring device. The back is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the injection is carried out. After the injection, the patient will be plaaced on his/her back or side and monitored in recovery room until discharged.
What should I do after the procedure?
You will need someone to drive you home. We advise patients to take it easy for the rest of the day after the injection. We do not recommend driving or walking without assistance for 24 hours after injection.
Are there any other additional blocks or procedures available?
Yes, these options are available and will be discussed by Dr. Hammtt at the time of your visit.
Can I go back to work the next day?
You should be able to return to normal activities the next day.
How long will the effect of the medication last?
The immediate effect is usually from the local anesthetic injected; this wears off in a few hours. The steroid starts working in about three to five days and its effect can last up to 3 months.
Can I have more than three injections?
Generally, we perform three to four injections in a period of one year. Giving more could increase the likelihood of side effects from the steroids.
What are the risks and side effects?
This procedure is safe. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects, and possibility of complications. The most common side effect is temporary pain. The other risks involve spinal puncture with headaches, infection, bleeding inside the epidural space, nerve damage, worsening symptoms, etc. The other risks are related to the side effects of steroids, including weight gain, increase in blood sugar (mainly in people with diabetes), water retention, suppression of body's own natural production of cortisol, etc.
Will I be sedated for this procedure?
IV sedation will be offered if you do not have serious heart or lung problems that would put your health at risk. This will be determined by Dr. Hammitt on examination. If you have sedation, you will need to bring a driver and not have anything to eat or drink, other than your regular medication with a sip of water at least 5 hours prior to the procedure.
Can I take my medications on the day of the procedure?
Yes, with a sip of water. However, if you are a diabetic, please call the office for further instructions.
Can I have my procedure done if I am on a blood thinner? (i.e. Coumadin)
Yes, if you have been off your blood thinner at least 5 days prior to the injection. You must get this approved by the physician that prescribed the Coumadin, before stopping the medication! The prescribing physician must inform our office, in writing, with his/her decision. You must bring it with you at the time of your appointment, or we will have no other choice but to re-schedule your appointment.