This leaflet answers common questions about what to expect after your pain procedure. If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse or doctor.

After your pain procedure

You have had an injection(s) to help manage your pain. After the injection(s), there may be some numbness in the area. This is usually due to the local anaesthetic. It should subside within the first 24 hours.

Injections are meant to treat pain but also give important information which would be useful for diagnosis. The way you and your pain respond to the pain injection will help to guide your pain management. Please make a note of changes in your pain to discuss with your doctor/nurse on follow up.

Injections do not usually give instant relief, and it is normal for it to take several days/weeks for pain relief to occur. Please monitor the area for redness, swelling or discharge.

Side effects

Worsening pain

A slight flare up after the injection(s) is common. Please take regular pain killers which you should have at home. These should settle within a week but can take up to four weeks in a few cases.

Sometimes, using an ice pack over the dressing once you get home can help reduce pain. Note that ice packs only need to be used that day or the next. Do not use hot water bottles immediately. They can be used after three to four days if required.

If you are concerned about any of the issues mentioned, contact the admissions number or telephone 111 for advice. Or visit a healthcare professional through your GP, urgent care, or emergency department (A&E).

After your pain procedure

Do not shower

After the injection do not shower/bathe/swim on the day and keep the area dry and clean. The dressings (if applied) can be removed the next day when in the shower/bath. It’s easier to remove when wet.

When to restart blood thinning medication

If blood thinners (eg. aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, apixaban, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, ticagrelor, dabigatran) have been stopped for the procedure, they should be restarted after.

This can be at 10pm on day of injection if you normally take them at night, or the next morning if you normally take them in the morning.

Mobility

We suggest resting on the day of the injection(s) and return to usual activities the next morning.

Driving

We suggest no operating vehicles such as driving or cycling for 24 hours as there may be effects of sedation or weakness from the procedure.

Return to work

If it is a desk/sedentary job, you can return to work the next day. If your job involves a lot of walking/driving, consider taking a few days off. Heavy physical work may need up to a week. Discuss with your pain management consultant if there are any concerns.

Exercise and physiotherapy

Can be started one week after the injections.

Long term advice

Avoid heavy lifting and impact exercises like overhead weightlifting or running. Please follow advice from your physiotherapist.

Telephone follow up

A follow-up with your consultant, nurse or physiotherapist will be arranged for you by the admin team.