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Lumbar Nerve Root Injection

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

A lumbar nerve root injection is a procedure to inject medicines at the nerve roots of your lumbar (lower back) spine. A nerve root is the area where the nerves branch out from the spinal cord. This procedure is done to decrease inflammation and pain.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given a prescription medicine to decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take this medicine.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Physical therapy:

A physical therapist may teach you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
• You have a headache that does not go away even after you take medicine.
• You have nausea or vomiting.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You feel some parts of your body are numb, tingly, cool to touch, or look blue or pale.
• You have pain in your back, buttocks, or leg that does not go away or gets worse.
• You have sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.