Preparing for Your Pain Procedure: Tips & What to Expect

If you’re scheduled for an upcoming pain procedure at Texas Pain Experts, you’re taking an important step toward improving your quality of life. Whether you’re receiving a spinal injection, nerve block, radiofrequency ablation, or regenerative treatment, knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and ensure the best possible outcome.

Here’s what you need to know to feel confident and prepared.

Why Preparation Matters

Pain management procedures are typically minimally invasive and performed in an outpatient setting. Proper preparation helps:

• Reduce the risk of complications
• Improve procedural accuracy
• Enhance recovery time
• Minimize stress and uncertainty

Being informed empowers you to participate actively in your care.

Before Your Procedure

1. Review Medication Instructions Carefully

Your provider may advise you to temporarily stop certain medications, especially:

• Blood thinners
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Certain supplements

Always follow the specific instructions given by your care team. If you’re unsure about any medication, call the office before your procedure date.

2. Discuss Medical Conditions

Inform your provider if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have heart conditions
• Are pregnant
• Have an infection or are feeling ill

Your safety is the top priority, and some conditions may require minor adjustments.

3. Eating and Drinking Guidelines

Depending on the type of procedure and whether sedation is used:

• You may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand.
• For procedures without sedation, light meals may be allowed.

Follow your specific pre-procedure instructions carefully.

4. Arrange Transportation (If Needed)

If sedation is part of your treatment plan, you will need someone to drive you home. Even mild sedation can temporarily affect coordination and reaction time.

What Happens During the Procedure?

At Texas Pain Experts, procedures are performed in a controlled, sterile environment.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

• You’ll check in and review your medical information.
• A nurse will prepare you and answer last-minute questions.
• The treatment area will be cleaned and numbed.
• Imaging guidance (such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound) may be used for precision.
• The procedure itself often takes 15–45 minutes.

Most patients report only mild discomfort, often described as pressure rather than sharp pain.

After the Procedure

Immediate Recovery

You’ll typically rest in a recovery area for a short period before being discharged. If sedation was used, monitoring may take slightly longer.

You may experience:

• Temporary soreness at the injection site
• Mild swelling
• Temporary numbness

These effects are usually short-lived.

When Will You Feel Relief?

Pain relief timelines vary depending on the treatment:

• Steroid injections may take several days to reduce inflammation.
• Nerve procedures may provide relief within days to weeks.
• Regenerative treatments may gradually improve symptoms over several weeks.

Your provider will explain what is typical for your specific procedure.

Post-Procedure Tips

• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours (or as directed).
• Apply ice to the area if needed.
• Resume medications only as instructed.
• Monitor for unusual symptoms such as fever or severe pain and report them promptly.

Common Questions Patients Ask

Will it hurt?
Most procedures involve minimal discomfort, and numbing medication helps significantly.

How long will I be at the office?
Plan for approximately 1–2 hours total, including preparation and recovery time.

Can I return to work the next day?
Many patients can resume light activity the following day, depending on the procedure.

Your Partner in Pain Relief

At Texas Pain Experts, patient comfort, education, and safety come first. Preparing properly for your pain procedure helps ensure the best possible outcome and a smoother recovery.

If you have questions before your appointment, contact our team. We’re here to guide you every step of the way toward lasting relief.