FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the physician use fluoroscopy?

  Yes. Fluoroscopy allows physician to provide safer, and more efficacious procedures. The physicians have had extensive training in fluoroscopy and do all procedures under fluoroscopy.

• Do you provide medical management in addition to interventions?

  Although our main focus is interventional pain relief, yes, we are committed to provide each patient with medical management in addition to interventions. With each patient, we discuss all options for pain control. We also will send to physical therapy and chiropractic if the provider believes this can relieve some pain for you.

• Where are my procedures performed?

  Most all procedures are performed at Chico Surgery Center and Mercy Surgery Center. We also have a surgery suite where we do some of our procedures as well which is located at 647 W. East Ave. in Chico.

• Can I receive sedation for the procedure?

  Yes. We offer conscious sedation that minimizes pain and discomfort through the use of pain relievers and sedatives. A period of amnesia may erase any memory of the procedure. You must have fasted, nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the procedure.

• Do I need to stop my blood thinner prior to the injection?

  Yes. This is required in order to decrease your chance of complication. You need to obtain permission to stop this medication from the prescribing physician.

• When to Stop Medications Prior to Your Procedure
  Stopped 24 Hours Prior to Procedure

  • Haparin
  • Lovenox
  • Aspirin 81mg

  Stopped 5 Days Prior to Procedure

  • Coumadin (warfarin)
  • Dicumerol/dicumarol
  • Elmiron

  Stopped 7 Days Prior to Procedure

  • Plavix (clopidogrel)
  • Pletal (cilostazol)
  • Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate)

  Stopped 7 Days Prior to Procedure (for Cervical, Epidural, or Spinal Cord Stimulator)

  • Aspirin 325mg

  Stopped 10 Days Prior to Procedure

  • Effient (prasugrel)

  Stopped 14 Days Prior to Procedure

  • Aggrenox
  • Persantine (dpiyridamole)
  • Ticlid (ticlopidine)
• What are some common side effects of the steroid that is used?
  • Increase in blood sugars
  • Water retention
  • Increased muscle cramping
  • Increase in blood pressures
  • Flushing (hot flashes)
  • Insomnia

  All of these are transient and generally only last for a few days.