Spinal Injections and What to Expect [Video]

About the video: What can I expect during my injection?

Listen to Summit Orthopedics spine expert Catherine Choi, M.D. discuss what a person can expect during a spinal injection treatment.

Meet Dr. Catherine Choi

Dr. Choi’s approach: “My philosophy in treating my patient is to provide personalized spine education,  review comprehensive treatment options and work together in determining the best path for you.”

Dr. Choi’s education: After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, IL, she graduated with her medical degree from the Chicago, IL branch of the University of Illinois. She remained in Chicago for advanced medical training, completing an Internal Medicine Internship at West Suburban Hospital as well as Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation training at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Choi also participated in the University of Chicago’s Interventional Pain Management Fellowship in the Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care.

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise

Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.

Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a spine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

More resources for you

• Learn more about Spine Injections [Video]
• Injection Relief [Video]

Video Transcription

I think a lot of patients tend to be very fearful of the word injection in their spine. And it makes sense because you’re talking about your spine, and we’ve always been told that that is a very, very sensitive, delicate part of our body. In actuality, the injections that we do with spine intervention, it’s very minimally invasive, and they’re very, very safe. When a patient shows up to the procedure clinic, they’ll be checked in, brought back, and probably changed into a gown. Once you’re in the gown, you’ll be laid on the procedure table, usually on your tummy so your back is facing up. And then our staff will make sure that we have the right patient, we have identified the right site that we’re going to be injecting. We have an X-ray machine that helps guide us to make sure that we’re putting the needle in the right place. And once that’s done, the needle is removed, and the little Band-Aid is placed. And there’s really no significant post-procedural instructions – besides if you’ve had an epidural, you can’t drive for six to eight hours, just in case your legs are a little weak and wobbly. And so we oftentimes ask patients to have a driver with them.

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