Spinal Injection Preparation [Video]

About the video: How to prepare for a spinal injection?

Summit Orthopedics’ spine experts Andrew Clary, D.O. and Catherin Choi, D.O. discuss the important steps taken prior to a spinal injection between the physician and the patient.

Meet Dr. Andrew Clary

Dr. Clary’s approach: “I want to learn about you, your interests, and help you get back to the life you want to live.”

Dr. Clary’s background: Dr. Clary completed his undergraduate studies in Cleveland, OH at Case Western Reserve University. After earning his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA, he attended the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for both an Anesthesiology-focused residency and an Interventional Pain Medicine fellowship.

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

• Ask Dr. Santos: How Do Injections Help Diagnose Back Pain?
• Ask Dr. Clary: Can Spinal Stenosis Pain Be Treated Without Surgery?
• Watch the video: Spinal Injections and What to Expect

Video Transcription

Constant interaction between the physician and patient is really important for any kinds of procedures or surgeries. The most important conversation in my instance would be about the medications that you take. The preparation of anticoagulation, where a lot of patients are on blood thinners of all sorts, we’ll have that conversation about whether or not to hold that medication, whether or not there are other medications that you should consider holding. It’s very important for you to be very open about what medicines you’re taking prior to the injection, so that we can reduce the risks of any bleeding or infection. So if you’re on any antibiotics, you have to be off of the antibiotics for over a week before any injection, to reduce the risk of infection. And if you’re on any blood thinners like aspirin, Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Coumadin, anything like that, that your doctors have been telling you thin your blood, let us know. And we would have to have you stop that in a safe amount of time.

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