Decompression or Nucleoplasty

Before the procedure

Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your procedure. Your physician may recommend other specific instructions.

• You should bring any recent x-rays, MRI films, and reports to your procedure.
• Notify your physician of your daily dosages including; blood thinners (such as coumadin, lovenox pavix, etc.), vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Notify your physician of any of the following; allergies to medications or iodine, current infections, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, or abnormal conditions you may be experiencing including colds or respiratory problems.
• Do not take aspirin or ASA containing products (including Alka-Seltzer or Pepto-Bismol) for 5 days prior to your procedure.
• Do not take herbal remedies including ginkgo biloba for 5 days prior to your procedure.
• Do not take NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen) for 3 days prior to your procedure.
• Do not take food or drink 6 hours prior to your procedure except necessary and allowable medications with sips of water.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time.
• Be prepared to review and sign a consent form.
• Arrange for transportation home from another person following your procedure.

After the procedure

• You will spend about 15 minutes in a recovery room where monitoring is continued immediately following the procedure.
• You will need to arrange transportation home from another person.
• You should apply periodic ice on the treatment area 1 to 2 hours per day for 3 days.
• Plan on bed rest with gentle stretching for 1 to 3 days. Limit sitting or walking to less than 30 minutes at a time.
• Limit driving, bending, twisting, and lifting of weights over 10 pounds for 3 days.
• Prescriptions or non-prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medications may be required for 3 to 30 days.
• Plan on a slow return to your normal routine.
• You may be able to return to work in about 3 days depending on your job function.
• A stretching program under the direction of your physician, physical therapy, and chiropractic care should begin after 7 days.
• Limited physical activity may begin following 30 days.
• Plan on conservative physical activity for up to 3 months.
• Back braces or supports are not necessary but may improve your recovery.
• Your physician may recommend other specific post-procedure instructions.
• Recovery time varies with each patient.