Frequently Asked Questions

What are office hours?

Monday through Friday 730am- 530pm

What does iSpine stand for?

Interventional Spine Care- the subspecialty of diagnosing and treating painful spine and pelvic conditions non-operatively using x-ray procedures

Can I eat before a procedure?

You can have a light breakfast or light lunch before a morning or afternoon procedure, respectively (see “Should I Do Anything to Prepare for the Procedure?” in the patient guide to injections).

Will I be sedated for my procedure?

Typically your doctor would not need to give you sedating medicines because the procedure does not last long. If you are concerned, please ask your doctor or nurse.

Will I experience immediate relief after an injection?

Diagnostic injections may provide significant relief but then wear off. But its the effect of the injection we are measuring, not its duration. Treatment injections and procedures may take a few weeks to work.

What medications do I need to stop before an injection?

Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Aleve, and Motrin are ok to take. If you take aspirin daily, your doctor may keep you on it. Blood thinners, such as Coumadin, Plavix, and Aggrenox will need to be held prior to your procedure. Please contact your doctor for clarification.

If I am a diabetic, will an epidural steroid injection raise my sugar level?

Yes, your blood sugar level will rise and most noticeably within 24-48 hours. However, it will fall back to baseline within 7 days. Please monitor your sugars and contact your doctor if they stay above 300.

Do I need a referral?

Some insurances require a referral from your PCP to be seen and have the visit/treatments covered. Please check with your insurance provider to see if you require a referral prior to your visit.

How do I reach someone after business hours?

Please call 804 330 0303 and speak to the operator who will relay your message to our iSpine fellow.

How do I find out if I am eligible for a research trial?

Patients may be candidates for the clinical trials ongoing at Virginia iSpine Physicians. Your doctor and our research coordinator would determine if you meet certain criteria.