Dear patient,

In the hope of a full recovery and a speedy resolution of your condition, and in order to enhance the effectiveness and success of the Discogel injection, we recommend paying attention to the following guidelines:

• The length of hospitalization after the injection may vary from a few hours to several days, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. This helps to prevent complications and ensure the effectiveness of the procedure. The length of stay depends directly on your age, physical condition, and diagnosis.
• When the injection is administered in the cervical (neck) region, there is usually no need for bed rest immediately afterward (unless advised by your physician).
  When the injection is given in the lumbar (lower back) region, the patient should remain lying down for 2–3 hours after the procedure.
• Based on your doctor’s discretion, a soft cervical collar or a lumbar back brace may be recommended for use during the first month after treatment.
• For lumbar disc herniation, avoid sitting for more than 10–15 minutes at a time during the first three weeks after injection.
• When returning home, either lie down on the back seat of the car or carefully sit on the front seat with the backrest fully reclined. Movement should be gentle and calm—ask the driver to avoid sudden stops and jerks.
• While on outpatient care, avoid sudden movements, especially in the first days after the injection. Do not sit on the floor to prevent arthritis and herniation in other discs. Avoid sudden strain on the back and neck and try to change body positions smoothly, sit down carefully and get up slowly.
• Use a European-style toilet, a comfortable chair, and a bed of appropriate height.
• For sleeping, it is recommended to use short, soft, and wide pillows that allow the head and neck to remain aligned with the spine.
• It is best to sleep on your back, but if you prefer to sleep on your side, keep your head, neck, and upper body aligned and place a pillow between your thighs, bending your legs at a 90-degree angle.
• Bending, improper posture, and lifting heavy objects put significant strain on the back and are strictly forbidden—especially in the first weeks after the injection.
• When getting out of bed, first turn your upper body to one side, then lower both legs off the bed and use your hand for support as you rise.
• Gentle walks in fresh air, without overexertion or sudden movements, are beneficial and often recommended. Strict bed rest and prolonged lying down are not advised, unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.
• It is possible to experience moderate pain, even in other parts of the body, during the first few weeks after the injection. Your doctor will prescribe pain relief medication as needed. In most cases, this pain gradually decreases and disappears within three weeks.
• Pain-relief ointments and heat therapy may be prescribed to support faster healing and return to normal daily activities.
• Try to avoid emotional stress and tension. Please note that stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other psychological factors can cause psychosomatic or perceived pain and may worsen symptoms. To prevent this, your friends and family should help create a calm, supportive environment, which promotes a positive treatment outcome.
• Starting from the day of the injection, you may shower and clean the injection site with soap and water. However, be cautious in the shower to avoid slips and injuries.
• For at least three weeks, avoid gymnastics, workouts, or sports that put pressure on the spine (unless approved by your doctor), as heavy stress on the injection area may reduce or reverse the therapeutic effect of Discogel.
• If the injection was in the cervical spine, do not drive for three weeks. Avoid sudden braking, sharp neck movements, and always use your mirrors for reversing.
  If the injection was in the lumbar spine, it is recommended to wait at least one month before driving, and even then only for short trips (no longer than 20 minutes).
• Disc herniation often leads to reduced mobility and muscle function, resulting in muscle weakness and spasms over time. These require physical therapy. Based on your doctor’s recommendation, after a cervical injection, you may begin shoulder and arm exercises as early as the next day.
  For lumbar disc herniation, gentle stretching and walking in warm water are allowed from the first days. Starting from the third week, exercises to stretch and strengthen the back muscles, hamstring stretches, and core strengthening may be introduced, as advised by your physician.
• Staying in contact with your doctor and following personalized recommendations according to your condition will significantly increase the success of treatment with Discogel.

Remember:

A few days of proper care for your health today can help you avoid years of pain and costly treatment in the future. Do not delay seeking medical advice if you experience symptoms of spinal problems—and stay healthy for many years to come!