Back pain injections
Back problems can be distressing and debilitating, restricting your ability to move freely, work, and live a full and active life. If back pain is affecting your wellbeing, The London Clinic can help. We provide specialist treatment by world-leading spinal consultants in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
A treatment programme, to treat back problems
Treatment overview
Back pain injections are targeted back pain treatments. Under x-ray guidance, the specialist injects local anaesthetic and steroid medication into specific points in the back to reduce pain and treat inflammation.
The London Clinic offers a range of highly-specialised injection treatments to address different types of back pain: Epidural Injections
Epidurals can treat back pain that spreads from the spine into an arm or leg. The consultant injects into the epidural space, which is the outermost part of the spinal canal. It can reduce back pain, control swelling, and ease nerve irritation.
Facet joint injections:
These are injections into the small joints between each of the spinal bones. They can treat pain caused by osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and injuries.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections:
Injections into the joint between the lower back and the pelvis can help treat pain from the SI joint, which tends to be one-sided and affects the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
Back pain injections at The London Clinic:
The London Clinic has an experienced multi-disciplinary team of:
- neurologists
- spinal consultants
- radiologists
- physiotherapists
They specialise in the investigation and treatment of back pain.
At your first consultation, the specialist will take a detailed medical history and examine your back to understand your symptoms and the effect they are having on your life.
Your orthopaedic consultant may then arrange tests to diagnose your back or neck problem before tailoring a treatment plan for your needs.
Our a state-of-the-art imaging suite offering a range of diagnostic tests, including the latest MRI scanners, myelography, discography, x-rays, and CT scanning.
Back pain injection facts
The spinal specialists at The London Clinic give back pain injections as a day case procedure, so you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight. It is performed under local anaesthetic. However, we also offer sedation to help you relax and reduce any anxiety.
The consultant uses x-ray guidance to precisely inject the medication. This ensures your safety and increases the effectiveness of the treatment. You will lie on your tummy or on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest.
The specialist will clean your back and numb the skin with a local anaesthetic. The consultant will then insert a fine hollow needle into your back. The location will depend on your back problem, and the spinal injection required.
They will inject a small amount of dye through the needle. This will show up on the x-ray to confirm the correct placement of the cannula. When the tube is in position, the consultant will inject the medication.
Usually, this is a combination of a steroid to reduce inflammation and local anaesthetic to numb the area and decrease pain. They will apply a plaster to the area, and then the hospital staff will support and monitor you as you recover.
Back pain injections are generally safe, and the expert team at The London Clinic works hard to minimise any risks. Your consultant will take time to explain the pros and cons of the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Recovery from back pain injections
Following the procedure, The London Clinic team will monitor your recovery. You will be able to go home when you are up, mobile and have passed urine. However, a friend or family member should escort you home.
You should stay off work and take it easy for 24 hours. The anaesthetic will numb your back for the first day. After this, the pain may increase before the steroids start to take effect. The team will give you painkillers to keep you comfortable during this time.
An injection can reduce back, leg, and arm pain for up to three months. However, they're usually a crucial part of a holistic treatment programme. The injection reduces symptoms so that physiotherapy is more effective.
The specialist physiotherapists will give you exercises to improve your strength, spinal mobility, and stability. It is usually safe to start exercises a week after your injection. If you have any problems or concerns, The London Clinic team is always available for support and guidance.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis