TREATMENTS > BACK PAIN RELIEF
Suffering from back pain?
If you have had back pain for more than a few weeks, chances are, you have already tried some treatments. If nothing has worked, then you need something more direct, fast and effective.
Our range of minimally invasive spinal injections are an effective way to treat acute or chronic back pain and get you back to living your life again. We can help treat conditions from sciatica, disc degeneration, slipped discs, spinal claudication/stenosis and more.
- Quick and easy to perform
- Short and long-term solutions
- Help delay or prevent surgery
- Guided injections from £995
- *Consultation from £150
If you want to discuss further, please call: 0330 580 1153
from
£150*
Back pain diagnosis
Back pain is commonly caused by mechanical issues such as a bulging intervertebral disc, arthritic facet joints or muscular pain. Other less common but potentially serious conditions include vertebral fractures, disc herniation, infection or tumours.
To investigate the source of your pain, we use MRI scans, to identify structural degeneration in the spine. Accurately diagnosing your back pain is a crucial first step to getting you the treatment you need. You will receive:
- A full assessment by one of our consultants
- A detailed medical history focusing on your back pain
- A thorough spinal examination
- Rapid radiological investigations, to pinpoint the source of your pain
Back pain treatment
We understand that the underlying causes of back pain and the way it can affect patients vary greatly. That’s why treatment is specifically tailored for each patient.
We offer the latest minimally invasive pain management procedures for back pain, including epidural, facet joint, nerve block and sacroiliac joint injections. We will provide:
- A full explanation of your back pain
- An individual treatment plan
- Access to a physiotherapist
- Surgical consultation if needed
What you need to know about spinal injections
Many people are afraid of injections, but there’s nothing to fear. Our spinal specialists are experts in their field and will take care of you.
Pain-relieving spinal injections can be used for a variety of issues. In your initial consultation, we will work out what is causing the pain – we can use ultrasound or MRI if necessary. We can use MRI or ultrasound scans taken elsewhere to diagnose you. Once we have diagnosed the problem, we will then recommend the appropriate type of injection.
We also use ultrasound or X-ray to see exactly where to deliver the injection, targeting the precise area that is causing the pain. Pain injections are a minimally invasive option that can have a real positive impact on your painful joint. It is also safe with a low risk of adverse reactions.
Types of spinal treatment
Epidural injections are a common treatment for back pain. Epidurals are injections to the outermost part of the spinal canal, which protects the spinal cord and lumbar spinal nerve roots.
Using x-ray guidance, the spinal specialist injects a local anaesthetic to the precise location that is causing pain along with a steroid to ease inflammation and reduce swelling.
The injection can be administered at the base of the spine or between vertebral bones around the mid-lumbar region.
Typically used for pain management, epidural injections can treat chronic back pain caused by osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and sporting injuries.
These injections go into the joints around the spine and contain a local anaesthetic to provide pain relief and a steroid to reduce inflammation in the area.
These injections can be used to treat back pain and help determine if your facet joints are the cause of your back pain.
Facet joints act to stabilise your spine and help control movement by linking the bones (vertebrae). They are separated by discs, which act as a unit allowing your spine to bend. It is natural that they become more prone to wear and tear injuries due to ageing and are a common cause of back pain issues.
This involves injecting directly around the root of the nerve that is causing the pain to block the pain signals.
Sometimes these injections need repeating, but most people will experience the benefit after one to three injections.
Nerve-blocking injections target a specific nerve and ‘block’ the transmission of pain signals that travel from where the pain starts to the brain. These have been shown to greatly improve back pain in people with uncontrolled symptoms who wish to avoid surgery or those who are not suitable for surgery.
Coolief Cooled Radiofrequency (CRF) provides chronic back pain patients with an effective non-surgical alternative. This procedure targets the root cause of spinal pain and eliminates it before it can cause any further harm. Using a small probe, CRF delivers thermal radiofrequency energy directly to the back tissue to block the nerves responsible for pain. The probe is insulated, and water is circulated through it, which enables a wider area to be targeted while simultaneously cooling the tissue to prevent damage. This advanced technique allows doctors to quickly and accurately relieve pain, making it an ideal option for those seeking to regain mobility and quality of life.
Injection materials
Epidural steroids are used in the treatment of radicular (pain that radiates from your back and hip into your legs through the spine) and other inflammatory spinal pain. Epidural steroids also know as corticosteroids are usually mixed with local anaesthetic into the epidural space to relieve pain.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the body that helps to lubricate joints and reduce inflammation. Injections of hyaluronic acid into the affected area of the spine can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. This treatment is commonly used for conditions like spinal osteoarthritis.
Epidural steroids are used in the treatment of radicular (pain that radiates from your back and hip into your legs through the spine) and other inflammatory spinal pain. Epidural steroids also know as corticosteroids are usually mixed with local anaesthetic into the epidural space to relieve pain.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the body that helps to lubricate joints and reduce inflammation. Injections of hyaluronic acid into the affected area of the spine can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. This treatment is commonly used for conditions like spinal osteoarthritis.
Are spine injections safe?
Yes, spinal injections are considered safe, however, as with any medical treatment, there are always risks to consider.
A spinal injection is a highly technical procedure and must be performed by an experienced specialist under the guidance of X-ray/ultrasound imaging. At Living Room Health, you will be treated by a qualified specialist in pain management, who will also explain all the considerations and risks, no matter how small.
Although the risk of complications is low, some potential adverse side effects include a small amount of bleeding, infection, a flushed face, headache, worsening pain, and nerve dysfunction (temporary/permanent). There is also a chance that your back pain is not resolved by the treatment.
What to expect
You may be asked to remove some of your clothing for the procedure and wear a gown that opens in the back to allow access to your spine. You will lie on your stomach or your side with your knees pulled up to your chest.
The consultant 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 specific area being treated. This will be done using a form of injection guidance, either Ultrasound or X-Ray (fluoroscopy).
The injections should only take about 5-10 minutes with minimal discomfort. Most injections use a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroids. We take X-rays during the procedure to position the needles in the correct place. This makes the injections more comfortable, accurate, and effective.
The outcome
Immediately after the procedure, you may feel that the area which has been injected with the anaesthetic solution feels numb and heavy, and you may have some leg numbness.
Alternatively, you may feel an instant reduction or complete relief of your back pain. After a local anaesthetic has been injected, it may take several hours before the feeling comes back into the treated area. You should be able to walk immediately after the procedure, although some people have some tingling or numbness for a few hours. We recommend that you don’t drive immediately and get a loved one, friend or carer to take you home.
We perform the majority of injections under local anaesthetic – this ensures a faster recovery following treatment.
Begin your journey here
Start the journey to diagnose, discuss options and treat your back pain.
The process
We have endeavoured to make the process as straight forward and efficient as possible.
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Consult
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Injection
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Evaluation
Take action today
Injections can provide much needed pain relief. They are quick and easy and available to most people. They are safe and minimally invasive.
If you are suffering from pain on a regular basis, and think that the solution is just out of your reach, speak to us and we can help you find a solution.
A proper diagnosis is the first step in your road to recovery. In many cases an injection can give you the relief you need to start enjoying life again.
Depending on your diagnosis, and treatment, you may still require surgery later down the line, but having a short-term injection will not affect your suitability for further treatments.
Start your back pain relief journey
Begin your journey by completing this form and our injection booking team will contact you to discuss the next steps. If you have any questions or would prefer to speak to someone simply call us on 0330 580 1153.
Lines open 8am-8pm Mon-Fri and 9am-5pm over the weekend.
Frequently asked back pain questions
Back pain is most common in the lower back (lumbar region) but can be felt anywhere along your spine, from your neck down to your hips.
Symptoms include:
- muscle aches and spasms
- tension, soreness and stiffness
- pain that runs down your legs
- limited flexibility or range of motion of your back.
- Ageing – wear and tear or degenerative disease can lead to a reduction in bone strength, a decrease in muscle elasticity and tone and a loss of fluid and flexibility of your intervertebral discs.
- Being overweight –carrying extra weight puts pressure on your spine.
- Smoking – can cause tissue damage in your back. Smokers often have an unhealthier lifestyle than non-smokers.
- Fitness – Fitness helps maintain back and abdomen muscle strength and the integrity of intervertebral discs.
- Pregnancy – the extra weight you carry when expecting a baby can put additional strain on your back.
- Occupation – a job that involves heavy lifting can lead to back pain. An inactive job where you sit all day with inadequate back support or poor posture can also cause back pain.
- Suffering from mental illness – such as anxiety, stress or depression.
Non-specific back pain, which frequently arises without any apparent cause, can result from the abnormal functioning of muscles, ligaments, cartilage, or an irritated/compressed nerve. This may be due to minor sprains and strains, muscle overuse, or injuries. However, in some instances, severe injury or illness to the spine can lead to back pain.
Conditions that are often linked to back pain include:
- A slipped disc – the soft material inside an intervertebral disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. This is commonly known as sciatica, when there is leg pain as a result of a disc compressing the nerve.
- Degenerative disc disease – ageing can cause the intervertebral discs to lose integrity and their cushioning ability.
- Spondylolisthesis – when a vertebra slips out of place and pinches a nerve.
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Most cases of back pain don’t require urgent care. You should see a doctor immediately if your pain is the result of trauma or if your pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- a fever
- unexplained recent weight loss
- pain in your chest
- a swelling or a deformity in your back
- loss of bladder or bowel control
- an inability to pass urine
- constant pain that won’t ease
- worse pain at night
- numbness around your genitals, buttocks or back passage
- incontinence
- you have tingling or numbness in your legs or arms
It is recommended to schedule a medical assessment with your doctor if your backache has persisted for over six weeks and isn’t improving with self-care practices or if it’s deteriorating. Additionally, it’s essential to consult your physician if you’re experiencing back pain for the first time after turning 50 years old or if you have a medical history of osteoporosis or cancer.
Acute pain serves as a warning sign, indicating that something is wrong in your body and requires your attention. However, in some cases, acute pain can transition into chronic pain, continuing for months or even years. This can occur due to unresolved ongoing physiological conditions, such as arthritis. In many instances, the cause of pain is hard to identify as it doesn’t seem to be associated with any disease, injury, or identifiable damage to the nervous system.
Non-surgical treatments for chronic back pain include:
- Physical therapies – provided by a physiotherapist/another doctor with specialist training.
- Exercise programmes to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture, as well as physical activity and stretching exercises.
- Pain relieving injections – delivery of steroids and anaesthetic into your joints, ligaments, muscles or around your nerves.
- Facet joint injections – local anaesthetic and steroid medication is injected into your facet joint to relieve the pain and inflammation.
- Nerve root blocks – injection of local anaesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid medicine into the area around your nerve root to reduce the pain of a trapped or inflamed nerve and reduce inflammation.
To avoid experiencing back pain, it’s crucial to be mindful of your posture, lifting techniques, and appropriate body mechanics when engaging in physical activities or sports. Using ergonomic furniture while working for extended periods at a desk can also be beneficial. Additionally, maintaining a healthy BMI and strengthening your core and back muscles can be helpful.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is often due to muscle sprains, regular strains, or injury, and it’s prevalent among individuals aged 30 to 50 years old. As you age, the fluid that protects your spine decreases, leading to potential irritation.
Middle back pain
Middle back pain typically occurs below the neck and above the rib cage and is often caused by poor posture, obesity, injury, or muscle sprains and strains. Symptoms may include dull aches, sharp stabbing pains, and muscle stiffness.
Upper back pain
Upper back pain is often the outcome of poor posture, incorrect heavy lifting, overuse, or injury.
Chronic back pain
Chronic back pain is a long-lasting condition that arises from short-term back pain and persists for an extended duration, unlike common back pain and injuries, which usually recover over time.
The location of your kidneys, underneath your rib cage and toward your back, can make it challenging to differentiate between back pain and kidney pain.
Kidney pain is felt on either side of your spine between the bottom of your ribcage and hips. It’s usually sharp with kidney stones and a dull ache with infections. The pain will be constant, and it won’t improve with movement or disappear without treatment. Pain may fluctuate if you’re passing a kidney stone.
Back pain, on the other hand, is more prevalent than kidney pain and typically arises from issues with your back’s muscles, nerves, or bones. Back pain can occur anywhere on your back, but it’s most commonly felt in your lower back or buttocks. Muscle pain presents as a dull ache, while nerve pain creates a sharp burning sensation that may travel down your buttock to your lower leg or foot. Muscle pain may affect one or both sides, but nerve pain usually affects only one side.
Yes, but it takes a long time and can be hard to access.
You should start experiencing relief from your back pain within 1 to 3 days of receiving an epidural injection, but it may take up to a week to notice any improvement. While this treatment may provide permanent relief for some individuals, it is not a cure for back pain. Typically, if you have chronic back pain, the injection may remain effective for 3 to 6 months or more. Facet joint injections are often recommended by doctors up to three times a year, and the positive outcome is expected to last for about four months.
Steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat various conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, sciatica, and inflammatory bowel disease.
It will normally take you a few days to recover from back pain injections. It is recommended that you rest and relax for the first 24 hours after the injection in a reclined position. Most patients can resume work 1-3 days following the injection (depending on the job). Icing the site and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help with the pain.
Your back might be a little sore for a few days after the injection, but epidural steroid injections are safe. The most common side effects are mild and may include:
- pain at the injection site
- redness of your face and chest called a steroid flush
- trouble sleeping
- anxiety
- hot flashes
- an increase in blood sugar levels
- fluid buildup
- increased back pain
- headache
These side effects should improve without treatment within 1 or 2 days. If your back still hurts a few days after the injection, let your doctor know. If you have more serious side effects, such as bleeding or an allergic reaction, call your doctor’s office right away.
Low back pain accompanied by leg pain, tingling or numbness is often a sign of sciatica. This complaint usually occurs when a disc or other structure presses against the sciatic nerve roots.
Why Choose Us
Accessible & Affordable
Our service is fast, efficient and reliable. It is also more affordable than many traditional private healthcare routes.
One Stop Clinic
From consultation to diagnosis to treatment, our service is a one stop clinic for self-pay healthcare.
Range of Specialists
We have a wide range of specialists which means we can always find the right person for you.
