X-ray
A quick examination of bones and joints, sometimes helpful for assessing alignment, arthritis or fractures.
Patient information — NHS ↗Patient information
What to expect from a consultation.
Clear information before, during and after your appointment.
Before your appointment
It can help to bring a list of medications, relevant scan reports, previous treatment details and a short account of how your symptoms affect daily life.
At your consultation
The discussion typically covers the history of your pain, relevant medical conditions, previous treatments, your priorities and whether examination or further investigation may be useful.
Investigations and diagnostic tests
Where clinically appropriate, I can arrange investigations to help clarify a diagnosis or guide treatment. Not everyone needs a scan or nerve test: the choice depends on your symptoms, examination and previous results. Tests are performed by specialist imaging or neurophysiology services, and availability and fees will be discussed before referral.
MRI scan
Detailed images of the spine, discs, nerves and soft tissues, without using X-ray radiation.
Patient information — NHS ↗CT scan
Detailed cross-sectional X-ray images, particularly useful for examining bone and certain structural abnormalities.
Patient information — NHS ↗SPECT-CT scan
Combines a nuclear medicine scan with CT to show areas of increased bone activity and locate them precisely; occasionally useful in complex spinal or joint pain.
Patient information — Newcastle Hospitals NHS ↗Ultrasound scan
Uses sound waves to assess tendons, muscles, joints and some peripheral nerves; it can also guide selected injections.
Patient information — NHS ↗EMG and nerve conduction studies (NCS)
Tests electrical activity in muscles and the way peripheral nerves transmit signals, sometimes helpful when investigating numbness, weakness or suspected nerve injury.
Patient information — Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS ↗If an investigation is recommended, we will discuss what it may show, any relevant precautions, and how the result could influence your care. Having a scan does not necessarily mean an injection or operation will be needed.
Planning treatment
Options are considered together, including non-procedural care. If an intervention is appropriate, the expected benefits, uncertainties, alternatives and material risks should be explained before consent.
After your appointment
You should understand the proposed plan, any follow-up arrangements and when to seek further help.
Referrals, fees and insurance
For independently published information about patient experience and indicative consultation fees, view Dr Ward’s PHIN profile ↗. Please confirm fees and any additional charges when booking.
Referral requirements, clinic locations, consultation fees, insurer arrangements and booking details will be confirmed before the website is launched.
This website provides general information and cannot replace individual medical advice. If you have an urgent medical problem, contact an appropriate urgent or emergency service.
Trusted patient resources
Understand your treatment options.
Clear, independent information can help you prepare for a consultation and make informed decisions. These leaflets are published by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and open directly on its website.
Not every treatment listed will be suitable or offered. A leaflet is a starting point for discussion, not a recommendation to undergo a procedure or take a medicine.
Procedure information
General information about injectionsNerve root / transforaminal epidural injectionEpidural steroid injectionMedial branch blocksRadiofrequency denervationSacroiliac joint injectionPain injections and blood-thinning medicines
Medicines used in pain management
Source: Faculty of Pain Medicine patient information leaflets ↗. These documents are maintained by the Faculty and may change over time. If your medication, medical history or treatment plan differs from the leaflet, follow the individual advice given by your treating clinician. Do not stop prescribed medicines or blood thinners without advice.
Your next step
Discuss your symptoms and the options available.
A careful assessment is the starting point for an individual treatment plan.