Private Consultant Pain Medicine
Specialist pain medicine · Haywards Heath, Sussex

Spinal injections: when might they help?

Evidence-informed advice on spinal injections from a consultant pain specialist in Haywards Heath, Sussex.

Not every back pain needs an injection

Spinal injections have different indications and evidence bases. An injection should not be recommended simply because an MRI shows degeneration.

Nerve root injections

A targeted nerve root injection may be considered for selected patients with radicular symptoms after a discussion of potential benefit, limitations and risks.

Other targeted procedures

Different procedures may be considered for particular diagnoses. Their appropriateness depends on clinical findings, previous care and current guidance.

Benefits and risks

Possible risks vary by procedure and can include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, temporary symptom aggravation and failure to improve. Individual risks and alternatives are discussed before any decision.

This information is general and is not a diagnosis. If you have rapidly progressive neurological symptoms or new bladder or bowel problems, seek urgent medical assessment.