Back Pain and Spinal Injections - Non-Surgical Options London
Your back has become the centre of your world. Every decision filters through it. Can I sit through that meeting? Can I make that journey? Will I be able to sleep tonight?
Chronic back pain affects one in six adults. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide. And despite its prevalence, treatment often feels inadequate. Painkillers that barely touch it. Physio that helps then plateaus. Surgery that seems drastic.
Spinal injections offer a middle path. Targeted treatment directly to pain sources.
Understanding Chronic Back Pain
Back pain has multiple potential sources.
Facet joints are small joints connecting vertebrae. They can develop arthritis like any joint, causing localised pain that worsens with certain movements.
Disc degeneration occurs as spinal discs lose height and hydration. This can cause pain directly or by changing spinal mechanics.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction at the base of the spine causes lower back and buttock pain often mistaken for other conditions.
Nerve irritation from disc bulges or spinal stenosis causes pain radiating into legs (sciatica).
Muscle and ligament strain can become chronic, particularly with poor posture or repeated stress.
Accurate diagnosis determines appropriate treatment. Generic "back pain" treatment often fails because it does not address your specific pain source.
Suffering from chronic back pain? Message us on WhatsApp
Spinal Injection Options
Facet joint injections deliver medication directly into or around facet joints. This can reduce pain from facet arthritis and help confirm diagnosis.
Epidural injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the epidural space around spinal nerves. They can reduce nerve irritation from disc problems or stenosis.
Sacroiliac joint injections target this commonly overlooked pain source.
PRP injections to facet joints, discs, or surrounding structures deliver growth factors that may promote healing and reduce inflammation through different mechanisms than steroids.
Diagnostic injections help identify pain sources. If injecting a specific structure relieves pain, that structure is likely contributing.
How PRP Helps Back Pain
PRP offers advantages over steroid injections for some back pain conditions.
Steroids suppress inflammation but do not promote healing. They can weaken tissue with repeated use. Benefits often diminish over time.
PRP delivers growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation through regenerative rather than suppressive mechanisms, and potentially improve disc and joint health over time.
For degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthritis, PRP addresses underlying degeneration rather than just symptoms.
Research is ongoing. PRP shows promise for spinal conditions though evidence is still developing compared to extremity joints.
Explore spinal PRP treatment via WhatsApp
What Treatment Involves
Spinal injections require precision. We use imaging guidance (usually fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to ensure accurate needle placement.
You remain awake during the procedure. Local anaesthetic numbs the skin. The injection itself causes brief pressure or discomfort.
Procedures typically take 15 to 30 minutes depending on what is being treated. You rest briefly afterward, then go home. Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two.
Some temporary increase in pain may occur before improvement begins. This is normal, particularly with PRP as the healing response initiates.
Comprehensive Back Pain Management
Injections work best as part of comprehensive management.
Physiotherapy strengthens supporting muscles, improves flexibility, and corrects movement patterns contributing to pain.
Posture and ergonomics address daily factors aggravating your back.
Weight management reduces spinal load.
Core strengthening provides internal support for the spine.
Pain management through medication when appropriate.
We can coordinate your care to address all contributing factors.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Some back conditions ultimately need surgical treatment. Severe nerve compression causing weakness or bladder problems requires urgent surgical evaluation.
For most chronic back pain, surgery is not first-line treatment. Conservative options including injections should be exhausted first.
If surgery becomes appropriate, we can refer to trusted spinal surgeons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which injection I need? Assessment including examination and imaging review determines the likely pain source. Sometimes diagnostic injections help clarify.
Are spinal injections safe? When performed by experienced practitioners with imaging guidance, serious complications are rare. We discuss specific risks before treatment.
How many injections will I need? Varies by condition and response. Some patients improve significantly with one or two injections. Others need periodic treatment.
Will this cure my back pain? "Cure" is often not realistic for chronic back pain. Goals are meaningful pain reduction and improved function.
Can PRP regenerate damaged discs? PRP may support disc health and reduce inflammation. Complete regeneration of severely degenerated discs is unlikely. Realistic expectations are important.
Take control of your back pain.
