A guide to the image-guided spinal injections offered by Consultant in Pain Medicine Dr Ahmed Salama, what each one is for, and whether one might be right for you.
Dr Ahmed Salama"Back injection" covers several different procedures, each aimed at a different source of pain. The right one, if any, depends on your symptoms, examination and scans. This page explains the options so you know what to expect.
Spinal injections are day-case procedures performed with local anaesthetic under X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound guidance. Some are used to help confirm where pain is coming from; others aim to reduce pain from an irritated nerve.
Places local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory (steroid) medication near an irritated nerve root. Used mainly for sciatica.
More about epidurals → Faculty of Pain Medicine patient leaflet ↗A diagnostic injection to test whether the small joints of the spine are the source of back or neck pain.
More about facet joint injections → Faculty of Pain Medicine patient leaflet ↗Uses heat to interrupt the nerves carrying pain from the facet or sacroiliac joints, after a positive diagnostic block.
More about denervation → Faculty of Pain Medicine patient leaflet ↗A targeted injection around a single nerve root, used to help confirm which nerve is causing leg or arm pain and to reduce that pain.
An injection into the joint between the spine and pelvis, to help confirm whether it is the source of pain low on one side of the back or buttock.
A consultation to confirm the diagnosis, review scans and discuss benefits, risks and alternatives. You will be told about fasting and medicines.
The skin is numbed and the needle is guided by X-ray or ultrasound.
You rest briefly before going home the same day. You will need someone to drive you. Your leg may feel numb or weak for a few hours.
A pain diary in the first hours and weeks helps decide the next step.
Results vary from person to person. For sciatica, epidurals may reduce leg pain in the short to medium term. Diagnostic blocks are expected to give short-term relief: their purpose is to show whether a longer-lasting treatment such as denervation is likely to help.
Injections work best as part of a wider plan that includes exercise and rehabilitation.
You are assessed and treated by Dr Ahmed Salama, a Consultant in Pain Medicine (FRCA, FFPMRCA).
Appointments are usually available within 2–5 days of getting in touch.
Injections are performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance for precise needle placement.
Birmingham (Edgbaston), Solihull, Knowle, Sutton Coldfield, Stourbridge and Droitwich Spa.
Recognised by most major private medical insurers. Fees for self-funding patients are published on this site.
That depends on where your pain is coming from. Dr Salama will assess you, review any scans, and explain which option, if any, is likely to help.
The skin is numbed first. Many people describe pressure rather than sharp pain, although experiences vary.
No. Please arrange for someone to drive you home, as your leg may feel numb or weak for a few hours.
A GP referral is welcomed but not always required. Some insurers need one, so check with your insurer if you are claiming.
Yes. Dr Salama is recognised by most major private medical insurers and is Bupa Fee Assured. Check with your insurer whether you need pre-authorisation. Self-funding patients are also welcome, and consultation fees are published on this site.
Appointments are usually available within 2–5 days of getting in touch.
Most patients are seen within 2–5 days. GP referral is welcomed but not always required — please get in touch to discuss your options.
Dr Salama welcomes patients with private medical insurance and is Bupa Fee Assured. He is recognised by most major private medical insurers.
We operate in 6 locations across Birmingham, the West Midlands and Worcestershire — choose whichever is most convenient for you.
1 Damson Parkway, Solihull, West Midlands B91 2PP
Bradley Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1UX · Part of Ramsay Health Care
1357 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands B93 9LW
St Andrews Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8DN
233 Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 6DX
