X-ray-guided epidural injections for sciatica and nerve pain, performed by Consultant in Pain Medicine Dr Ahmed Salama.
Dr Ahmed SalamaAn epidural injection places medication close to an irritated nerve root in the spine. For some people with severe sciatica it can reduce leg pain enough to get moving and continue their recovery.
Sciatica often improves with time, but the pain can be severe while it lasts. NICE guidance supports considering an epidural injection of local anaesthetic and steroid for people with acute and severe sciatica.
A consultation and review of your MRI, with a full discussion of benefits, risks and alternatives.
The skin is numbed and the needle is guided by X-ray, with a small amount of contrast dye to confirm the position. It usually takes 20–30 minutes.
You rest before going home and need someone to drive you.
The steroid usually takes a few days to start working. Keep active and continue your exercises.
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.
The name is the same, but the purpose and medicines are different. A sciatica epidural uses a small amount of local anaesthetic and steroid to calm an irritated nerve root.
The steroid usually takes a few days, and the effect varies between individuals.
Common effects include temporary soreness, a short-term increase in pain and raised blood sugar in people with diabetes. Less common risks include headache, infection, bleeding and nerve irritation. Serious complications are very rare.
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
