Question 1

Dorsal root ganglion block

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglion block

The dorsal root ganglion is a bundle of sensory nerve cells that send impulses to your spinal cord. If your spinal nerves are irritated, an injection can block painful impulses. As well as treating pain, a dorsal root ganglion block can be used to help pinpoint the area and cause of your back pain.

Question 2

Steroid injections for joint pain

Accepted Answer

Steroid injections for joint pain

Joint pain is usually caused by inflammation or conditions such as bursitis. Steroid injections help reduce inflammation to reduce pain in that area. It is most common to inject the steroid into your joints, such as ankles, elbows, hips, knees, shoulders, spine or wrists. Sometimes, even the small joints...

Question 3

Epidural for pain management

Accepted Answer

Epidural for pain management

During a caudal epidural, an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as hydrocortisone, is injected round the areas of inflammation in the spinal canal.This injection is used when nerves in the lower back are inflamed due to irritation from either spinal stenosis (a degenerative narrowing of the spinal...

Question 4

Labour pain relief epidural

Accepted Answer

Labour pain relief epidural

An epidural is commonly used to give pain relief during childbirth. It is a type of local anaesthetic which is injected into your spine to numb the nerves in your womb and cervix that send pain signals to your brain. It can help during a long, complicated or especially painful labour.

Question 5

Facet joint injection

Accepted Answer

Facet joint injection

Facet joints are thumbnail-sized pairs of joints in the neck, mid and lower back. Sometimes, they can cause pain in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, bottom, groin or legs. A time-release steroid injection can be used to locate which joints are causing pain and help reduce inflammation.

Question 6

Physio after spinal surgery and injury

Accepted Answer

Physio after spinal surgery and injury

If you've had spinal decompression, spinal fusion or lumbar disc surgery with us, our physiotherapy team will work with you to create a rehabilitation plan. Initially this involves some gentle stretching and breathing exercises while you're in hospital. These will help to improve circulation and keep...

Question 7

Sacral nerve stimulation

Accepted Answer

Sacral nerve stimulation

By stimulating the relevant nerves in your lower back with mild electrical impulses, a neurostimulator device can improve the co-ordination between your brain and your bladder, bowels, pelvic floor and sphincter muscles. Your consultant may recommend this if other treatments haven't worked.

Question 8

Sacral nerve root injection

Accepted Answer

Sacral nerve root injection

The sacral nerve is part of the sacral plexus, a network of nerve fibres that supply the skin and muscles of the pelvis and lower limb. The network is located on the surface of the posterior pelvic wall and the anterior to the piriformis muscle. If you have persistent back, hip or limb pain, your...