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Lower Back Spinal Injections UK: Types, Cost, Results & Recovery

Author : Advanced Non-Surgical Joint Treatment | Published On : 24 Oct 2026

 When tablets, rest and physiotherapy have not been enough, a targeted spinal injection can help calm the source of the pain. At Advanced Non Surgical Joint Treatment, spinal injections sit within our wider range of non-surgical orthopaedic treatments. This guide explains the types, what to expect and how we can help.

What Are Lower Back Spinal Injections?

Spinal injections place local anaesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication close to the structure causing your pain. They are given with imaging guidance, usually X-ray with a small amount of contrast dye, so the needle reaches the right spot. They can be used to treat pain and also to help identify exactly where it is coming from.

Types of Lower Back Spinal Injection

  • Epidural Injection: An epidural delivers medication around the irritated nerve roots in the spinal canal. It is mainly used for sciatica caused by a slipped disc or narrowing of the spine, where a nerve is inflamed and causes pain, tingling or numbness down the leg.
  • Selective Nerve Root Block: This places a small amount of medication on one specific nerve. It can relieve leg pain and also helps confirm which nerve is responsible, which guides further treatment.
  • Facet Joint Injection and Medial Branch Block: The facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that can become arthritic and painful. An injection into the joint, or a block of the tiny nerves that supply it, can ease pain. If the block helps, radiofrequency ablation may offer longer-lasting relief.
  • Sacroiliac Joint Injection: The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis. Pain here is often felt low on one side of the back or buttock, and a guided injection can both treat and confirm the diagnosis.

Conditions We Treat

•     Sciatica and nerve root irritation

•     Slipped (herniated) disc symptoms

•     Spinal stenosis, where the canal narrows

•     Facet joint arthritis

•     Sacroiliac joint pain

Visit our lower back spinal injections UK service page for the areas we treat.

Benefits of Spinal Injections

•     Targets the likely source of pain rather than relying on tablets alone

•     A short outpatient procedure with no general anaesthetic

•     Can reduce pain enough to let you start physiotherapy and strengthening

•     Helps diagnose the exact cause when the picture is unclear

•     Can help some patients avoid or delay spinal surgery

What Injections Can and Cannot Do

We believe in being honest. UK guidance supports considering epidural injections for people with severe sciatica, but the evidence for injections in general back pain without nerve involvement is weaker. That is why a careful assessment comes first. Injections do not reverse structural changes in the spine. They aim to reduce pain so you can move, rebuild strength and get back to normal life.

What Happens During Your Procedure

•     Consultation and review of your symptoms and scans

•     You lie comfortably on the treatment table and the skin is cleaned and numbed

•     Using X-ray guidance, the needle is placed and contrast dye confirms the position

•     The medication is delivered, and you are observed briefly before going home

Recovery and How Long Relief Lasts

You may have temporary numbness or a heavy feeling in the leg, so arrange for someone to take you home. Some back soreness is common for a day or two. Relief usually starts within a few days to two weeks and can last from weeks to months. Results vary, so we pair injections with a rehabilitation plan.

Risks and Who Should Be Cautious

Spinal injections are generally safe in experienced hands. Possible effects include a temporary pain flare, headache, flushing, a short rise in blood sugar for people with diabetes, bleeding, infection and, rarely, nerve injury. Tell us if you take blood thinners, have an infection, are pregnant or have had a reaction to contrast dye.

Spinal Injection Cost in the UK

Cost depends on the type of injection and imaging used. See our fees page for pricing, and we will help you check insurance cover before you book.

Beyond Injections

Not every pain needs the same approach. For muscle-related pain, we may suggest trigger point injections. For arthritic joints, options like Lipogems may be discussed.

Why Choose Advanced Non-Surgical Joint Treatment?

•     Specialist-led care from Dr Ralph Rogers, with around 20 years of experience

•     Image-guided precision so treatment reaches the right spot

•     A personalised plan that pairs treatment with rehabilitation

•     Clinics serving London, Kent and Gibraltar, with WhatsApp support

•     Work with leading private medical insurers; cover varies by policy and treatment

Ready to take the next step against back pain? Book your consultation with Dr Ralph Rogers at Advanced Non Surgical Joint Treatment. Call us on 0207 112 5400 or message us on WhatsApp on 07453 309380.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spinal injections painful?

The skin is numbed first, so most people feel pressure and brief discomfort. Some soreness afterwards is normal.

How long do spinal injections last?

Relief can last from several weeks to a few months, and varies from person to person.

Can spinal injections cure sciatica?

They do not cure the cause, but they can reduce nerve inflammation and pain while the problem settles and you rehabilitate.

How many injections will I need?

Many people need one, and some need a short series. We will advise based on your response.

Are spinal injections available on the NHS?

Some are, particularly for severe sciatica, but access and waiting times vary. Many people choose private care for quicker treatment.