Pain Management Services
Specialist Pain Management Injections
We have a dedicated Pain Management suite which offers Ultrasound or X-Ray guided injections for all major joints, and for patients with acute spinal pain or sciatica.
Many patients find benefit from guided injections but the procedures and potential benefits will be be discussed with you in detail so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Patients will normally have an Ultrasound or MRI scan before an initial consultation.
The service is provided by Consultant Anaesthetists, Spinal Surgeons or Radiologists who will assess whether a procedure would be of benefit for you.
Our Pain Management Suite
Facet Joints
Facet joints allow movement and stabilise the spine. Wear and tear, inflammation and injury to the facet joints may cause pain in some people. A facet joint procedure is an injection around or into the small joints that link the bones of the spine together. It is used for localised spinal pain where simpler measures have not helped. Several injections to different facet joints may be needed depending on the site of pain.
The injection provides information to the consultant regarding the origin of your pain.
It can help your pain by reducing some of the pain signals from the joint and although pain relief may be short-lived, some people can get significant and long-lasting pain relief from these injections. The injection contains local anaesthetic often with a small amount of steroid. The injection is usually undertaken alongside other treatments such as physiotherapy.
Sometimes procedures such as an RF Denervation can give longer term relief from facet joint pain, for months or years. We can also provide these if appropriate.
Epidural Injection
An epidural steroid injection involves injecting a steroid into the epidural space which surrounds the nerve roots inside the spinal canal. Local anaesthetic, with the steroid will bathe the nerve roots which send pain signals to the brain reducing pain and inflammation. Epidural injections are usually given into the lower back (lumbar) or tailbone (caudal). Low dose X-Rays are used for the precise siting of these injections.
Nerve Root Block/Dorsal Root Ganglion Block / Transforaminal Epidural
A nerve root block is an injection of local anaesthetic and steroid around the nerve root as it leaves the spine. This is often around the dorsal root ganglion, which is a small swelling on the nerve that joins the nerve inside the spine to the peripheral nerve that goes down your leg.
Nerve Root blocks are used mainly for localised radiating pain such as sciatic leg or arm pain where simpler measures have not helped, usually in the lumbar region. It may help your pain by reducing some of the pain signals.
Pain relief can be short-lived although some people can get significant and lasting pain relief from these injections, it may not be a cure. The injection contains local anaesthetic often with a small amount of steroid. The injection is usually undertaken alongside other treatments such as physiotherapy.
Sacroiliac joint injection
The sacroiliac joints are at the bottom of the spine where it joins the back of the pelvis. These sacroiliac joints allow movement and stabilise the spine. Wear and tear, inflammation and injury may cause pain in some people.
Sacroiliac joint injections may be used to diagnose and treat certain types of back pain. They are used for localised pain where simpler measures have not helped. They may help your pain by reducing some of the pain signals from the joint.
Pain relief may be short-lived, although some people can get significant and lasting pain relief from these injections but it may not be a cure. The injection contains local anaesthetic often with a small amount of steroid. The injection is usually undertaken alongside other treatments such as physiotherapy.
As with facet joints, sacroiliac joints may also obtain long term relief by RF Denervation procedures, which we also offer.
Piriformis injection
A Piriformis injection is administered in the buttock area. The Piriformis muscle extends from the side of the tailbone to the side of the thighbone. The muscle can become inflamed or spasm, causing pain in the buttock and thigh by irritating the sciatic nerve which lies close to, or can pass through the piriformis muscle.
To help with pain, the muscle can be injected with a solution of local anaesthetic and steroid. The local anaesthetic causes the muscle fibres to relax and provides immediate pain relief and the steroid helps relieve inflammation to provide longer lasting pain relief.
Piriformis muscle injections are both diagnostic and therapeutic and can help your consultant to determine the cause of your back pain. The injection is usually undertaken alongside other treatments such as physiotherapy.
Why Choose Heath Lodge?
At Heath Lodge Clinic, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with a truly patient-focused approach. Whether you’re visiting us for an MRI, DEXA scan, X-Ray or ultrasound, we understand that undergoing any type of scan can be daunting — which is why we’ve built our service around comfort, clarity, and clinical excellence.
Skip the Queues
Minimal/no waiting list – rapid access to private MRI scans.
*Subject to suitability/type of scan
Appointments to Suit
Book at a time that suits your schedule.
Patient Referrals
We accept referrals from GPs, physios, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals.
Affordable Pricing
Transparent, competitive rates with no hidden costs.
Solihull Based Clinic
Conveniently located 400yrds from J5 of the M42.
Results
Reports sent to your referring clinician within 7 working days- some within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions before your appointment — here are some of the most common queries our patients ask, with clear answers to help you feel informed and reassured.
I’m type 1 diabetic and wear a device, what do I need to be aware of?
If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump, please let our team know when booking and on the day of your scan. Most scans are safe, but we may ask you to temporarily remove or protect your device depending on the area being scanned and the type of imaging.
Is there anything that I can expect on the day?
You’ll be welcomed by our friendly team and guided through the process. Depending on the scan, you may need to change into a gown and remove jewellery or metal items. The scan itself is painless and typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Our staff will explain everything clearly so you feel at ease.
Can I bring a friend with me?
Yes, you’re very welcome to bring a friend or family member for support. For safety reasons, they may be asked to wait in reception during the scan, but they can accompany you before and after your appointment.
I am claustrophobic and not sure if I will be able to go into the scanner?
We understand that feeling claustrophobic is a common concern. That’s why we offer wide-bore and open MRI options designed for comfort. Our experienced staff will talk you through the process, and we’re happy to discuss strategies to help you stay calm — including breaks or scanning with your head outside the tunnel where possible.
Are there any side effects that I should be aware of?
Most scans, including MRI, DEXA, and ultrasound, have no side effects. X-Rays and CT scans use low levels of radiation, which are considered very safe. You can return to your normal activities straight after your scan. If you’re having an injection as part of a procedure (e.g. pain management), our team will explain any aftercare or precautions.
