Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. For many, physiotherapy alone is enough, but others may require additional treatment. One option often recommended is guided injections.
Patients frequently ask: What are they? How do they work? Are they safe? In this blog, we answer those questions and explain the key benefits of guided injections for lower back pain.
What Are Guided Injections and How Do They Work?
A guided injection delivers medication, usually a corticosteroid or anaesthetic, directly into the affected area of your spine. The procedure uses imaging techniques such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or CT to ensure accuracy.
This precision means the injection targets the source of pain, reducing inflammation and discomfort more effectively than general medication.
Conditions That May Benefit from Guided Injections
Guided injections are often used for conditions such as:
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Sciatica
- Facet joint arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Sacroiliac joint inflammation
For patients struggling with persistent or severe pain, injections can provide relief when other treatments haven’t been successful.
How Long Does Pain Relief from Injections Last?
Relief often begins within a few days and can last for weeks or months. However, results vary. Some patients need repeat injections, while others find one is enough when combined with physiotherapy.
It’s important to remember that injections are not a permanent fix but a valuable part of a wider treatment plan.
Are Guided Injections Safe? Risks and Side Effects
Guided injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced clinician. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as:
- Temporary increase in pain
- Infection
- Minor bleeding or bruising
- Weakening of tissues with repeated steroid use
Your clinician will discuss risks with you before treatment and ensure injections are only given when appropriate.
Benefits of Guided Injections for Lower Back Pain
The key advantages include:
- Precise targeting for faster relief
- Ability to participate more fully in physiotherapy
- A less invasive alternative to surgery
By reducing pain, injections allow patients to regain mobility and engage with rehabilitation exercises that strengthen the back and prevent recurrence.
What to Expect Before and After Your Injection
Guided injections are usually outpatient procedures. You may experience mild discomfort during the injection, but this is generally brief. After treatment, you’ll be advised to rest, avoid heavy lifting, and follow a tailored rehabilitation programme.
Follow-up is essential to measure how well the injection worked and to plan any additional treatment if needed,
Guided injections are not a cure on their own but can be an effective part of a treatment plan for lower back pain. When combined with physiotherapy, they help patients move with less pain and work towards long-term recovery.
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