We assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and spinal pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, joint pain, shoulder pain, hip and knee pain, sacroiliac joint pain and persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Not always. Self-referral may be available for many appointments, although some insurers require a GP or specialist referral before they will authorise treatment.

Not everyone needs imaging. A scan is recommended when it is likely to clarify the diagnosis or change your treatment. We aim to avoid unnecessary investigations.

Your clinician will review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments and any available scans. You will then discuss the likely cause of your pain and the available investigation and treatment options.

Treatment depends on the underlying problem and may include advice, rehabilitation, image-guided injections and other interventional pain procedures. We will discuss the options appropriate to your individual condition.

Most patients tolerate image-guided injections well. You may feel brief pressure, stinging or discomfort during the procedure. Local anaesthetic is used where appropriate.

Many procedures take approximately 15 to 30 minutes, although more complex treatments may take longer. You may also need a short period of observation afterwards.

Image-guided injections are commonly performed and serious complications are uncommon, but no procedure is completely risk-free. The specific benefits, risks and alternatives will be discussed before treatment.

A poor response can still provide useful diagnostic information. Your clinician can review the result and discuss whether further investigation, rehabilitation, another procedure or a different treatment approach is appropriate.

You can contact Dorset Pain Clinic directly or use the appointment enquiry form. Our team can advise which type of appointment is most appropriate.

No. Many patients come to us because the cause of their pain is unclear. We can review your symptoms, examination findings and previous imaging, then advise on the most appropriate next step.

Yes. Previous MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound examinations can often provide valuable information and may prevent unnecessary repeat imaging.

Yes. Depending on the procedure, injections may be performed using ultrasound or X-ray guidance to allow accurate placement of the needle.

Not necessarily. Injections can reduce pain and inflammation and may help confirm where pain is coming from, but the response varies between patients. They are usually part of a broader treatment plan rather than a guaranteed cure.

Local anaesthetic may provide relief within minutes or hours. Steroid injections usually take several days to begin working and can occasionally take longer.

This varies considerably. Some patients experience short-term improvement, while others may obtain relief lasting several months. The duration depends on the underlying condition and the treatment performed.

Yes. Some patients experience increased soreness for a short period after an injection. This usually settles, but you will receive advice about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.

This depends on the procedure. For some spinal or interventional treatments you may be advised not to drive afterwards and should arrange transport home. Specific instructions will be provided before your appointment.

This depends on the treatment and your occupation. Many patients return to normal light activities quickly, although strenuous exercise may need to be avoided temporarily.

Continue your usual medication unless specifically advised otherwise. It is particularly important to tell us if you take blood-thinning medication, have diabetes or have any significant medical conditions.

Often yes, but this depends on the medication and the type of procedure. Never stop anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication without specific medical advice.

Usually, but steroid injections can temporarily increase blood glucose levels. Please tell your clinician if you have diabetes so this can be considered when planning treatment.

Please tell us if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. Some investigations and procedures may need to be modified, postponed or performed using an alternative imaging method.

Please bring a list of your medications and details of previous treatments. If you have had relevant imaging elsewhere, providing access to the images and reports can be particularly helpful.

Yes. We assess both new and persistent pain. The treatment approach will depend on the cause, duration of symptoms and treatments you have already tried.

This is common. Pain does not always come from a single structure. Clinical assessment and targeted imaging or diagnostic injections can sometimes help determine which findings are actually relevant to your symptoms.

No. Many changes seen on scans are common and may not be responsible for symptoms. Imaging needs to be interpreted alongside your clinical history and examination.

Yes. Your clinician will explain the reasonable options, expected benefits, limitations and risks so that you can make an informed decision about your care.

No. A consultation does not commit you to any procedure. You can discuss the options, consider them and decide how you wish to proceed.

Yes. We can review previous investigations and treatments, reassess the likely source of pain and discuss whether another approach may be appropriate.

Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as new significant weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genital or saddle area, severe pain following major trauma, or pain associated with severe systemic illness.

Yes. We see both privately insured and self-paying patients. Insurance authorisation requirements vary between providers, so please check with your insurer before treatment.

Costs depend on the consultation, imaging and procedure required. We aim to provide clear information about fees before you proceed with treatment.

There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every patient. The aim of your assessment is to identify the most likely cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment based on your individual circumstances.

Ultrasound or X-ray guidance allows the clinician to see the relevant anatomy and guide the needle accurately towards the intended target.