Ultrasound-Guided Spinal Injections in Manchester
Expert treatment for back and neck pain.
Ultrasound Guided Spinal Injections can provide pain relief without the need for surgery. Performed by a GMC registered doctor at a CQC registered clinic.
CQC Regulated Clinic
Ultrasound Guided Procedure
No GP Referral Required
Manchester and Burnley Clinic
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INTRO
Introduction to Spinal Injections
Persistent back pain, neck stiffness or sciatica pain radiating into your leg can make even simple tasks feel impossible. When physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory pain medication and other conservative treatments have not provided enough relief, a spinal injection may be the next step in your pain management. Spine injections are targeted treatments that reduce inflammation, break the cycle of chronic pain and help you return to normal activity.
At My MSK Clinic, Dr Amir Akhtar delivers ultrasound-guided spinal injections across our Manchester city centre and Burnley clinics, offering precise, image-guided treatment for a range of spinal conditions.
OPTIONS
Types of Spinal Injections and What they Treat
A spinal injection is used to relieve inflammation and pain in the neck or back. The type of injection recommended depends on where your pain originates, the underlying cause and what other treatments you have tried. Below are the main spinal injection options available at My MSK Clinic. All are performed under ultrasound guidance.
If you are unsure which injection is right for you, we recommend booking an initial consultation at My MSK Clinic. This will allow the Doctor to first take a detailed history and examination to determine the injection that is most suitable for you.
Caudal Epidural Injections
For Sciatica and Nerve Root Pain
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of a nerve root in the spine, sometimes described as a trapped nerve, most commonly at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 levels. Symptoms include pain radiating down the leg, and may also involve temporary numbness, tingling or muscle weakness. It can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis or other structural changes that compress or irritate the spinal nerves within the spinal canal.
A caudal epidural steroid injection delivers corticosteroid and local anaesthetic into the epidural space, the area inside the spinal canal that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. The injection is given via the sacral hiatus, a small opening at the base of the spine where the sacrum sits between the hip bones. Epidural steroid injections calm inflamed nerves and dampen the pain signals they send, and are commonly used for sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy and other forms of radicular (nerve root) pain.
Spinal injections do not repair structural problems such as herniated discs, but they can reduce severe pain enough to allow you to engage properly with physiotherapy and rehabilitation, which supports longer term recovery.
Facet Joint Injections
For Back and Neck Pain
Facet joints are small joints that connect adjacent vertebrae along the length of your spinal column. When they become inflamed (for example through arthritis, degeneration or injury), they can cause localised back pain or neck pain that worsens with extension and rotation, affecting daily activities such as turning in bed, driving or bending.
During a facet joint injection, Dr Akhtar uses ultrasound guidance to slowly inject a combination of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid medication into or around the affected joint. The local anaesthetic offers immediate numbing while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation, easing the pain signals coming from the joint over the following days and weeks.
Typical candidates include patients with localised joint pain confirmed by clinical assessment and imaging, who have not responded adequately to physiotherapy and oral pain medicine. Results vary between individuals. Relief typically lasts several weeks to a few months, and sometimes longer. Spinal injections are designed to provide pain relief and help the rehab pathway.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
For Lower Back and Buttock Pain
The sacroiliac joints sit either side of the base of your spine, connecting the sacrum to the pelvis. When the joint becomes inflamed or irritated (through arthritis, injury, pregnancy-related changes or altered movement patterns), it can cause pain in the lower back and buttock that may spread into the groin or thigh. Sacroiliac joint pain is often worse with standing from sitting, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side, and is a frequently overlooked cause of persistent low back pain.
During a sacroiliac joint injection, Dr Akhtar uses ultrasound guidance to deliver local anaesthetic and corticosteroid medication into the joint. The local anaesthetic can provide early relief, and can also help confirm the sacroiliac joint as the source of your pain, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation over the following days and weeks. Typical candidates are patients whose assessment and examination point to the sacroiliac joint and who have not improved with physiotherapy and oral pain medicine.
As with other spinal injections, relief typically lasts several weeks to a few months and varies between individuals. An injection is most effective when combined with a rehabilitation programme addressing the underlying cause.
Neck Injections: Cervical Facet Joint Injections and Cervical Nerve Root Blocks
For Neck and Arm Pain
Cervical facet joint pain is a common cause of neck stiffness and discomfort. It may follow whiplash, trauma or gradual degeneration. Pain is often localised to the neck and may refer to the head (causing cervicogenic headache) or the shoulders. It is typically aggravated by extending or rotating the neck. Ultrasound-guided cervical facet joint injections deliver local anaesthetic and corticosteroid medication directly to the affected joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
Where neck pain radiates into the arm due to irritation of a specific nerve root, an ultrasound-guided cervical nerve root block may be appropriate. This targets the affected nerve root directly with local anaesthetic and corticosteroid, and can also help confirm which nerve is responsible for your symptoms.
Neck injections are not appropriate where there is cervical spine instability, significant neurological deficit (such as progressive muscle weakness) or suspicion of serious pathology. Where onward referral to a spinal surgeon or another specialist is needed, Dr Akhtar will advise you directly.
Coccyx Injections
For Tailbone Pain
Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, typically worsens with sitting or when moving from sitting to standing. It is more common in females and can follow trauma, childbirth or prolonged sitting. The pain can be debilitating, affecting work, driving and daily comfort.
When conservative measures such as cushions, postural adjustments and physiotherapy have not provided adequate relief, a targeted ultrasound-guided steroid injection at the sacrococcygeal joint can reduce inflammation and pain. Ultrasound guidance allows real-time visualisation of the injection site, which is important given the sensitive anatomy in this area.
As with all spinal injections, results vary between individuals and permanent pain relief is not guaranteed.
Spinal Prolotherapy
Steroid-Free Alternative Spine Injection
Prolotherapy takes a different approach from the steroid injections above. Rather than reducing inflammation, it uses a concentrated dextrose (sugar) solution injected around weakened or irritated ligaments and joints to stimulate the body’s own repair response, with the aim of gradually strengthening the supporting structures of the spine.
At My MSK Clinic, spinal prolotherapy is performed under the same ultrasound guidance as our other injections. It may be considered for chronic low back pain related to ligament strain or sacroiliac joint instability, particularly for patients who prefer a steroid-free option, have not maintained benefit from steroid injections, or are not suitable for them. Prolotherapy is usually given as a course of treatments rather than a single injection, and improvement tends to build gradually.
The evidence base for prolotherapy is still developing, and it is not the right choice for every spinal condition. Dr Akhtar will discuss at your assessment whether it is a reasonable option for your diagnosis.
OPTIONS
Compare Your Spinal Injection Options
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns →
| Injection Type | What It Treats | Guidance Method | Price per injection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facet joint injection | Localised back or neck pain from facet joints | Ultrasound-guided | £450 |
| Caudal epidural | Sciatica, radicular pain, leg pain from disc problems or stenosis | Ultrasound-guided | £450 |
| Sacroiliac joint injection | Lower back and buttock pain from the sacroiliac joint | Ultrasound-guided | £450 |
| Cervical nerve root block | Neck pain radiating into the arm from a specific nerve root | Ultrasound-guided | £350 |
| Coccyx injection | Coccydynia (tailbone pain) | Ultrasound-guided | £450 |
| Spinal prolotherapy | Chronic ligament-related back pain, SIJ instability (steroid-free) | Ultrasound-guided | From £320 |
If you are unsure which option is right for you, book an assessment with Dr Akhtar. He will review your symptoms, any imaging and your medical history to recommend the most suitable approach.
THE PROCEDURE
What to Expect During Your Spinal Injection
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1
Initial consultation and assessment
Dr Akhtar reviews your history, examines the affected area of your spine and looks over any existing scans or imaging to confirm whether a spinal injection is the right option for you.
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2
Pre-injection preparation
You are positioned comfortably and the skin over the injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The area is then numbed with local anaesthetic to keep you as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
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3
The injection
Using ultrasound guidance, Dr Akhtar carefully delivers the injection to the precise target area, watching the needle in real time throughout for accuracy and safety.
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4
After your injection
We may ask you to wait in the clinic for around 5 to 20 minutes so we can review how you are doing before you head home. Dr Akhtar may also advise and recommend some exercises or physiotherapy to support your recovery.
SUCCESS RATES
Evidence and Success Rates of Spinal Injections
Image-guided spinal injections are an established treatment for back pain, neck pain and sciatica, used widely across both NHS and private practice in the UK. The evidence supports short to medium term improvement in pain and function for well selected patients, with relief typically lasting from several weeks to a few months.
For sciatica specifically, NICE guidance on low back pain and sciatica recommends that epidural injections of local anaesthetic and steroid be considered for people with acute and severe sciatica1, and a Cochrane systematic review of 25 clinical trials involving around 2,700 patients found that epidural corticosteroid injections reduced leg pain and disability compared with placebo in the short term, with no difference in adverse events between injection and placebo groups2.
Outcomes vary by condition, by injection type and between individuals. Factors that influence results include the accuracy of the diagnosis, how long you have had the pain, your general health and whether you engage with rehabilitation alongside the injection.
Whilst spinal injections are effective for pain relief, it is important to remember that they do not repair structural problems such as disc herniation, and no injection can guarantee permanent pain relief. Their main value is often the window of reduced pain they provide, breaking the pain cycle and allowing you to engage properly with physiotherapy and recovery.
Success rates differ for each condition and each type of injection, so for specific success rates relevant to your diagnosis, contact the clinic or discuss this with Dr Akhtar at your assessment. You can also read more about why we use ultrasound guidance for every spinal injection we perform.
TESTIMONIALS
Spinal Injection Reviews at My MSK Clinic
We’re proud of the outcomes we help our patients achieve. Below are some real testimonials from our Manchester patients.
These testimonials are all collected from our profile on Google.
COST
How Much Does a Spinal Injection Cost in Manchester?
From
£450
Per Injection
The cost of ultrasound guided back and neck injections vary across the UK. At My MSK Clinic we believe in a transparent pricing system. We offer multiple different types of ultrasound guided spinal injections at our clinics which are used in different areas and conditions such as sciatica and facet joint pain.
Our prices vary depending on the type of injection, however back injections such as a Caudal Epidural are priced at £450. All injections at My MSK Clinic are performed under ultrasound guidance. (Please note: if the injection is done during the consultation we waive the consultation fee)
For more information on how much a specific injection costs please visit our pricing page →
If you are considering an Ultrasound Guided spinal Injection, book a consult with us at My MSK Injection Clinic Manchester. The Doctor will perform a thorough examination and suggest whether a Hyaluronic Acid Injection is suitable for you. No GP Referral required.
What's Included in the Cost?
✔ Consultation with Dr Akhtar
✔ Ultrasound Scan and examination
✔ Local Anaesthetic to ensure Comfort throughout the Procedure
✔ Any on-the-day Medications
✔ The Ultrasound Guided Spinal Injection
WHY MYMSK
Why Choose My MSK Clinic for your Ultrasound Guided Injection?
Ultrasound Accuracy
All our injections are done under Ultrasound Guidance.
Same Day Option
Diagnosis and Injections usually done at same appointment
No Waiting List
You can Self Refer directly to MyMSK Clinic – No Referral required.
OUR CLINICS
Where do we offer Spinal Injections?
We treat patients at two clinics in the North West. Easy to reach for Greater Manchester, Wilmslow, Altrincham, Cheshire, Oldham and the wider Lancashire area.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to some common questions regarding Spinal Injections. If you have a different query please contact us.
How much do spinal injections cost at My MSK Clinic in Manchester?
All spinal injections are offered at a fixed, transparent price. Caudal epidural injections are £450. This price includes ultrasound guidance and any on the day medications. When the injection is done during the same consultation we waive the consultation fee bringing the total to £450. For current prices for each injection type, see our pricing page.
What is the difference between an epidural and a facet joint injection?
An epidural injection delivers steroid medication into the epidural space, the space around your spinal nerve roots, to reduce inflammation of the spinal nerves. It is used primarily for sciatica and radicular pain. A facet joint injection targets the small joints between your vertebrae and is used for localised back pain or neck pain originating from those joints. The correct option depends on where your pain is coming from, which Dr Akhtar will assess during your consultation.
Do I need a GP referral for a spinal injection?
No. You can book directly with My MSK Clinic without a GP referral. This means faster access to assessment and treatment.
Are there any side effects or risks with spinal injections?
Common mild effects include discomfort at the injection site, a temporary increase in pain, and temporary numbness in the treated area. Flushing or dizziness may occur after the injection, occasionally with a short-lived change in blood pressure. Serious complications are rare, but infection and nerve injury are recognised risks of any spinal injection, and in very rare cases an allergic reaction to the injected medication may occur. Very rarely, an epidural injection can involve a dural puncture, a small leak of spinal fluid that can cause a severe headache; this usually settles but should be reported to the clinic. If infection is suspected, antibiotic treatment may be required. Steroid medication may temporarily raise blood sugar in diabetic patients.
If you experience worsening symptoms, new leg or arm pain, fever, or signs of infection at the injection site, contact the clinic or seek medical attention immediately. If you are on blood thinning medication, this will be discussed during your assessment.
References:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. NICE guideline [NG59]. 2016, updated 2020. Available at:Â nice.org.uk/guidance/ng59
- Oliveira CB, Maher CG, Ferreira ML, et al. Epidural corticosteroid injections for lumbosacral radicular pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD013577. Available at:Â cochranelibrary.com
Considering a Spinal Injection for Pain Relief in Manchester?
Ultrasound-guided. No GP referral needed. 7 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
PAGE MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY DR AMIR AKHTAR IN AUGUST 2026
Dr Amir Akhtar
Our Reviews
The injection has helped me greatly and I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Akhtar for any treatments in his clinic.
Fantastic service.
I feel much more confident about the treatment plan we discussed. I can highly recommend his service.
Michael P.
I saw Dr Amir Akhtar for a painful recurrence of sesamoiditis / forefoot pain. He assessed the area carefully, used ultrasound to check what was going on, and only proceeded with injection once he was satisfied it was appropriate. I valued that he was clear, direct, and clinically grounded rather than just rushing through the appointment.
He also explained the wider mechanical picture well, including how compensation from other ankle problems may be contributing. The treatment was carried out there and then, and the whole process felt efficient and professional.
A helpful and thorough service. I would recommend them.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this clinic and clinician. It was excellent care. I am pleased to say that I am noticing some improvement in my knee following the injection and am now saving to have my other knee treated. I will definitely be returning to this clinic.
She received ultrasound guided hydrodissection of the Baxter’s nerve, and since the treatment she has reported a really positive improvement. Her pain has reduced significantly, and she feels much better in herself, more comfortable driving and able to go out for walks again, which she hasn’t been able to do for quite some time.
The improvement has been remarkable and we’re very grateful. She has also noticed that she is now able to move her toe more easily, and the pain in her heel at night has reduced, helping her rest more comfortably.
Thank you for the care, support, and treatment it has made a real difference.
I definitely feel the injection has worked and I'm hoping it allows me to get some quality of life back.
Dr AKhtar has your best interests at heart at al time. Dr AKhtar was really thorough when. investigating my hip and knee.
It was so refreshing to meet Dr Akhtar,
I will recommend him to my family and friends should they need a specialist.
I booked my appointment online and got so much more than I expected on the day of my appointment.
The level of detail that things were explained to me in was fantastic but also done in such a way that it wasn’t overwhelming. I’m at the start of a journey to recovery but have so much confidence I am in great hands and off to the best possible start!!
The evening following my appointment I received some emails of; advice, follow up care, recommendations of the best splint to purchase, images taken from my scans and even a copy of my letter that is going to the GP!
What a fantastic service, one would have to wait weeks if not months for this kind of feedback on the NHS and the cost of everything was very reasonable too.
Thank you very much for everything , I really appreciate your time and approach towards my issue.
Thanks 😊
Dr Akhtar was everything you could hope for in a specialist: friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and, most importantly, truly listened. He took the time to understand my pain and concerns, and for the first time since the accident, I genuinely felt hopeful. I’m only 48 hours post-injection, but already the difference in my outlook is huge.
A special thank you goes to Safi, who has been nothing short of exceptional. Safi has handled my endless emails with patience, kindness, and professionalism, and their support has made this whole process so much easier. They genuinely deserve recognition for outstanding customer care.
I was originally going to wait seven days before leaving a review, but honestly, this clinic has already proven itself. I would return here time and time again without hesitation, and I would recommend My MSK to absolutely anyone in need of expert, compassionate care.
Thank you to Dr Akhtar, Safi, and the entire team for giving me hope again. An effortless 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Got an appointment really quickly and the consultation was in depth with a scan showing me the exact problem. Treatment options were given to me with associated costs along with exercises to support in the interim.
Dr Akhtar is really helpful and knowledgeable and I can’t thank him enough for his support which included a direct referral to hospital for other support.
Thank you
I had an amazing experience with this company.
Dr Akhtar was reliable, honest and operates with integrity.
I would highly recommend MYMSK Clinic.
Took my partner to see amir
Could not praise him highly enough
Partner was in pain for 5 days,hardly any sleep.after a few cortisone injections she was able to sleep.
Dr amir tells you the way it is
Did a full report for the gp recommending future action required
Then we got a phone call today of amir to see how my partner was doing.
Dr akhtar very professional in his work
From the very beginning, Dr. Akhtar showed exceptional professionalism, honesty and genuine care, taking the time to explain the procedure in detail and addressing all my concerns.
He explained any symptoms that may occur post injection and the time for it to become effective.
Thank you doctor!
I felt really at ease and was able to explain what was wrong with me in a relaxed atmosphere.
Can ‘t recommend enough
Also the building is so beautiful inside😊
He was very informative about what he was going to do and what was causing the issue.
He was very friendly and I will 100% be recommending his services to anyone that needs help.
I would highly recommend this clinic, very professional staff, with special commendation to Dr Akhtar. An experienced clinician in the field of MSK medicine, a credit to his profession!
However during the consultation Dr Aktar explain that the injection might not be the best course of action, he gave me some excellent advice and explained in detail what was wrong and how that was causing the painful symptoms.
I left feeling much more informed about my situation and after following his instructions my symptoms have improved massively.
I really appreciated the good advice and felt it was far more beneficial than other places who would have just taken my money for the injection and not really considered the actual root cause.
Would recommend to anyone!
certification
GMC Registered Doctor and CQC Regulated Clinic
