Back Pain
Persistent or recurring back pain — what it is, why it happens, and how a consultant can help you get a clear picture and a plan to ease it.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor — most often felt as an ache, stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back.
Most episodes settle within a few weeks, but when pain becomes chronic — lasts longer or keeps coming back — it's worth having it properly assessed. A consultant can find what's driving it and build a plan to ease it.
Symptoms of back pain.
They can come on suddenly or build up over time — and the pattern matters as much as the pain itself. Rarely, back pain comes with warning signs that need urgent care — see 'when to get checked' below.
Why it happens.
Often there's no single cause, and many cases can't be traced to one specific injury. Some things make back pain more likely or more persistent.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Assessed in person by a consultant.
For most back pain, a careful clinical assessment is the starting point. Dr Mohamed Khafaga, Consultant in Anaesthesia & Pain Management, takes a full history and examines you to understand what's driving your pain — and, where it's the right step, can diagnose and begin treatment in the same visit. Imaging or further tests are arranged only when they'll genuinely change the plan.
How back pain is treated.
We start with the least invasive option that's right for you, and every price is published upfront.
A thorough one-to-one assessment to pinpoint the source of your pain and agree a plan together — often with treatment possible in the same visit.
A targeted injection into a tight, painful band of muscle to ease localised pain and help you move more freely.
A targeted injection to calm an irritated nerve — useful for pain that travels from the back into the leg.
An option that uses heat to quieten the small nerves carrying pain signals from the spine, considered when injections have helped but the relief was short-lived.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Will my back pain go away on its own? +
Many short-lived episodes do settle within a few weeks, often with gentle movement. But pain that persists or keeps coming back usually benefits from a proper assessment to find what's driving it.
Do I need a scan for back pain? +
Not always. For most back pain, a careful clinical assessment is enough to guide treatment. Imaging is arranged only when it will genuinely change the plan — so you're not sent for tests you don't need.
Can back pain be diagnosed and treated in one visit? +
Often, yes. Dr Khafaga can assess you and, where it's the right step, begin treatment such as a targeted injection in the same appointment.
What does a back pain consultation cost? +
A consultation with Dr Khafaga is £200. Treatment prices — trigger point injection, nerve block and radiofrequency nerve ablation — are all published upfront, so you'll know the cost before going ahead.
Related reading
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.