Sciatica Injections
Sciatica can be painful, frustrating, and disruptive, often affecting your ability to sit, walk, work, or sleep comfortably. It typically causes pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks and travels down one leg, sometimes accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness.
At Alton Pain Clinic, we offer sciatica injections to help reduce nerve inflammation, relieve pain, and support recovery when conservative treatments alone haven’t been enough.
What Are Sciatica Injections?
Sciatica injections usually involve delivering a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medication) and local anaesthetic close to the irritated nerve causing symptoms. The goal is to reduce inflammation around the nerve, easing pain and allowing the nerve to settle.
Depending on the cause of your sciatica, injections may be targeted to different areas, such as near the affected spinal nerve root or surrounding inflamed tissues. Where appropriate, injections are performed using imaging guidance to ensure accuracy and safety.
Conditions That May Benefit From Sciatica Injections
Sciatica injections may be recommended when symptoms are caused by:
- Disc bulge or herniation pressing on a nerve
- Spinal degeneration or arthritis, causing nerve irritation
- Facet joint inflammation referring pain into the leg
- Muscle-related nerve irritation, such as piriformis involvement
- Persistent sciatica that has not improved with physiotherapy or medication
These injections are not designed to “mask” pain, but to reduce inflammation so healing and rehabilitation can progress more effectively.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your appointment begins with a thorough consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, and how the pain is affecting your daily life. A physical examination will help identify nerve involvement, and imaging may be reviewed if already available.
If a sciatica injection is appropriate, the procedure is explained clearly before proceeding. The injection itself is typically quick and well tolerated. Most patients are able to go home shortly afterwards, with advice to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.
Pain relief may begin within a few days, although in some cases it can take up to two weeks to feel the full benefit.
Benefits of Sciatica Injections
- Reduced nerve inflammation and pain
- Improved ability to move and function
- Supports physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
- Targeted treatment focused on the source of pain
Many patients find that reducing pain allows them to move more confidently, improve posture, and engage fully in recovery exercises.
Part of a Wider Treatment Plan
Sciatica injections work best as part of a broader care plan. This may include physiotherapy, core strengthening, posture advice, and activity modification. Our focus at Alton Pain Clinic is not only short-term relief, but long-term improvement and prevention of recurring symptoms.
What our patients say
FAQs
How quickly will a sciatica injection work?
Some patients notice relief within a few days, while others may take up to two weeks to feel full benefit.
How long does the relief last?
Relief can last weeks or months. Results vary depending on the underlying cause and how well rehabilitation is followed.
Is the injection painful?
Most patients describe mild discomfort rather than pain. Local anaesthetic helps keep the procedure comfortable.
How many sciatica injections can I have?
This depends on your condition, but injections are usually limited to a small number per year. Your clinician will advise.
Will I still need physiotherapy?
Yes. Physiotherapy is often essential to address the underlying cause and reduce the risk of symptoms returning.