What is Discogenic Low Back Pain?

Discogenic pain is pain that originates from a damaged intervertebral disc — the soft,
shock-absorbing structure between the bones (vertebrae) of your spine. With ageing or injury, discs may dehydrate, tear, or degenerate, causing inflammation and pain in the lower back. Unlike nerve root compression (sciatica), this type of pain typically remains localised to the
lower back and does not radiate into the legs.

What are the symptoms?

You may experience:

  • Central or one-sided lower back pain
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending forward, or lifting
  • Stiffness in the lower back, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting
  • Temporary relief when lying down or walking
  •  No significant leg symptoms (unlike sciatica)

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

  • A thorough clinical history and examination
  • Evaluation of pain patterns related to posture, movement, and loading of the spine
  • Imaging (MRI scans) may show signs of disc degeneration or internal disc disruption, but these findings are common and do not always correlate with pain
  • Diagnosis is often made clinically, based on symptom patterns and the exclusion of
    other causes

What treatments do we offer?

We focus on evidence-based, non-surgical approaches to relieve discogenic low back pain and improve your quality of life:

1. Medication Optimisation

  • We review your current medication and support safer, more effective use
  • Our clinic does not prescribe opioids or pregabalin, in line with local guidelines
  • We work with your GP if changes or deprescribing are needed

2. Image-Guided Injections

  • In select cases, we may offer Nerve root block and Epidurals steroid injections to
    reduce inflammation and pain
  • These injections are used with care and only when clinically appropriate

3. Nerve Blocks or Radiofrequency Treatment

  • If pain is partly related to associated structures like the facet joints or nerve roots,
    we may offer targeted procedures such as:
    o Lumbar Medial branch blocks
    o Radiofrequency denervation
    o Nerve root blocks
  • These can help interrupt pain pathways and support rehabilitation

4. Rehabilitation & Self-Management Support

  • We provide advice on pain pacing, posture correction, and movement strategies
  • Where appropriate, we may recommend or refer for physiotherapy or exercise
    therapy to strengthen the spine and improve function

What to expect from treatment

  • Many patients find that discogenic pain improves gradually with the right
    combination of physical strategies and medical support
  • Injection treatments, when used, are minimally invasive and performed as day
    procedures
  • Our aim is to help you return to activity, reduce reliance on medication, and avoid
    surgery whenever possible