Clinically reviewed by: Dr Alan Fayaz
Consultant in pain medicine, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Living with chronic pain or persistent neuropathic (nerve) pain can have a real impact on day-to-day life, affecting daily tasks, social interactions, and mental health.
Our private pain management service can offer comprehensive, consultant-led care suitable for people who have been experiencing chronic pain lasting longer than three months.
Rather than treating pain as a single problem, we focus on the biological and psychological factors that influence long-term pain, helping you regain control and improve your quality of life.
Based at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, one of the world’s highest ranked neuroscience hospitals, our service combines the robust clinical oversight you would expect of a major teaching hospital with the flexibility and personalised experience of private healthcare.
Our specialists support patients with a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including:
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Chronic neck pain
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Chronic back pain including sciatica
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Joint and musculoskeletal pain
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Chronic pelvic pain and abdominal pain
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Neuropathic pain, including nerve damage and pain linked to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis
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Post-surgical nerve pain and post-operative chronic pain
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Facial pain and chronic headache
As a nationally and internationally recognised neurosciences centre, we can also manage rare and complex neurological pain disorders seldom treated elsewhere.
Diagnosing your pain
Many people are searching for answers about their chronic pain or nerve pain. Our consultants focus on identifying the mechanism behind your symptoms to advise you on your options and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Your assessment may include all or some of the following:
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A detailed consultation exploring your history and symptoms
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A tailored neurological examination
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MRI scans
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X-rays
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Nerve conduction tests
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Specialist neurological investigations
Understanding the mechanism of your pain is often more useful than a single diagnostic label, particularly when managing long-term or complex nerve pain conditions. At The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery we have access to all these diagnostic options, and we will be able to provide the most appropriate investigations for your symptoms.
A multidisciplinary approach to pain management
Chronic pain rarely has a single cause. Our service brings together a highly specialised, multidisciplinary team to assess your symptoms and tailor your treatment, which can include:
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Expert pain consultants specialising in neuropathic or neurological pain
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Neurologists with a range of expertise in specific neurological conditions who work directly alongside our pain consultants
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Physiotherapists, who specialise in chronic pain and neuropathic pain treatment or management
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Pain psychologists, who are experts in supporting the emotional aspects of long-term pain
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Support from other services including rheumatology, genetics, neurosurgery, and other specialist services found within UCLH, when required.
This collaborative approach makes sure that every aspect of your pain, whether physical, neurological, or emotional, can be understood and addressed, with the aim of improving or curing your pain.
Leaders in pain medicine
Our consultants contribute to national and international developments in chronic and neuropathic pain care, including:
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Conducting clinical research, such as trials investigating treatments for neuropathic pain, chronic back pain and use of medical cannabis in pain management
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Teaching and examining doctors specialising in pain medicine
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Contributing to national training and education programmes in pain management for other clinicians
This expertise means our patients benefit from the latest thinking and emerging evidence in pain management.
Tailored treatment options for chronic and neuropathic pain
We can recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms, goals, and the underlying source of your pain. Treatment options may include:
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Medication plans tailored to chronic and neuropathic pain
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Targeted injections for nerve pain and musculoskeletal pain
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Physiotherapy designed specifically for chronic pain
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Acupuncture
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Support with lifestyle adjustments, pacing and personalised goal setting
Our psychologists are also available to help patients understand how the brain and nervous system influence chronic and neuropathic pain. The team use evidence-based strategies to calm the nervous system, reduce distress, and improve your day-to-day life.
Flexible appointment options
Patients can choose between virtual, telephone, or face-to-face consultations as long as it is clinically appropriate to do so.
In-person consultations can be arranged whenever a physical examination is required.
Enquire about private pain management
If you are living with chronic pain, nerve pain or neuropathic symptoms and want a personalised plan please get in touch via uclh.
