Pain management at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital

Living with persistent pain can affect every aspect of daily life, from your mobility and work to your emotional wellbeing and quality of sleep. At Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, our specialist pain management service provides expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment for patients experiencing chronic and complex pain conditions.

Acute pain is a normal response to injury, illness or surgery and usually improves as the body heals. However, when pain continues beyond the expected recovery period, typically for more than three to six months, it is classified as chronic pain. Chronic pain can have a significant impact on both physical and mental wellbeing and often requires specialist assessment and management.

Our pain management service is delivered by Dr Shamim Haider and Dr Kaiser Rahman. Together, they provide a comprehensive, personalised approach to helping patients better understand and manage their pain. Drawing on extensive experience in pain medicine and anaesthesia, they combine advanced interventional treatments with a holistic approach that considers rehabilitation, medication management and lifestyle factors.

Every patient receives a thorough assessment, including review of symptoms, medical history, diagnostic imaging and previous treatments. The goal is to identify the likely source of pain and develop an individualised treatment plan that may include conservative therapies, pain-relieving procedures or a combination of approaches.

Conditions we can help with

Our pain management consultants assess and treat a wide range of persistent pain conditions, including:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica and nerve root pain
• Facet joint pain
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Neuropathic (nerve-related) pain
• Post-surgical pain syndromes
• Cervicogenic headaches (neck-related headaches)
• Chronic shoulder pain
• Suprascapular nerve pain
• Chronic knee pain
• Pain following knee replacement surgery
• Persistent spinal pain
• Selected peripheral nerve pain conditions

Treatment options

Following a detailed consultation, your consultant may recommend a range of treatments tailored to your individual condition and goals. Treatment options may include:

• Comprehensive consultant-led pain assessment
• Medication review and optimisation
• Rehabilitation and self-management strategies
• Image-guided spinal injections
• Epidural injections
• Nerve blocks
• Facet joint injections
• Sacroiliac joint injections
• Radiofrequency treatments (radiofrequency denervation/ablation)
• Genicular nerve blocks for knee pain
• Soft tissue and peripheral nerve injections.
• Follow-up consultations and ongoing pain management support

Many procedures are performed using imaging guidance, including fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound, to help ensure precise treatment delivery where clinically appropriate.

Importantly, not every patient requires an injection or procedure. All treatment recommendations are based on careful clinical assessment, evidence-based practice and discussion of the potential benefits, limitations and alternatives available.

What to expect from your consultation

Your initial consultation will involve:

1. A detailed review of your symptoms and medical history.
2. Assessment of any previous treatments, investigations or scans.
3. Discussion of the likely causes of your pain.
4. A personalised treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
5. A written report and recommendations following your appointment.

If you are considering an injection or interventional procedure, your consultant will explain the potential benefits, risks and alternatives, helping you make an informed decision about your care.

How to book an appointment

Choose an option that works for you:

While a GP or specialist referral may be helpful, it is not always required. If a procedure is recommended, our team will provide clear information about treatment options and associated costs.

We aim to provide high-quality, compassionate care in a welcoming environment, helping you take the next step towards better pain control, improved mobility and enhanced quality of life.

Meet our pain management consultants

Consultant in pain medicine and anaesthesia with extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of chronic pain conditions. Dr Haider provides personalised care using a combination of evidence-based pain management strategies and advanced interventional procedures.

Consultant in pain medicine and anaesthesia with expertise in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions. Dr Rahman offers a patient-centred approach, combining comprehensive assessment with advanced treatment options to improve quality of life and function.