Neck (cervical), lower back (lumbar), and chest wall (thoracic) pain can arise suddenly or develop due to chronic degenerative conditions. In many cases — especially when nerve-related — pain is referred away from its source, which can lead to diagnostic confusion. Common examples include thigh pain originating from the lumbar spine, abdominal wall pain stemming from the thoracic region, or shoulder pain driven by cervical pathology.
Timely and accurate assessment is essential. When the origin of pain is misattributed, treatment may focus on the wrong area, delaying diagnosis and allowing symptoms to worsen. This can lead to unnecessary investigations, inappropriate procedures, and, ultimately, poorer outcomes — including the development of chronic pain syndromes with lasting impact.
At GC Sports Med, we specialise in identifying the source of spine and musculoskeletal-related pain, allowing us to restore function and improve quality of life through targeted, effective care.
Cortisone injections may be recommended when both diagnostic clarity and symptom relief are needed.
All cortisone injections are ultrasound-guided for precision. When cortisone is combined with local anaesthetic, a successful reduction in pain after injection confirms the targeted area is the source. If not immediately clear, we may monitor your response over time or with the aid of a pain chart.
Cortisone helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain in conditions like bursitis, tendinopathy, and joint irritation. However, repeated cortisone injections can weaken tendons or cartilage, so we use them sparingly and strategically.
We use cortisone:
✔ To confirm diagnosis when the pain source is unclear
✔ To support rehabilitation when pain limits progress
Cervical/Neck Pain
Neck pain often stems from degeneration in the discs or facet joints, or from muscular tightness related to poor postural habits — particularly in home or work environments.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment including localisation of the primary pain driver
Rehabilitation planning to improve postural control and muscular support
Corticosteroid injections (nerve root or facet joint) for diagnostic clarification and symptom relief
Medial branch block for targeted diagnostic localisation
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for longer-term pain control
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in select cases
Management of chronic pain syndromes
Chronic pain medication prescription, when clinically indicated
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash typically results from sudden acceleration–deceleration forces, most commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents. It may involve soft tissue strain, facet joint irritation, or more complex dysfunction affecting posture or neural structures.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to evaluate severity and rule out serious injury
Short-term use of a cervical collar in select cases
Rehabilitation exercises to improve mobility, strength, and postural control
Pain management strategies, including prescription of chronic pain medications when needed
Thoracic & Chest-Wall Pain
Pain in the thoracic region or chest wall may arise from muscular strain, joint dysfunction (rib-to-spine, rib-to-sternum, or costal cartilage), facet joint irritation, disc pathology, or nerve involvement.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to localise the primary pain driver
Occasional use of bracing or postural support
Rehabilitation exercises focused on breathing mechanics, spinal and rib mobility, and strength
Corticosteroid injections for diagnostic clarification and pain relief (joint, epidural, or nerve root)
Medial branch block for targeted diagnostic localisation
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for longer-term symptom control
Costochondral Joint Injury
This condition involves pain and inflammation at the junctions where rib cartilage connects to the ribs or sternum. It can cause sharp, localised pain that may mimic cardiac or abdominal discomfort.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to localise the primary pain driver
Pain management strategies and activity modification
Rehabilitation exercises focusing on breathing, rib and spinal mobility, and muscular support
Corticosteroid injections for persistent or recurrent pain
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections occasionally used to stabilise hypermobile joints
Costovertebral Joint Pain
This condition involves dysfunction of the joints connecting the ribs to the spine. It is often associated with trauma, poor posture, or inefficient breathing and movement patterns.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to identify the primary source of pain
Rehabilitation exercises to improve breathing mechanics, spinal and rib mobility, and strength
Corticosteroid injections for diagnostic clarification and symptom relief
Medial branch block for targeted diagnostic localisation
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for longer-term symptom control
Pain management strategies tailored to individual presentation
Lumbar/Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, often arising from muscle strain, disc degeneration, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to localise the primary pain source
Rehabilitation exercises to improve core strength, pelvic stability, and spinal flexibility
Corticosteroid injections for diagnostic clarification and pain relief
Peri-neural injections to address nerve-related pain
Medial branch block for targeted diagnostic localisation
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for longer-term pain control
Chronic pain medication management when appropriate
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Pain arising from the sacroiliac joint — which connects the spine to the pelvis — can result from joint degeneration, ligamentous laxity, or altered load transfer. It can be difficult to diagnose and is often confused with other causes of low back, buttock, or upper hamstring pain.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to determine both the pain generator and the underlying mechanism
Rehabilitation to improve pelvic and trunk control, often including pelvic floor retraining
Trial of SIJ bracing (belt) — helpful both diagnostically and symptomatically
Corticosteroid injection remains the gold standard diagnostic test and may relieve pain when precisely delivered to the joint and supporting ligaments
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for longer-term relief in patients with mechanical SIJ pain who respond to lateral branch blocks
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for SIJ incompetence — targeting supporting ligaments and/or the joint itself
Referred / Nerve-Related Pain
Nerve-related pain occurs when spinal nerves are compressed or irritated — often due to disc pathology, joint inflammation, or altered biomechanics. Depending on the nerve involved, pain may be referred to the chest or abdominal wall, pelvis, lower limb, or upper limb, and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to localise the affected nerve and determine the underlying driver
Rehabilitation exercises to improve core and spinal stability and maintain nerve mobility
Corticosteroid injections (e.g. epidural, transforaminal, or nerve root) for diagnostic confirmation and symptom relief
Chronic pain medication management when appropriate
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in the buttock that may radiate down the leg. It can be difficult to distinguish from other causes of sciatic pain and requires targeted assessment.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to confirm diagnosis and identify contributing factors
Specialised rehabilitation exercises to improve pelvic and hip control, along with neural glides to support nerve mobility
Corticosteroid injection with or without hydrodissection to relieve irritation and clarify diagnosis
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to reduce pressure from an enlarged or variant piriformis muscle
Chronic pain medication management when appropriate
Discogenic Pain (Disc Bulge / Herniated Disc)
Discogenic pain arises from structural changes or irritation within a spinal disc — including bulges, herniations, or annular fissures — which may cause local discomfort or nerve-related symptoms.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to confirm disc involvement and rule out other pain drivers
Rehabilitation exercises to improve core strength, pelvic stability, and preserve nerve mobility
Corticosteroid injections (e.g. epidural or transforaminal) for diagnostic clarification and pain relief
Chronic pain medication management as part of a broader treatment plan
Facet Joint-Related Pain & Spinal Osteoarthritis
Facet joint degeneration and spinal osteoarthritis are common causes of localised spinal stiffness and pain, particularly with prolonged sitting, standing, or spinal extension.
Treatment Options:
Comprehensive assessment to localise the pain driver and assess functional impact
Rehabilitation exercises to improve spinal mobility, core strength, and pelvic stability
Corticosteroid injections for both diagnostic clarification and symptom relief
Medial branch block to confirm facet joint involvement
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for longer-term pain control in selected cases
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may occasionally be considered in carefully selected patients
Chronic pain medication management when required
ASSESSMENT
Identifying the likely source of pain through clinical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic imaging or testing. We focus on localising the pain driver and assessing biomechanical and medical risk factors to guide treatment.
REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation, guided by an allied health provider, aims to reduce pain, restore flexibility and function, and improve spinal and pelvic control. Braces may occasionally be used for SIJ or spinal support. Technique errors and postural control issues are identified and addressed where relevant.
MANAGEMENT
Targeted injections may be used for diagnostic clarity or symptom relief. Other treatment strategies — including rehabilitation, lifestyle advice, and medication — are reassessed and progressed during the post-procedure “window of opportunity” for recovery.Targeted injections may be needed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes All other relevant management goals reassessed and then progressed during the post-procedure “window of opportunity” for rehabilitation.
MONITOR
We monitor progress and adapt treatment plans to maintain improvement and reduce the risk of recurrence, ensuring that goals are met and long-term function is optimised.
