Patients with shooting pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one leg may be suffering from a very common condition called sciatica. It occurs when the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of each leg is compressed or injured, causing pain along the nerve. Spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), a herniated disc, or bone spur on the spine can all press on the sciatic nerve and cause the pain of sciatica. Sciatica symptoms can range from annoying (a leg that feels like ... [Read More]
Sciatica
What Causes Sciatica?
About 40 percent of all people will experience the sensation known as sciatica at some point during our lives. Since this statistic is so staggering, it’s worth spending some time to break down its underlying causes. While most people associate sciatica with the back, the sciatic nerve is quite sizeable (the longest in the body) – running from the lumbar portion of the back, down through the buttocks, to the legs, and just below the knee. Sciatica is when this area becomes painful du ... [Read More]
Sciatica Pain Treatment Options
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that comes from either side of the lower spine and travels through the pelvis and buttocks, along the back of each upper leg before it divides at the knee into branches that go to the feet. As many as 4 out of every 10 people will get sciatica, or irritation of the sciatic nerve, at some point in their life. This can be caused by anything that puts pressure on or irritates this nerve. Sciatica pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation ... [Read More]
2018 Trends in Pain Management
Pain relief is one of the top concerns with patients and physicians alike. With doctors wary of prescribing opioid pain relief and patients taking more ownership of their treatment methods, it’s important to keep a keen eye on trends in pain management options. If you’re involved in the medical field, or are a patient looking for a better way to manage your pain, take a look at this year’s trends. Electrical Stimulation Devices Electrical stimulation therapy is growing to be one of the most eff ... [Read More]
Has spinal stenosis taken the spring out of your step?
Has spinal stenosis taken the spring out of your step? Do you have butt or leg pain that’s worse on standing and walking but then gets some better on bending forward or sitting? Has your doctor recommended yet another back surgery? Some structures in the spinal cord can compress the nerves causing pain and limiting your get up and go. Here at Balcones Pain, we are performing a short, minimally invasive spine procedure that is giving people relief and helping them walk further. Check o ... [Read More]
