We encourage all prospective patients to ask questions. Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding our procedures.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain That We Treat

1. Sciatica
   One of the common causes of lower back and hip pain
   Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain are typically pain from the lower back radiating into the hip and leg.
   Sciatic pain is the result of an irritation of the sciatic nerve.
   
   
2. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
   A narrowing of the spinal canal which can result in pressure on spinal nerves.
   
   
3. Herniated disc
   The discs act as cushions between the vertebral bones of the spine.
   One or more of these can rupture or herniate causing pressure and irritation of nearby nerves - commonly known as a pinched nerve. A ruptured disc can also release chemical irritants resulting in nerve pain. Anti-inflammatory steroids and anesthetics injected into the affected areas can help reduce swelling and irritation.
   
   
4. Degenerative disc disease
   A deterioration or shrinking of the disc which lessens it’s ability to act as a cushion.
   This can lead to backache and even severe back pain when accompanied by pinched nerves.
   
   
5. Sacroiliac Joint pain
   The sacroiliac joint is where the spine joins the pelvis.
   Irritation or degenerative changes in the joint can cause low back pain
   
   
6. Muscle Spasms
   Causes stiffness, pain and tenderness in the lower back
   Usually results from back strain
   Often accompanies many of the above conditions
   
   
7. Facet Joint Disease
   Degeneration of the stabilizing joints between the vertebrae

Goals

1. Lower back pain relief
   
2. Relieve back pain before it turns into chronic back pain
3. Avoid surgery
   

Treatments

1. Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection-
   Used to treat pain from herniated discs and sciatica. Anti-inflammatory steroids and anesthetic medications are placed around the affected nerves near the disc.
   
   
2. Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection-
   Similar to a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection except done at the base of the spine
   
   
3. Facet Joint Injection-
   Used to treat pain from the facet joints between the vertebrae.
   Medications are injected into the joints or onto the nerves serving the joints.
   
   
4. Sacroiliac Joint Injection-
   Used to treat painful conditions affecting the sacroiliac joint which is the region where the spine joins the pelvis.
   
   
5. Trigger Point Injections-
   Used to treat areas of painful muscle spasm.