Blog | Pain & Spine Specialists

Aug1

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain: How It Works and Who Qualifies Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive therapy that places a thin electrode near a specific peripheral nerve to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. It is FDA cleared for chronic pain conditions that have not responded to medication, physical […]

Jul24

Kyphoplasty vs Vertebroplasty for Compression Fractures

Doctor With Paperwork - pain management pocatello

Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty for Spinal Compression Fractures: What to Know Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures that stabilize painful vertebral compression fractures using bone cement. Both take under an hour and often relieve pain within a day. Kyphoplasty adds a balloon step that can restore some lost vertebral height before the cement is placed. […]

Jun29

DRG Stimulation for CRPS and Focal Nerve Pain

DRG Stimulation for CRPS and Focal Nerve Pain DRG stimulation is a form of neuromodulation that targets the dorsal root ganglion, a cluster of sensory nerves near the spine. It delivers precise electrical pulses to specific pain pathways. This focus makes it especially effective for hard-to-treat focal pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in […]

Jun26

Medial Branch Block vs. Facet Joint Injection

Medial Branch Block vs. Facet Joint Injection: What’s the Difference? A facet joint injection places steroid and anesthetic inside the joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. A medial branch block places anesthetic on the small nerves that carry pain signals from the joint, mainly to diagnose the source. Both target facet joint pain, but […]

Jun24

SCS Trial vs. Permanent Implant: How It Works

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial vs. Permanent Implant: How the Two Phases Work A spinal cord stimulator trial is a temporary test using leads placed through a needle, with no incision, worn for about five to seven days. The permanent implant is a minor outpatient surgery that places leads and a battery under the skin. Patients […]

Jun22

Spinal Cord Stimulation: What to Expect

person being examined for pinched nerves from herniated disk

Spinal Cord Stimulation: What to Expect Before, During, and After Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive therapy that uses a small implanted device to send mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Most patients first complete a short trial, then receive a permanent implant […]

May6

Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

woman performing gentle stretch in upper body with starting position

Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Sacroiliac joint pain is caused by inflammation or dysfunction in the joint that connects the base of the spine to the pelvis. It produces pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and sometimes the legs. The condition accounts for up to 25 percent of chronic low back […]

May5

Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain | What To Know in 2026

Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain: What to Expect, How It Works, and Is It Worth It? Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for back pain is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat from radio waves to disrupt specific nerves responsible for sending pain signals. It is most effective for chronic facet joint pain that has not responded […]

Apr8

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome? Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that causes severe, persistent pain, typically in one limb, after an injury, surgery, or trauma. It results from damage to or abnormal functioning of the peripheral and central nervous systems, producing pain that is disproportionately intense compared to the […]

Feb20

How Can I Prevent Back Pain At Work? 10 Expert Tips For 2026

Quick Answer To stop back pain from sitting at work, maintain a neutral spine position, adjust your chair so your feet rest flat on the floor, keep your monitor at eye level, take a brief standing or walking break every 30 to 45 minutes, and strengthen your core muscles through regular exercise. These steps reduce […]