Brain and Spine Treatment

Whether you’re suffering from a back injury, enduring a long-term spine condition or living with the realities of normal wear and tear, our neurosurgeons and spine doctors at Valley Baptist Health System can help. We offer convenient access to a comprehensive range of spine pain treatment options to treat conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, back fractures, neck and spine abnormalities and more in Brownsville and Harlingen, TX.

Advanced Brain and Spine Care, Close to Home.

At Valley Baptist Health System, our Brain and Spine Program offers comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions. From complex brain surgeries to minimally invasive spine procedures, our team of experienced neurosurgeons, neurologists and specialized support staff provides personalized, compassionate care using advanced technology.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain or other symptoms that follow the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in the lower back and runs through the buttocks, down the back of each leg and into the foot. When the nerve or the spinal roots that form it are irritated or compressed, it may cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot. The pain often affects only one side of the body and may feel sharp, burning or like a deep ache.

Sciatica may develop from several brain and spine conditions. One cause is a herniated disc that presses on the nerve. Other possible causes include spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing), osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis (a slipped vertebra), muscle spasms or inflammation near the lower spine or pelvis. In some cases, no clear cause is found. Less common causes may include tumors, infections or nerve injury from trauma or injections placed too close to the nerve.

Sciatica may also be linked to piriformis syndrome, where the muscle near the hip irritates the sciatic nerve. This may occur with overuse or inflammation of the muscle. Each person’s symptoms and cause may vary, so a proper medical evaluation is important. How To Treat Sciatica?

Treatment for sciatica depends on the cause, the severity of the symptoms and the duration of the condition. Many cases improve with time and simple measures, while others may require more involved care.

Noninvasive Treatments

Your doctor may recommend noninvasive treatment options at first to help relieve pain and improve function:

• Rest and activity changes – Short-term rest may help ease pain, but staying in bed too long can worsen symptoms. It helps to avoid activities that strain the back and to change positions often when sitting or standing.
• Cold or heat packs – These can be applied to the lower back to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) are commonly used. In some cases, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications or short-term corticosteroids.
• Physical therapy – A therapist can guide you through gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the back, hips and legs. This may also include posture training and lifting techniques to reduce strain.
• Spinal manipulation and massage – Some people find relief through manual therapy, such as deep tissue massage.

Invasive Treatments

If noninvasive treatments don’t provide enough relief or if there’s significant nerve compression or weakness, more invasive options may be considered. Surgery may be recommended only if symptoms last longer than several weeks despite noninvasive sciatica treatment or if there’s weakness, loss of function or signs of nerve damage. A doctor will evaluate your condition to help decide the best approach.

• Epidural steroid injections – A doctor may inject medication near the spine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Minimally invasive spine surgery – This may be an option when there is a clear structural cause, like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. These surgeries may sometimes be done through small incisions using specialized tools to limit muscle damage and reduce recovery time. Procedures include:
  • Discectomy – Removing the part of a herniated disc pressing on the nerve.
  • Laminectomy – Removing a small section of bone to ease pressure on the nerve.
  • Spinal fusion – In some cases, fusing two or more vertebrae may help stabilize the spine.

Who Is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

A person may be a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery if their existing spine condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, has been clearly identified as the source of their symptoms and has not improved with nonsurgical treatments like medication or physical therapy.