In this episode of Chronic Pain Tips for Patients, Dr. Yuri Martins discusses superior cluneal neuralgia, an often-overlooked cause of chronic low back and upper buttock pain. This small sensory nerve problem can sometimes mimic sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, or arthritis in the spine, which is why the diagnosis may be missed.

Dr. Martins explains where the superior cluneal nerves are located, how they can become irritated or trapped near the iliac crest, what symptoms patients may notice, and why imaging studies do not always reveal the true source of pain. He also reviews how this condition is diagnosed, including the role of a focused physical examination and diagnostic nerve block.

The episode also covers treatment options such as superior cluneal nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and, in selected cases, surgical decompression. Dr. Martins discusses the potential risks of these procedures and why identifying the correct pain generator is essential for creating a more precise treatment plan.

If you have chronic low back or upper buttock pain that has not improved with standard treatments, this episode may help you understand whether superior cluneal neuralgia is worth discussing with your pain physician.

To learn more about chronic pain conditions and available treatment options, visit www.ycmartins.com or call Dr. Martins’ clinic to schedule an evaluation.

In this episode of Chronic Pain Tips for Patients, Dr. Yuri Martins discusses whether sauna, hot baths, infrared heat, and other hyperthermia therapies can help chronic pain. He explains the difference between traditional sauna, infrared sauna, warm-water therapy, balneotherapy, whole-body hyperthermia, and localized heat treatments. The episode reviews where the evidence is strongest, including fibromyalgia and knee osteoarthritis, where the benefits are more modest, such as chronic low back pain, and why patients with neuropathy or reduced sensation should be cautious. Dr. Martins also discusses practical safety tips, realistic expectations, and why heat therapy should be viewed as an adjunct to a broader pain management plan rather than a stand-alone cure.

For more chronic pain education and tips, visit www.ycmartins.com or contact my clinic to schedule an evaluation.

In this episode of Chronic Pain Tips for Patients, Dr. Yuri Martins explains facet joint pain, a common but often misunderstood cause of chronic neck and low back pain. You will learn what facet joints are, how they can cause pain, why MRI findings alone may not identify the true pain source, and how medial branch blocks are used to help diagnose facet-related pain.

Dr. Martins also explains radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, including how the procedure is performed, why sensory and motor testing may be used, what patients may feel afterward, and what risks and complications should be considered. This episode is designed to help patients better understand the step-by-step process of medial branch blocks followed by RFA and why careful patient selection is so important.

To learn more about chronic pain conditions and treatment options, visit www.ycmartins.com.