Boise Chronic Leg Pain Surgeon
Causes, Treatments, and Guidance from Boise Neurosurgeon, Dr. Kelly Bridges
UNPARALLELED SERVICE – EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS
Why Choose Dr. Kelly Bridges
Choosing the right spine specialist makes all the difference in outcome and experience. Dr. Kelly Bridges is a board-certified neurosurgeon with advanced fellowship training in spine surgery. Her approach is grounded in compassion, precision, and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Bridges is dedicated to excellence in patient care, maintaining the highest standards in every aspect of her practice.
Patients consistently remark on her attentiveness and the time she spends explaining every step of the process. She prioritizes patient education, ensuring individuals understand both their diagnosis and their options before making decisions. Dr. Bridges collaborates closely with other orthopaedic surgeons to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for each patient.
Dr. Bridges’ practice attracts patients from across Idaho and beyond, not only for her surgical expertise but for her thoughtful, patient-centered care that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and trust.
![Understanding Chronic Leg Pain]()
Introduction to Spine-Related Leg Pain
Leg pain can take many forms—burning, tingling, aching, or sharp and radiating sensations that can make even simple tasks difficult. While occasional soreness after physical activity is common, pain that persists for weeks or months often points to an underlying condition that deserves medical attention. For some, this pain stems from the joints, muscles, or blood vessel problems, but for many others, the true cause lies in the spine.
At Dr. Kelly Bridges’ neurosurgery practice, patients receive individualized evaluations to uncover spine-related causes of chronic leg pain. The practice focuses on identifying and treating these spinal causes of leg pain, helping patients find relief through a combination of non-surgical and surgical options. The goal is to restore comfort and function through a personalized care plan that always begins with conservative options and advances to surgery only when necessary, ensuring the best care for every patient.
Understanding Leg Pain
Spine-related leg pain can originate anywhere along the complex network of nerves, muscles, and bones that make up the lower extremities. However, many cases actually begin in the lumbar spine—the lower back—where nerves branch out from the spinal column and travel to the legs. Lumbar spine issues are commonly a cause of leg pain.
When one of these nerves becomes compressed or irritated, pain may radiate down the leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or discomfort. This type of pain, known as radiculopathy or sciatica, can result from conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
Because symptoms often overlap with other causes—such as vascular issues, arthritis, or muscle strain—a careful diagnosis is essential to ensure patients receive the right treatment and avoid unnecessary procedures. A careful diagnosis is also crucial to properly treat the underlying cause of chronic leg pain.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The most common spinal causes of leg pain include:
- Herniated or Bulging Discs – When the soft inner core of a disc presses on a nearby nerve root, it can cause sharp, radiating pain down the leg.
- Spinal Stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves, often worsening with standing or walking.
- Spondylolisthesis – A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, leading to nerve compression and instability.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Over time, discs lose hydration and flexibility, leading to inflammation and nerve irritation.
- Fractures – Fractures, resulting from trauma, overuse, or diseases, can also be a source of chronic leg pain, often presenting with symptoms like pain and swelling.
Other factors such as previous injuries, poor posture, obesity, or repetitive strain can aggravate spinal changes and increase the risk of developing chronic pain. Knee and hip conditions may also contribute to leg pain and should be evaluated. In some cases, vascular or musculoskeletal issues may coexist with spinal causes, making comprehensive evaluation critical.
Common Questions About Surgery for Chronic Leg Pain
Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Chronic leg pain caused by spinal conditions often presents differently than pain from muscle fatigue or injury. Key symptoms may include:
- Shooting or electric-like pain radiating from the lower back to the thigh, calf, or foot
- Numbness or tingling in one or both legs
- Muscle weakness such as difficulty lifting the foot (foot drop) or flexing the hip
- Pain that worsens when standing, walking, or bending
- Relief when sitting or leaning forward
If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or are accompanied by weakness or loss of balance, it’s time to seek evaluation. Early consultation with a specialist can be key to eliminating pain and restoring function. Sudden changes in bladder or bowel control require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis begins with listening. Dr. Bridges takes time to understand each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. A thorough physical exam is performed to assess strength, reflexes, and nerve function. During the exam, the form and function of the lower extremity are evaluated, including how bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together to form the joint and support movement.
Imaging studies such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays are often used to visualize the spine and identify areas of nerve compression or degeneration. In select cases, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity studies (NCV) may be ordered to assess how well electrical signals are traveling through the nerves.
This detailed evaluation allows Dr. Bridges to determine whether the leg pain is truly spine-related or if another condition is contributing to the symptoms. In some cases, collaboration with orthopedics, Neurology, and Vascular Surgery may be necessary for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Treatment for leg pain depends on the underlying cause, severity, and how the pain impacts daily life. Whenever possible, Dr. Bridges collaborates closely with trusted local physicians to ensure patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care while developing individualized treatment plans for each patient to ensure optimal patient care and maximize benefits throughout the healing process.
Nonsurgical treatments may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen core and back muscles
- Anti-inflammatory or nerve pain medications
- Epidural steroid injections or targeted nerve blocks
- Lifestyle modifications and posture training
Advanced treatment options are available for appropriate cases, offering less tissue disruption and faster recovery.
When conservative care is no longer effective and significant nerve compression or weakness is present, surgical intervention may be recommended. Common spine procedures for chronic leg pain include lumbar decompression or spinal fusion, which can be performed using advanced techniques. These approaches to orthopedic surgery and general surgery help reduce recovery time, minimize discomfort, and support a smoother healing process.
Recovery and Long-Term Management
Recovery times vary depending on the type of treatment and the individual’s overall health. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within weeks of a decompression procedure. Physical therapy often continues postoperatively to restore flexibility, build strength, and protect the spine from future strain.
For those traveling to Idaho for spine surgery, Dr. Bridges and her team provide practical recovery planning and coordination with local providers to ensure continuity of care. Long-term success depends on maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and following ergonomic best practices in daily activities.
Our practice is dedicated to supporting our patients throughout every stage of the recovery and healing process, helping people return to their daily lives with confidence.
Regaining Comfort and Confidence
Chronic leg pain can slowly chip away at independence and quality of life—but effective solutions exist. Our practice helps patients with both back and leg pain, including those suffering from chronic back pain due to spinal degeneration, pinched nerves, or degenerative disc disease. With accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and careful follow-up, many patients find relief and return to the activities they love.
Whether you live in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, or Caldwell; or are considering traveling to Idaho for expert spine care, Dr. Kelly Bridges and her team are committed to helping you move forward with confidence and renewed strength. If you suffer with spine-related leg pain, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.