An Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine Practice

An Interventional Pain & Sports
Medicine Practice

Unlock Pain-Free Living with Solutions for Hip and Back Pain

Patient suffering from chronic hip and back pain

If you would seek health, look first to the spine.” This quote, attributed to Socrates, speaks to the central role that the spine plays in our overall well-being. If the ancient Greek philosopher were around today, he might have added, “and also look to the hips because it’s all connected.”

If you are suffering from nagging hip or back pain, those words couldn’t be truer. In a condition called “hip-spine syndrome,” or HiSS, people often experience pain simultaneously in their lower back and hip area, making it painful to walk, sit and even sleep.

Medical researchers first identified HiSS in the early 1980s as a perplexing condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat. Especially as the Baby Boomer generation ages, the syndrome has become increasingly prevalent. Understanding its various causes, symptoms and treatment options is key to finding relief and improving your quality of life.

As pain management specialists, we at the Barr Center for Innovative Pain and Regenerative Therapies recognize the complex nature of lower body pain arising from hip-spine syndrome. Our patient-centric approach to lower back and hip pain relief begins and ends with you, the patient. If you think you might be suffering from hip-spine syndrome, we can help.

Our dedicated team will oversee your entire journey from diagnosis to treatment. First, we evaluate the root causes of your dysfunction starting with watching you walk, in addition to assessing joint mechanics, muscle, ligament, tendon function and even how your nervous system is functioning.We assess contributing factors in the lower leg, hip, pelvis and lower back.We may discuss how hormone changes and inflammation contribute to HiSS.Then we will recommend how to address these issues and get you back to living pain free.

Our mission is to work a little “pain magic” at every visit, offering innovative, non-surgical and opioid-free therapies designed to bring you lasting relief. We also work collaboratively with many local providers to help produce faster results.

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A closer look at hip-spine syndrome

HiSS typically causes pain in the hip and buttock areas. To diagnose the condition, we begin with a comprehensive biomechanical assessment. Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be ordered to examine the spine, pelvis, and hips. Additionally, diagnostic ultrasound can help assess tendon dysfunction and bursitis. The causes of hip-spine syndrome vary and may include degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis in the hip or lumbar spine, alignment issues, muscle imbalances, poor posture, or compensation from previous injuries.

Symptoms to watch out for include pain in the lower back and hip region that can radiate down the leg, as well as pain that worsens with activity or prolonged sitting and lying on the painful side. Other signs include difficulty with hip movement, such as bending or rotating and stiffness in the lower back and hips.

Treatment methods

Most effective treatment options for HiSS are non-surgical and may include:

Osteopathic manipulation, trigger point injections and dry needling are often used early on.Identifying weak and inhibited muscles and using techniques to strengthen them with physical therapy can be very helpful.Treatment should hinge on exercises to improve flexibility, strengthen core muscles (including the pelvic floor) and optimize hip and spine alignment.Normalizing subtle gait dysfunction by identifying old foot, ankle or knee issues is also key, as is correcting subtle muscle firing pattern dysfunction that may result from old injuries. Ultrasound or X-ray guided steroid injections may help with bursitis and sacroiliitis. Prolotherapy injections address ligament and joint laxity and PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) and PRFM (plate-rich fabric matrix) with or without ozone can be very helpful in healing worn and torn gluteal tendons. One may also benefit from lifestyle changes such as maintaining good posture, sleep habits, limiting sitting and managing weight. It is also helpful to identify food issues that contribute to inflammation. Our affiliates at Hang 10 Drips IV Infusions & Wellness Solutions offer a “Healthy Start” program that focuses on food sensitivity and micronutrient assessment testing to help identify potential triggers and nutrient gaps. Menopause-related hormone changes can also be a factor as estrogen plays a part in fighting inflammation. In more severe cases, spinal injections or lumbar spine surgery and hip replacement may be necessary.

Help is available

While chronic hip and back pain can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Pathways to relief can be found, whether through physical therapy, pain management or more advanced treatments. If you are living with pain, don’t wait a day longer. Contact us at the Barr Center and take the first step toward a more comfortable and active life.

INNOVATIVE PAIN & REGENERATIVE THERAPIES
INNOVATIVE PAIN & REGENERATIVE THERAPIES
Expert care for spine, joint, nerve, sports injuries, and chronic pain.

Find Relief From the Conditions Holding You Back

Dr. Lisa Barr is a leading pain management physician in Virginia Beach with over 35 years of experience diagnosing and treating spine, joint, nerve, and musculoskeletal pain. As a Board Certified PM&R specialist, she focuses on whole-body, non-surgical solutions that uncover the true root cause of pain. She is also the international bestselling author of Outsmart Your Pain and one of the region’s most experienced experts in regenerative medicine, PRP, and advanced biologic therapies.

Spinal Conditions
  • Neck Pain
  • Mid Back Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Pain
  • SacroiIiac Joint Pain
  • Hypermobility
  • Myofascial Pain
    • Trigger Point
      injections
    • What is Sarapin?
  • Fibromyalgia
  • EOS/Hypermobility
    Syndrome
  • Autoimmunity
    • LDN (Low dose
      Natrexone)
    • Testing
  • Prolotherapy
  • Neuroprolotherapy
  • Neural Therapy
  • Cold Laser
  • Entrapment Neuropathy
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Radial & Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
    • Lower Extremity Entrapment
    • Occipital Neuritis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
    • Fatty Acid Testing & Specialized Therapies
    • Cold Laser
    • Nutritional Support
  • Neck Pain
  • Mid Back Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Pain
  • SacroiIiac Joint Pain
  • Hypermobility
  • Inner Arsenal
  • Vagus Nerve Support
  • Power over Pain Mindset
  • Breathing Practices
Resources

Chronic Pain Management Articles

Barr Center Video Playlist

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OVERVIEW

The Barr Center for Innovative Pain and Regenerative Therapies, led by Dr. Lisa Barr, is dedicated to helping people in pain. With over forty years of experience, Dr. Barr and her staff offer a range of evaluation and treatment options, including osteopathic assessment, trigger point injections, prolotherapy, and regenerative therapies. They prioritize a caring atmosphere and involve patients in their own care, ensuring they understand the recommended treatments. If necessary, they collaborate with other professionals to provide a comprehensive approach. Dr. Barr’s expertise has been recognized with the Top Doc award for thirty years.

FAQ

Pain Management and Treatment

The Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies is located at:

933 First Colonial Road, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Phone: 757-578-2260
Email: info@BarrCenter.com

Monday–Thursday: 8:30 am–5:00 pm

Friday: Closed (note: physician on call)

Not always. Some insurance plans—especially HMOs—require a referral before seeing a specialist. To confirm what your specific plan requires, call your insurance provider or contact our office at 757-578-2260.

We accept most major insurance plans (except Medicaid). If your plan requires a referral or pre-authorization to see a specialist, you will need one for your first visit. After your initial consultation, our office obtains any future pre-authorizations, sometimes with assistance from your referring provider. Visit our Patient Resources page for details.

Yes. We offer telemedicine visits for certain appointment types, including follow-up visits and treatment discussions. Some procedures require in-office evaluation, and our team will help determine whether a virtual visit is appropriate.

Conditions and Treatment Questions

Led by pain management specialist Lisa Barr, M.D., the Barr Center provides comprehensive musculoskeletal and pain treatments including:

• Acupuncture
• Mind-body medicine and lifestyle optimization
• Interventional spinal procedures
• Sports medicine
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine (PRP, prolotherapy)

We treat a wide range of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Neck, shoulder, hip, back, and knee pain
• Sports injuries and repetitive strain conditions
• Posture, sleep, and movement-related pain
• Car accident injuries, including whiplash

Our approach provides proven alternatives to surgery and long-term medications through targeted injections, hands-on physical therapy, acupuncture, lifestyle guidance, and regenerative medicine.

If your pain is persistent, recurring, or limiting daily activities, it is time for an evaluation. We assess how your joints move, how your muscles function, and whether lifestyle factors are contributing to your symptoms.

We offer a comprehensive, root-cause approach to pain in a boutique practice setting.

Our team is highly specialized, and we combine interventional pain medicine, regenerative therapies, physical therapy, and whole-person care—all under one roof.

Our team includes board-certified physicians, licensed physical therapists, regenerative medicine specialists, acupuncture providers, and experienced clinical support staff with focused expertise in musculoskeletal medicine and pain management.

Preparing for your First Appointment

To help make your first visit efficient, please bring:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• Referral (if required by your insurance)
• Completed new-patient paperwork
• Co-pay, if applicable

If you have MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, or lab results, please have your referring provider fax them to our office. You may also download our Medical Records Request Form to expedite the process.

Experiencing Pain? Reach Out For Medication-Free Treatment