Question
Hello Dr. Newhart,
My new grandson was born with a sacral dimple. He seems to be okay but we are waiting for the ultrasound results. I have Spina Bifida Oculta. While researching my grandsons condition, I came across a question from "Sandra" to you about SBO and leg pain. In the early 90s, I began experiencing bilateral leg heaviness/discomfort while climbing stairs, inclines, and while doing repetitive motion leg exercises, such as, side lying leg lifts. The heaviness and burning subsided completely about 30 seconds after I stopped the exercise. I needed no pain medication. It seems to have followed an extremely extensive exercise session of power walking while squatting.(stupid!) In 1999 I had a C spine discectomy and fusion and within 2 months the pain in my legs progressed to constant pain, even without movement.  I have been taking a long acting morphine for many years.
For almost 20 years I have been searching for the cause of this pain. I have had several dx from renouned NYC doctors and every treatment available, including epidurals for HNP, facet inj, SI inj, several rounds of PT, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and massage therapy. All with no pain relief. I have asked if the SBO could be causing my spmptoms and have always told it cannot? I have asked if the increased pain could be related to the C spine surgery? Also "No".
My symptoms are B buttock pain  and burning, diffuse leg pain, burning, and weakness exacerbated by sitting on hard surfaces or standing for long periods. I have occasional spasms which begin in my buttocks and move down my legs during which time I must sit down because my legs will not support me.  The spasms are terrifying. I wake every morning with leg tingling and sometimes burning caused by lying on my side with my knees bent. These sx subside when I straighten my legs or stand. I think my urinary urgency is secondary to my age, 63 years.
Can my symptoms be related to SBO? What are your recommendations?
I am extremely eager to hear back from you. Where are located?
Thank you, Sandra

Answer
It is possible to be related (I also have SBO, and low back pain), but I have also found a few factors that may contribute:
You mention when you stand it improves.  There are 2 muscles on the front side of the spine, the Iliacus, and the Psoas.  Both of these can contribute to the pain you feel if they are chronically tight.  I would suggest stretching them (http://www.floota.com/PsoasStretch2.html) over the course of a few days and see if there is relief.
Myofascial release also works well in these conditions to ease some of the tension that may be contributing to your pain.