Neck pain, also known as cervical pain, can develop from disc herniation, arthritis, spinal stenosis, muscle strain, or nerve compression in the cervical spine. Symptoms may include stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, or radiating pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms. Persistent cervical pain that lasts more than several weeks should be evaluated to determine whether the cause is muscular or related to structural spine changes. At MD Spine Care in San Antonio, we assess the underlying source of neck pain and recommend conservative treatment options whenever appropriate before considering surgery.

Lower back pain, or lumbar pain, is one of the most common reasons patients seek evaluation. It may result from degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal instability, arthritis, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Symptoms can range from localized aching to sharp pain that worsens with movement. Identifying whether the pain is mechanical, inflammatory, or nerve-related is critical for determining the right treatment approach. Patients in San Antonio experiencing persistent lower back pain may benefit from imaging and a comprehensive spine evaluation.

A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and irritates nearby nerves. In the cervical spine, this may cause neck pain and arm symptoms. In the lumbar spine, it may cause lower back pain and sciatica. Symptoms often include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Many herniated discs improve with conservative care, including physical therapy and medication. However, persistent or worsening neurological symptoms may require further evaluation to determine whether surgical treatment is necessary.

Sciatica refers to nerve-related pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg. It is typically caused by compression of the sciatic nerve due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. Symptoms may include sharp leg pain, burning sensations, numbness, or weakness. While many cases improve with conservative treatment, prolonged or progressive symptoms should be evaluated by a spine specialist in San Antonio to prevent long-term nerve damage.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that places pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. In the lumbar spine, this often causes leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking that improves when sitting. In the cervical spine, it may cause balance issues or hand weakness. Spinal stenosis typically develops gradually due to age-related degenerative changes. Treatment may include physical therapy, injections, or surgical decompression depending on severity and symptom progression.

Spinal fractures may occur due to trauma, falls, motor vehicle accidents, or weakened bones from osteoporosis. Symptoms can include sudden back pain, limited mobility, and tenderness over the affected area. Some fractures are stable and may heal with bracing and conservative care, while others may require surgical stabilization. Early diagnosis is important to prevent further instability or nerve compression. Patients in San Antonio who experience back pain after trauma should seek evaluation promptly.

Motor vehicle accidents and traumatic injuries can cause disc injuries, ligament damage, spinal instability, or fractures. Even when initial imaging appears normal, persistent back or neck pain following an accident should not be ignored. Symptoms may develop gradually as inflammation increases. A thorough spine evaluation can determine whether structural injury or nerve compression is present and guide appropriate treatment to prevent chronic pain.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis becomes inflamed or unstable. SI joint pain is often felt in the lower back or buttock and may mimic sciatica. Pain typically worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or transitioning from sitting to standing. Accurate diagnosis is essential because SI joint pain can be mistaken for lumbar disc problems. Treatment may include physical therapy, injections, or minimally invasive stabilization procedures when conservative measures fail.