Back and neck pain are among the most common medical complaints in the United States. While many cases improve with rest or conservative care, persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying spine condition.

At MD Spine Care in San Antonio, patients are evaluated to determine whether pain is muscular, disc-related, nerve-related, or caused by spinal instability. Accurate diagnosis is essential to developing the right treatment plan.

Below are some of the most common spine conditions that cause ongoing neck and back pain.

Cervical Pain (Neck Pain)

Cervical pain originates in the neck and may result from degenerative disc disease, arthritis, herniated discs, or cervical spinal stenosis.

Common symptoms include:

• Neck stiffness
• Headaches
• Radiating shoulder or arm pain
• Numbness or tingling in the hands
• Weakness in the arms

Persistent cervical pain accompanied by neurological symptoms should be evaluated by a spine specialist.

Lumbar Pain (Lower Back Pain)

Lumbar pain affects the lower spine and is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Common causes include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

If lower back pain lasts longer than several weeks or radiates into the legs, further evaluation may be necessary.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc protrudes through the outer layer and compresses nearby nerves.

Cervical herniated discs may cause arm pain or weakness.
Lumbar herniated discs may cause sciatica — radiating leg pain.

Many herniated discs improve without surgery through physical therapy, medications, or injections.

Sciatica

Sciatica describes pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg due to nerve root compression.

Common causes include:

• Lumbar herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc changes

Symptoms may include sharp, burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in one leg.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis involves narrowing of the spinal canal, placing pressure on nerves.

Lumbar stenosis often causes:

• Leg pain when walking (neurogenic claudication)
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Balance issues

Cervical stenosis may affect coordination and hand function.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis. Inflammation or instability in these joints can cause lower back or buttock pain that mimics lumbar disc problems.

Proper diagnosis is important because SI joint dysfunction requires different treatment than a herniated disc.

Spinal Fractures & Traumatic Spine Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or osteoporosis may result in spinal fractures or ligament injuries.

Even if initial imaging appears normal, persistent pain following trauma should be evaluated to rule out structural instability.

Conservative Treatment Is Often the First Step

Many spine conditions can be managed without surgery.

Treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Image-guided injections
• Activity modification

Surgery is generally considered when conservative measures fail or when neurological deficits are present.

When Should You See a Spine Specialist in San Antonio?

You should consider evaluation if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than 4–6 weeks
  
• Progressive numbness or weakness
  
• Difficulty walking
  
• Loss of coordination
  
• Symptoms interfering with daily life

Early diagnosis can help prevent worsening nerve damage.

Schedule a Spine Evaluation in San Antonio

If you are experiencing ongoing back pain, neck pain, or nerve-related symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive spine evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spine Conditions