Spine & Back Conditions Treated in San Antonio
Persistent neck pain, back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness may indicate an underlying spine condition. At MD Spine Care, Dr. Frank Kuwamura evaluates and treats a wide range of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders affecting patients throughout San Antonio. A comprehensive spine evaluation helps determine the root cause of symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options.
Dr. Frank Kuwamura focuses on accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. Conservative options are considered whenever appropriate before surgical intervention is recommended. When surgery is necessary, patients receive comprehensive guidance tailored to their specific spine condition.
Common Symptoms of Spine Conditions
Spine disorders may present with a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of nerve involvement.
Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Radiating arm or leg pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Balance problems
If symptoms persist or worsen, evaluation by our spine specialists is recommended.
Neck pain
Cervical Pain
Cervical pain refers to discomfort originating in the neck region of the spine. Causes may include degenerative disc changes, arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, muscle strain, or instability. In some cases, cervical nerve compression can cause pain radiating into the shoulder or arm (cervical radiculopathy).
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include conservative management, physical therapy, injections, or surgical intervention when necessary.
When Surgery May Be Considered
Surgery may be recommended if there is persistent nerve compression, progressive weakness, spinal cord involvement (myelopathy), or failure of conservative treatment.
Procedures Offered
Lower Back Pain
Lumbar Pain
Lumbar pain affects the lower portion of the spine and is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care. Causes may include disc degeneration, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or muscular strain.
A thorough clinical evaluation and imaging studies, when appropriate, help determine whether symptoms are mechanical, nerve-related, or instability-driven.
When Surgery May Be Considered
Surgery may be discussed if symptoms persist despite conservative care, neurological deficits develop, or structural instability is present.
Procedures Offered
- XLIF® (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion)
- ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
- Minimally Invasive Tubular Retractor techniques (MITR)
Cervical & Lumbar
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc protrudes through the outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves.
In the
cervical spine, symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Arm pain
- Numbness or weakness in the hands
In the lumbar spine, symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain
- Radiating leg pain
- Tingling or weakness
Not all herniated discs require surgery. Treatment depends on symptom severity, neurological findings, and response to conservative care.
When Surgery May Be Considered
Surgery may be recommended for persistent nerve pain, progressive weakness, or significant spinal cord compression.
Procedures Offered
Cervical:
Lumbar:
nerve pathway
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve pathway, typically from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg. It is commonly caused by a lumbar herniated disc or spinal stenosis compressing the nerve roots.
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp or burning leg pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
Treatment options vary based on the cause and severity of nerve compression.
When Surgery May Be Considered
If symptoms persist for several weeks to months or neurological deficits worsen, surgical decompression or stabilization may be considered.
Procedures Offered
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis involves narrowing of the spinal canal, which can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It most commonly occurs in the cervical or lumbar spine.
Lumbar stenosis may cause:
- Leg pain when walking (neurogenic claudication)
- Numbness
- Weakness
Cervical stenosis may cause:
- Hand clumsiness
- Balance issues
- Neck pain
Evaluation is important to prevent the progression of neurological symptoms.
When Surgery May Be Considered
If walking becomes significantly limited, weakness develops, or conservative treatment fails, decompression with or without fusion may be recommended.
Procedures Offered
Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures may result from trauma, motor vehicle accidents, falls, or osteoporosis. Symptoms can range from localized back pain to nerve-related symptoms if instability or compression is present.
Prompt diagnosis is essential to determine whether conservative stabilization or surgical intervention is required.
When Surgery May Be Considered
Surgery may be necessary if there is spinal instability, nerve compression, or progressive deformity.
Procedures Offered
Traumatic & Auto Accident
Spine Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents and other traumatic events can lead to disc injuries, ligament damage, fractures, or spinal instability. Even if initial imaging appears normal, persistent pain may indicate underlying structural injury.
A comprehensive evaluation helps identify both acute and chronic post-traumatic spine conditions.
When Surgery May Be Considered
Surgery may be recommended if structural instability or nerve compression persists.
Procedures Offered
- Fusion procedures (XLIF® / ALIF / ACDF depending on region)
- Minimally invasive stabilization (MITR)
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction or inflammation of these joints can cause lower back, buttock, or hip pain and may mimic lumbar spine disorders.
Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination and imaging studies to differentiate SI joint pain from lumbar disc pathology.
When Surgery May Be Considered
If conservative treatment fails and SI joint pain is confirmed, surgical stabilization may be discussed.
Procedure Offered
When to See a Spine Specialist in San Antonio
You should consider evaluation if you experience:
Persistent Back or Neck Pain
Pain that lasts more than several weeks may indicate an underlying issue such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative spine condition.
Progressive Numbness or Weakness
Increasing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs can signal nerve compression that may require medical evaluation.
Difficulty Walking
Trouble walking, leg heaviness, or pain that worsens with standing or walking may be associated with spinal stenosis or nerve irritation.
Loss of Coordination or Balance
Changes in coordination or balance can sometimes occur when the spinal cord or nerves are affected.
If back or neck pain interferes with work, sleep, or normal daily activities, a spine evaluation can help determine the cause and guide treatment options.
Early evaluation can help prevent worsening neurological symptoms and allow appropriate treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Our Approach to Treating Spine Conditions
At MD Spine Care in San Antonio, our approach to treating spine conditions begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of each patient’s symptoms. While some conditions may ultimately require surgical treatment, many spine-related problems can often be managed with conservative care.
Whenever appropriate, we first explore non-surgical treatment options designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support recovery.
These treatments may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve movement
- Anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce pain and swelling
- Activity modification to avoid movements that aggravate symptoms
- Image-guided injections that may help reduce nerve inflammation
Our goal is to identify the most appropriate treatment for each patient’s condition. Surgery is typically considered only when conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief or when neurological symptoms are worsening.
A comprehensive spine evaluation helps determine whether conservative treatment or surgical care may be the most appropriate next step.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Spine Condition FAQs
What are the most common spine conditions?
Common spine conditions include cervical pain, lumbar pain, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, spinal fractures, and traumatic spine injuries. These conditions may cause pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking depending on nerve involvement.
When should I see a spine specialist?
You should consider evaluation if you experience persistent neck or back pain lasting more than several weeks, progressive numbness or weakness, difficulty walking, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Do all spine conditions require surgery?
No. Many spine conditions can be managed with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, activity modification, or injections. Surgery may be considered when symptoms do not improve or when neurological deficits are present.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is most commonly caused by compression of lumbar nerve roots due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. This compression can cause radiating leg pain, tingling, or weakness.
How are spine conditions diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI when appropriate. The goal is to identify the source of symptoms and determine the best treatment approach.
