When to Seek Help from a Back Pain Specialist
If your back pain lasts more than a few weeks, gets worse over time, or interferes with daily activities, it’s time to consult a specialist. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, Dr. Darius Zagunis, M.D, helps patients identify the underlying cause of their pain and creates targeted treatment plans for lasting relief. Ignoring symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness can lead to further complications, so early evaluation is key. Don’t wait—getting expert help can improve your recovery and quality of life. For more details, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.


Table of Contents:
What signs indicate I need to see a back pain specialist?
Can a back pain specialist treat both acute and chronic back pain?
Can a back pain specialist help prevent future back problems?
What should I expect during my first visit to a back pain specialist?
If you’re dealing with severe and constant pain, especially if it radiates down one or both legs or extends below the knee, it could be a sign of nerve involvement that requires professional assessment. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we specialize in diagnosing and treating such conditions to help alleviate your pain and prevent further complications.
We also urge you to seek medical attention if your back pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or chills, as these symptoms may suggest an underlying infection or systemic condition. Our pain management specialists are equipped to identify and address these issues promptly.
Should you experience sudden, severe pain following an injury like a fall or accident, it’s important to rule out fractures or structural damage. Our team can provide immediate evaluations to ensure you receive the appropriate care.
Neurological symptoms such as loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness, or weakness in the legs are serious and should prompt an urgent consultation.
For individuals with a history of cancer or osteoporosis, back pain can signal serious spinal issues. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we prioritize thorough assessments to determine the best course of action tailored to your medical history.
Finally, if back pain is significantly interfering with your daily activities, sleep, or overall quality of life, our specialists can help. We are committed to identifying the root cause of your pain and developing an effective, personalized treatment plan to restore your well-being.
Acute back pain often arises suddenly, typically due to an injury, strain, or abrupt movement, and usually resolves within a few weeks with proper intervention. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we are equipped to effectively treat acute back pain by conducting thorough assessments to determine the specific cause. We then recommend targeted interventions such as physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications to promote healing and alleviate pain swiftly.
Chronic back pain, which persists for more than three months, can be more complex and may stem from conditions like degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or spinal stenosis. Our specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants offer a comprehensive approach to managing chronic back pain, incorporating a combination of treatments such as customized physical therapy programs, advanced pain management techniques, and, when necessary, minimally invasive procedures or surgery.
We prioritize specialized services and a thorough evaluation process, which includes physical examinations, imaging studies, and a detailed review of your medical history, to accurately diagnose your condition. By creating an individualized treatment plan, our goal is to reduce your pain, enhance your function, and ultimately improve your quality of life, whether your back pain is acute or chronic.
Our comprehensive approach begins with a thorough assessment of each patient’s posture, lifestyle, and physical activities. By evaluating these factors, we can pinpoint habits or movements contributing to back problems, such as poor posture or improper lifting techniques. Our specialists provide personalized education on ergonomic improvements and proper body mechanics to help prevent future strain or injury.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we also emphasize the importance of a personalized exercise and stretching regimen. Our specialists design tailored programs to strengthen the core and back muscles, offering better support for the spine and reducing injury risks. These exercises not only build strength and flexibility but also enhance overall body alignment and balance.
Our specialists understand the significant impact lifestyle can have on back health. We offer valuable advice on maintaining a healthy weight, which is crucial for reducing additional stress on the back. Additionally, we provide guidance on nutrition, smoking cessation, and stress management, recognizing their influence on back health.
For patients with a history of back problems or those at higher risk, our specialists offer ongoing monitoring and follow-up care. This proactive approach ensures early detection and intervention if new issues arise, preventing minor problems from escalating into serious conditions.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our goal is not only to treat existing back pain but also to empower our patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain a healthy back. Through personalized assessments, targeted exercises, lifestyle guidance, and continuous monitoring, we provide comprehensive care that promotes long-term spinal health and reduces the risk of future back problems.
Following this discussion, our team will perform a physical examination. This may include assessing your posture, range of motion, and overall physical condition. We may conduct neurological tests to determine if nerve involvement is contributing to your back pain. You might be asked to perform specific movements to identify the source of your pain and to evaluate how it impacts your daily life.
Depending on your case, we might recommend diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to provide a detailed view of your spine and surrounding tissues. These tests can reveal issues like herniated discs, fractures, or other abnormalities that might not be detectable during a physical exam.
Based on the results from your medical history, examination, and any diagnostic tests, we will discuss a range of treatment options tailored to your needs. This could include physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, or, if necessary, referrals to other specialists for further evaluation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns about your treatment plan.
Finally, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This initial visit at San Antonio Pain Consultants is a crucial step in crafting a personalized approach to managing and alleviating your back pain, laying the groundwork for effective ongoing care and recovery.
If your back pain is persistent or worsening, seeking help from a specialist can make all the difference in your recovery. Our team at San Antonio Pain Consultants provide expert care to identify the root cause of your pain and offer effective, individualized treatment options. Early intervention is essential to prevent further complications and improve your overall quality of life. For more details, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.


Conditions We Treat
▸ Back & Spine Pain
▸ Herniated Disc Treatment
▸ Sciatica
▸ Neck Pain
▸ Knee Pain
▸ Arthritis Pain
▸ Arm & Shoulder Pain
▸ Abdominal & Pelvic Pain
▸ Headaches & Migraines
▸ Hip Pain
▸ Neuropathy
▸ Cancer Pain