Herniated Discs Doctor in San Antonio, TX
Herniated discs occur when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, causing pain and discomfort. This condition can compress nearby nerves, leading to symptoms like back pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., Dr. Darius Zagunis, M.D., and the team offer effective treatments for herniated discs. Visit us today to receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.
Table of Contents:
What to ask your doctor about herniated discs?
What happens if you have a herniated disc for too long?
Can you fix a herniated disc without surgery?
What is the most common treatment for a herniated disc?
A herniated disc can cause significant discomfort and impact your daily life. When diagnosed with this condition, it’s essential to have open and informative conversations with our doctors at San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A.
Diagnosis and Symptoms
To understand your condition comprehensively, inquire about the specific details of your diagnosis. Learn about the diagnostic tests performed, the severity of your herniated disc, and its exact location. Discuss the underlying causes of the herniated disc and any contributing factors.
Furthermore, delve into your symptoms. Describe the precise location, intensity, and duration of your pain. Discuss any accompanying numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities. Inquire about the potential for new symptoms, such as bladder or bowel problems, and the likelihood of your current symptoms worsening.
Treatment Options
A thorough understanding of your treatment options is crucial. Consider both conservative and surgical alternatives. Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of each procedure, and seek clarification on the recommended treatment plan.
Follow-up Care
Determine the number and duration of follow-up visits. Inquire about any signs or symptoms that may indicate the need for further evaluation or treatment. Seek information on the long-term prognosis and potential complications associated with your condition.
Throughout this process, remember that it’s your health and you have a right to know every aspect of your condition. So, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor at San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A. any other questions you might have regarding your herniated disc.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions such as herniated discs. This medical condition occurs when the soft inner gel from the disc between your vertebrae leaks out through a tear in the tougher exterior. If not addressed on time, a herniated disc can lead to complications including persistent pain, changes in sensory experiences, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, progressive nerve damage and neurological deficits.
Persistent pain is among the most prevalent signs of a herniated disc, which can radiate down the arms or legs. This pain can become chronic, and debilitating, and may worsen with certain movements or positions, significantly affecting your ability to carry out daily activities.
We understand how this can impact your life and are committed to providing effective pain management solutions. A herniated disc can also lead to changes in sensory experiences, such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. Additionally, a herniated disc can cause muscle weakness due to nerve compression. This can impair your ability to lift or hold items or cause stumbling.
In severe circumstances, a herniated disc might lead to severe conditions like progressive nerve damage, potentially leading to permanent neurological deficits or even paralysis or loss of bladder and bowel control. Our medical professionals are experienced in dealing with these severe cases and can provide the appropriate interventions.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., we understand the difficulty and discomfort that comes with herniated discs. While surgery could be an option, it’s not always a necessity. Our team of skilled professionals often recommends non-surgical approaches to alleviate pain and improve mobility. We provide a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatment options for herniated discs.
At our clinic, we may recommend:
● Rest and activity modification: We can provide guidance on activities to avoid and how to rest the affected area to reduce pressure on the nerve root and allow for healing.
● Medications: Our team can prescribe appropriate pain relievers, including over-the-counter drugs and stronger prescription medications, depending on the severity of your pain.
● Physical therapy: Our skilled therapists can help you with exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the core and back muscles, improve posture, and reduce pain.
● Injections: To alleviate inflammation and pain, our medical professionals may provide steroids or other medicine injections.
● Spinal Cord Stimulation: We provide an innovative, non-surgical solution for herniated discs through Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). This technique delivers targeted electrical pulses to the spinal cord, helping to relieve pain and reduce pressure on the spine.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., we believe that each patient’s circumstances are unique and require a personalized treatment plan. Our medical specialists are always available for consultation and to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on your specific condition.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like herniated discs that often result in significant pain and discomfort. Our team of professionals has the skills and expertise to offer a variety of treatments that are customized to meet the needs of each patient.
We understand that in approximately 90% of herniated disc cases, non-surgical therapy can effectively alleviate pain. Our experts can assist in managing medication, including over-the-counter pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve pain medications, injections, and muscle relaxers, all of which can help minimize the pain associated with a herniated disc.
Additionally, our team can coordinate with physical therapists who will guide you through specific exercises designed to lessen pain and improve flexibility and strength.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., we also understand the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing a herniated disc. We can provide guidance on how to prevent activities that may exacerbate the pain and educate on maintaining good posture to reduce pressure on the herniated disc, thus aiding in the healing process. In instances where conservative treatments are insufficient, our experienced physicians can discuss surgical options.
Nevertheless, we always consider each individual’s unique situation. The most beneficial course of treatment will be determined by a variety of factors, including the precise location and extent of the herniated disc, the patient’s general well-being, and their response to treatment.
Therefore, we highly recommend scheduling a consultation with our team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your herniated disc. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Castroville TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Shavano Park 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