Our Practice
Conditions We Treat at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants
Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants (NSC) in San Antonio is a spine health practice. Our board-certified neurosurgeons and physician assistant team use extensive training to evaluate, diagnose, and treat conditions of the spine, the nerves connected to it, and the bones that support it. Many patients begin with conservative care, and surgery is recommended only when it makes sense for the individual. This page can help patients and referring providers understand what we treat, and what is usually managed by a neurologist instead. You do not need an MRI before a back pain evaluation. We see adult patients, age 18 and older.
Neck
Neck problems can cause pain, stiffness, or symptoms that travel into the shoulders and arms.
Cervical herniated disc
A disc in the neck can bulge or tear and may press on nearby nerves, which can cause neck pain and arm symptoms.
Cervical stenosis
Narrowing of the spaces in the neck spine can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and may cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
Cervical radiculopathy
An irritated or pinched nerve in the neck can send pain, tingling, or weakness into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Neck pain from degenerative changes
Age-related wear of the discs and joints in the neck can lead to ongoing pain and stiffness that we evaluate and treat.
Mid and low back
Back conditions are among the most common reasons patients visit us, and many begin with non-surgical options.
Herniated disc
A disc that bulges or ruptures can irritate nearby nerves and may cause back pain along with leg or arm symptoms.
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Narrowing in the lower spine can crowd the nerves and often causes pain or heaviness in the legs, especially with walking or standing.
Degenerative disc disease
Discs can lose height and cushioning over time, which may lead to chronic back pain that we can evaluate and treat.
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra can slip forward over the one below it, which may cause back pain, nerve irritation, and instability in the spine.
Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
A pinched nerve in the lower back can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that often travels down the buttock and leg.
Scoliosis and spinal deformity
An abnormal curve of the spine can cause pain or nerve symptoms, and we evaluate the curve to guide an appropriate plan.
Sacroiliac joint
The SI joint connects the spine to the pelvis and can be a hidden source of low back and buttock pain.
SI joint dysfunction
Irritation or abnormal motion in the SI joint may cause pain in the low back, buttock, or hip, and SI joint fusion is one option we use.
Spinal fractures and bone health
Fragile or injured bones in the spine can cause sudden pain and may affect posture and mobility.
Osteoporotic compression fractures
Weakened vertebrae can collapse and cause sudden back pain, and kyphoplasty is a procedure we commonly use that can often be done in the office.
Spine fractures from injury
Falls, accidents, and other trauma can fracture the spine, and we evaluate the injury to determine the safest path for care.
Osteoporosis evaluation with DEXA
On-site DEXA bone density scans help us assess bone strength, and our fracture liaison and bone health clinic supports ongoing osteoporosis care.
Peripheral nerve conditions
Nerves outside the spine can become compressed, and testing helps pinpoint where the problem begins.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, and we evaluate it with nerve testing.
Other nerve compression
Nerves can be pinched at other points along the arm or leg, and on-site EMG and nerve conduction studies help show where and why.
Cranial shunts
The one procedure NSC performs outside the spine.
Cranial shunts
Our neurosurgeons also perform cranial shunt procedures for adult patients. Beyond shunts, our practice is focused on the spine and the nerves connected to it.
What a neurologist usually manages
Some conditions are usually managed by a neurologist rather than a neurosurgeon. Our neurosurgeons focus on the spine and the nerves connected to it, and we value our neurologist partners who care for these conditions:
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Migraine and other headache disorders
- Memory loss and dementia
- Movement disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain tumors and other brain conditions
NSC does not treat seizure disorders or provide care for children; we see adults age 18 and older. If you have one of these concerns, we encourage you to talk with your primary care provider or a neurologist. Not sure which specialist you need? Call us, and our team will help point you in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an MRI before my first visit for back pain?
No. You do not need an MRI before a back pain evaluation at NSC. Our team will review your symptoms and history, perform a careful exam, and use on-site tools such as X-ray when helpful. If further imaging is needed, we will explain why and what it may show.
Does seeing a neurosurgeon mean I will need surgery?
Not at all. About 30% of our patients are surgical candidates, and many begin with conservative care such as physical therapy and medication. We recommend surgery only when it may be appropriate for your condition, and we explain your options so you can decide with confidence.
Do you treat children or brain conditions?
NSC treats adults, age 18 and older. Our practice is focused on the spine and the nerves connected to it, and cranial shunts are the one procedure we perform outside the spine. For other concerns, we will help you find the right specialist.
What is the difference between a neurosurgeon and a neurologist?
Neurologists usually manage medical conditions such as seizures, migraine, dementia, movement disorders, and multiple sclerosis. Our neurosurgeons focus on the spine and related nerves, and they use extensive training to evaluate, diagnose, and treat problems like herniated discs, stenosis, and nerve compression. If you are unsure which specialist fits, our team can help.
What testing can be done at your office?
NSC offers on-site EMG and nerve conduction studies, X-ray, and DEXA bone density scans, along with physical therapy. Having these services in one place can help streamline your care, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, with fewer separate appointments to coordinate.
What procedures does NSC commonly use?
Commonly used procedures include TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion), SI joint fusion, and kyphoplasty. Kyphoplasty and SI joint procedures can be done in the office. Whether any procedure is right for you depends on your diagnosis, your exam, and a thorough discussion with your care team.
If you are living with neck, back, or nerve symptoms, we are here to help you understand what is happening and what your options may be. Request an appointment or call us at 210-255-8935. New appointments are typically available within 10 days.
