Back Pain
Interventional Pain Management serving San Antonio, TX
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Back Pain services offered in San Antonio, TX
Back pain can interfere with work, sleep, and many other daily activities. At South Texas Pain Institute in San Antonio, Texas, Shyam Purswani, MD, provides thorough evaluations to identify the cause of your discomfort and develops personalized treatment plans to address it. Dr. Purswani takes time to understand your symptoms and goals, working closely with you to reduce pain and restore function. His approach focuses on an accurate diagnosis and targeted interventions rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Call the office or book online to schedule your back pain evaluation.
Back Pain Q & A
What causes back pain?
Back pain is a very common reason people seek medical care; it affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives. The pain can range from a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp sensations that make movement difficult. When back pain becomes chronic, it can limit your ability to work, exercise, sleep comfortably, and perform routine tasks.
Back pain develops from many different sources, including:
- Muscle strains from lifting, twisting, or overuse
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerves
- Arthritis
- Spinal stenosis narrowing the space around your spinal cord
- Facet joint inflammation
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Compression fractures
- Myofascial trigger points
- Sciatica
- Injuries from car accidents or sports
- Ligament sprains
- Poor posture or repetitive stress
Some conditions develop gradually, while others appear suddenly after a specific incident. Pain may stay localized in your back or radiate down your legs. You might experience muscle spasms, cramping, stiffness, or sharp shooting sensations that worsen with certain movements.
How is back pain diagnosed?
Dr. Purswani starts by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and how the pain affects your daily life. He wants to know where it hurts, what makes it better or worse, and whether you’ve had similar problems before.
A physical exam follows, during which Dr. Purswani checks your range of motion, posture, and areas of tenderness. He may perform orthopedic tests to identify nerve involvement or joint problems. Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans help confirm the diagnosis when necessary.
This thorough approach ensures Dr. Purswani understands the root cause of your pain before recommending treatment.
What treatments are available for back pain?
Treatment depends on your diagnosis and individual needs. Dr. Purswani may recommend:
- Targeted injections and selective nerve blocks
- Acupuncture
- Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy to accelerate healing and decrease discomfort
- Hypnosis
- Massage and physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Stem cell therapy to promote tissue regeneration and repair
- Physical therapy
- Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, minimally invasive procedures for compression fractures
- Medications to manage pain and inflammation
- Lifestyle modifications like activity modification and weight loss
Dr. Purswani works closely with attorneys when your back pain results from an auto accident, providing detailed documentation and coordinating care to support your case while focusing on your recovery.
To schedule your back pain evaluation, call South Texas Pain Institute or book your appointment online today.