Texas Spine & Neurosurgery - Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sciatic Pain, Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis

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Main Office: (254) 732-3987
Fax Number: (254) 732-3823
Regional Offices: (903) 740-0915 | (817) 404-5390
(361) 799-2200 | (940) 445-8117
Toll Free Number: (844) Meet Dr Z
(844) 633-8379
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Disc Problems or Injuries

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Herniated Discs – Back pain, leg pain, arm pain, or weakness of the upper and lower extremity muscles may be signs of a herniated disc.  When an intervertebral disc becomes herniated, the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside its normal position.  Since the spinal nerves are very close to the edge of these spinal discs, a herniated disc can easily compress the nerve root, causing radiating pain down the arm or leg.

Possible Causes

As the spinal disc loses elasticity over time, injury or even normal daily living may cause it to rupture.  If the disc ruptures, and a portion of the spinal disc is pushed outside its normal boundary, this is known as a herniated disc.  As a herniated disc swells out from between the vertebrae, the spinal nerves and spinal cord may become pinched.  There is typically a small amount of additional space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, however if enough of the herniated disc is pushed out of place, then these structures may be squeezed together.  The nerves may become  impinged when the disc herniates and pushes out.  A herniated disc may occur abruptly as a result of a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually with recurring strain of the spine.  In some cases, people who experience a herniated disc already have spinal stenosis, a problem that brings about narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves.  With a herniated disc, the space for the nerves is further reduced, and compression of the nerve results.

Possible Symptoms

  • Pain radiating down the arms or legs.
  • Unusual sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Bowel problems.*
  • Bladder problems.*
  • Numbness in the genital area.*

* You should see your doctor immediately if you have problems urinating, having bowel movements, or if you have numbness around your genitals.

Treatment

Options for treatment include:

  • Medications
  • Lumbar bracing
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Steroid injections
  • TENS units
  • Chiropractics
  • Pain management
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy

Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.


Degenerative Disc Disease – As we age, the discs in our spine tend to degenerate. Normally, as in our youth, these discs are hydrated with water.  As we age, they become dehydrated.  This drying out of the discs causes the discs to shrink.  They lose height and they lose their ability to cushion the spine.  This can result in pain in the neck and back from the grinding of the vertebral bodies.  Over time, degenerative disc disease can result in disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and bone spurring.

Possible Causes

As part of the normal aging process, our spinal discs break down, or degenerate.  Sometimes, this results in degenerative disc disease.  This is because the loss of fluid in your discs reduces the ability of the discs to act as shock absorbers.  The reduction in fluid also results in thinner discs and narrower distance between the vertebrae.  Small tears or splits in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc may cause the jellylike material inside the disc (nucleus) to be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule.  This may cause the disc to bulge, break open or break into fragments.  People who smoke, who do heavy physical work and those who are obese are more likely to have symptoms of degenerative disc disease.  An abrupt injury leading to a herniated disc (such as a fall) may also begin the degeneration process.

Possible Symptoms

  • Back or neck pain
  • Pain which radiatees into the arms, buttocks or legs.
  • Pain may worsen with movements such as bending over, reaching up, or twisting
  • A popping sensation in the back
  • A sensation of having “sand” in the back
  • A grinding sound or feeling with movement.

 

Treatment

Ice or heat may be used to relieve pain.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium, may also be used to treat the pain resulting from inflammation related to a disc problem or injury.  In some cases, acetaminophen may also help relieve pain.  More aggressive treatment depends on whether the damaged disc has resulted in other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis.  Physical therapy and exercises for strengthening and stretching the back are often recommended.  In some cases, surgical treatment may be recommended.

Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Texas Spine & Neurosurgery

To schedule an appointment for any of our locations, please call us at:

Toll Free Number:
(844) Meet Dr Z
(844) 633-8379

Main Office:
254-732-3987

Regional Offices:
903-740-0915
817-404-5390
940-445-8117
361-799-2200



Main Office:
4515 Lakeshore Drive,
Waco, TX 76710

Contact us Today!

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About Texas Spine & Neurosurgery

Performing screw free and metal free spinal surgery! Texas Spine & Neurosurgery is a neurosurgical practice which specializes in the coordination of both surgical and conservative treatment options.  We treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, pars defects, spinal fractures, back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel, and many other disorders of the spine and nerves. We are skilled in the use of both microsurgical and minimally invasive procedures on the neck and back, as well as more complicated procedures. At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery we can also do lumbar, thoracic, and cervical discectomies, laminectomies, and fusions. In order to ensure quality, all our partners which  provide operative locations must meet our strict standards for excellence. To that end, we both require and provide specific training  for staff both inside and outside the operating room. All centers are required to meet state of the art technological standards with regard  to equipment, procedures and protocols in order to become a Texas Spine & Neurosurgery partner. We never rely on marketing gimmicks like "lasers" or "robots" to get your attention. We simply provide the best quality care and emphasize the ability for patients to have a choice in how they are treated. Whenever possible, conservative treatment options are always considered before surgery. At Texas Spine and Neurosurgery, we coordinate with high quality local providers and we help to oversee and coordinate care, including but not limited  to  pain management, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy, bracing, massage therapy, chiropractic  therapy, acupuncture, and pool therapy. Above all, our philosophy allows and encourages patients  to  try  the least invasive treatment before progressing to more invasive therapies. At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery, we specialize in  the  treatment of disorders of the spine and peripheral nerves, but our  primary goal is to help stop the suffering associated with these disorders. Our History. Texas Spine & Neurosurgery was founded by Dr. Steven Zielinski, a Stanford trained neurosurgeon who believes in giving patients the freedom to control their own healthcare, in partnership with their chosen physician. Texas Spine & Neurosurgery is a patient-centered practice that brings first class spine care to local communities and to patients.  Texas Spine & Neurosurgery started as a small collaboration with local … Learn More

Schedule a Visit

Texas Spine & Neurosurgery specializes in the surgical treatment of disorders of the spine and peripheral nerves. Please contact us if you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment.

Waco

4515 Lake Shore Drive
Waco, TX 76710

Mineral Wells

400 SW 25th Avenue H
Mineral Wells, TX 76067

Yoakum

1200 Carl Ramert Drive
Yoakum, Tx 77995

Kenedy

3349 U.S. 181 Suite 7
Kenedy, TX 78119

Groesbeck

625 McClintic Drive
Groesbeck, TX 76642

Fairfield

764 W. Commerce
Fairfield, TX 75840

Stephenville

150 River North Blvd.
Stephenville, TX 76401

Nacogdoches

1204 N Mound Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Cuero

2550 N Esplanade St.
Cuero, TX 77954

Harker Heights

813 S. Amy Lane, Suite 101
Harker Heights, TX 76548

Victoria

4405 Lilac Ln.
Victoria, TX 77901

Hillsboro

1323 E Franklin, Ste. 102
Hillsboro, TX 76645

Toll Free Number:
(844) Meet Dr Z
(844) 633-8379

Main Office:
(254) 732-3987

Regional Offices:
(903) 740-0915
(817) 404-5390
(361) 799-2200
(940) 445-8117

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN OFFICE LOCATION NEAR YOU!

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