Texas Spine Associates Texas Spine Associates

Author: Texas Spine Associates

Living With Spinal Stenosis: Why Early Evaluation Matters

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

Spinal stenosis is a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which reduces space for the spinal cord and nerves. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness that may gradually worsen over time if left untreated.

Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the neck or lower back and may cause:

  • Pain in the back or neck
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • Weakness or heaviness in the limbs
  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

Many patients notice that symptoms improve when sitting or leaning forward, which can temporarily relieve pressure on the nerves.

A Condition That Often Progresses Slowly

Because spinal stenosis develops gradually, many people dismiss early symptoms as “normal aging.” However, early evaluation is important. Addressing the condition sooner can help prevent worsening nerve damage and preserve mobility.

Individualized, Patient-Centered Treatment

At Texas Spine Associates, our doctors take a conservative, step-by-step approach. Treatment plans may include:

  • Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
  • Pain management techniques
  • Lifestyle and activity adjustments

When symptoms significantly impact daily life and conservative treatments no longer help, minimally invasive spine surgery may be recommended. These procedures are designed to relieve nerve pressure while preserving spinal stability, allowing patients to recover faster and return to activity sooner.

Compassionate Care Every Step of the Way

We understand that the idea of spine surgery can be overwhelming. That’s why our team prioritizes education, communication, and shared decision-making—so you never feel alone in your care.

Understanding Herniated Discs: When Back or Neck Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

Back and neck pain are common complaints, but when pain becomes persistent or starts radiating into the arms or legs, it may be a sign of a herniated disc. This condition occurs when one of the spinal discs—the cushions between the vertebrae—becomes damaged and the soft inner material pushes outward, irritating nearby nerves.

Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the disc, but often include:

  • Sharp or burning pain in the neck or lower back
  • Pain that radiates into the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities
  • Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sitting
  • While herniated discs can develop suddenly due to injury, they more commonly result from gradual wear and tear on the spine.

Conservative Care Comes First

At Texas Spine Associates, surgery is never the first conversation. Our physicians focus on education, counseling, and conservative treatment options whenever possible. Many patients find relief through:

  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Activity modification
  • Targeted injections

These approaches often allow the disc to heal naturally while reducing nerve irritation.

When Surgery Becomes an Option

If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief or symptoms worsen, minimally invasive spine surgery may be considered. Using advanced techniques that require only a small incision, patients are often up and walking the same day, with less pain and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

Our goal is simple: help you return to your normal life safely, effectively, and with confidence.

What Happens to Your Spine as You Get Older?

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

It’s completely normal for your spine to change as you get older. Just like your skin develops fine lines or your joints feel a little stiffer, the structures that support your back undergo natural wear and tear over time. While these changes can sometimes lead to discomfort or mobility issues, understanding why they happen — and what you can do to support your spine — can make a meaningful difference in how you feel each day.

Below, we break down the most common age-related changes in the spine along with practical steps you can take to stay strong and mobile at every stage of life. Continue reading “What Happens to Your Spine as You Get Older?” →

Understanding Neck Pain — Causes, Symptoms & When to Seek Treatment

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

Neck pain is extremely common — especially in today’s technology-driven world. As phones, tablets, and laptops continue to be part of everyday life, more and more patients are experiencing neck discomfort related to posture and prolonged device use. Even though neck pain (in the cervical spine) is less common than low back pain, millions of people will deal with it at some point.

If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are struggling with persistent neck pain, the board-certified specialists at Texas Spine Associates are here to help. Our spine surgeons are members of the North American Spine Society and have extensive training in accurately diagnosing and treating conditions of the neck and spine.

Common Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck pain can show up in different ways — depending on the underlying cause, severity, and how long symptoms have been present. Many patients report:

  • Neck pain that radiates down one or both arms
  • Pain triggered by certain positions or activities
  • Arm pain or reduced coordination
  • Pain that lingers for months or tends to fluctuate
  • Discomfort that is worse in the morning or toward the end of the day

How Neck Pain Is Diagnosed

Because the spine is complex, pinpointing the exact source of pain requires a careful evaluation. At Texas Spine Associates, our first step is always a detailed conversation with each patient — reviewing medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any prior treatments.

A physical exam of the spine guides our next steps. If needed, advanced imaging such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or bone scan may be used to confirm what’s causing the pain.

Personalized Treatment Options

Our team — Dr. Neil Shah, Dr. Vishal Patel, and Dr. Christopher Happ — uses a multidisciplinary approach to care. We work closely with neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and radiologists to create customized treatment plans based on the individual needs of each patient.

Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication management, posture modification, and activity changes. Surgery may be considered in select cases when symptoms do not improve or when nerve compression becomes severe.

When Neck Pain Is an Emergency

While most neck pain is not dangerous, certain symptoms may indicate a serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical care if there is:

  • Progressive weakness in the arms or legs
  • Loss of coordination or sensation
  • Sudden weight loss, fever, chills, nausea, or loss of appetite
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

These signs may indicate nerve damage, infection, tumor, or severe spinal cord compression — and should not be ignored.

Schedule a Neck Pain Consultation

You don’t have to live with neck pain. If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and need expert evaluation or treatment, contact Texas Spine Associates today. We provide top-level spine care at convenient locations in Arlington, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Granbury, Irving, Southlake, and Weatherford.

Call (972) 987-0969 or request an appointment online.

Muscles or Spine? Finding the Source of Your Back Pain

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

Back pain is one of the most frequent health complaints in the United States, but not all back pain is the same. For some people, discomfort stems from strained muscles or physical overuse; for others, it may signal an underlying spinal condition.

Knowing the difference matters, because the right diagnosis leads to the right treatment. Understanding whether your pain is muscular or spinal can help you take the next step toward effective relief — and we’re here to help. Continue reading “Muscles or Spine? Finding the Source of Your Back Pain” →

Does a Herniated Disc Require Surgery?

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

Does a herniated disc require surgery? While the condition sounds serious—and often causes pain, numbness, or weakness—surgery isn’t always the answer. Sometimes referred to as a bulging, slipped, ruptured, or protruding disc, every year more than three million Americans suffer with a herniated disc. But the question remains: does everyone with a herniated disc need surgery? Let’s explore the options.

Continue reading “Does a Herniated Disc Require Surgery?” →

Back Spasms: Causes and How to Find Relief

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

You’re sitting quietly at a meeting or at dinner and you suddenly get up. At that moment you are hit with a crippling back cramp. You grab your back and wonder what the heck happened. It was probably a back spasm. It came on in just a second and lasted a minute or two before the pain began to diminish. If you have ever had one (or more than one), keep reading about back spasms, causes and how to find relief.

Continue reading “Back Spasms: Causes and How to Find Relief” →

Is My Back Pain Serious?

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

If you experience on and off back pain, you are not alone. Many adults have pain in their back while doing certain chores, moving in awkward positions, or even putting on their shoes. In some cases the pain is not serious and will go away, however, there are instances where the pain is serious and you should seek care from a spine specialist like Texas Spine Associates in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

Continue reading “Is My Back Pain Serious?” →

When Should You See a Doctor for Back Spasms?

Posted on by Texas Spine Associates in

Back spasms can strike unexpectedly, often with intense pain that can make even the simplest movements feel impossible. While they are common, understanding the causes and knowing when to seek medical help is crucial for effective treatment. Let’s explore the likely causes of back spasms and when it’s time to reach out to a spine specialist for further evaluation.

Continue reading “When Should You See a Doctor for Back Spasms?” →