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Pain
Management

What Is Pain Management?

Pain management is a critical aspect of healthcare, focusing on alleviating chronic or acute pain to improve a patient’s quality of life. Whether the pain stems from injury, surgery, or a chronic condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, effective pain management is essential for restoring functionality and well-being.

An advanced pain management plan may include a variety of treatments tailored to an individual’s specific needs. These can range from medication management and physical therapy to more advanced interventions like nerve blocks, spinal injections, or minimally invasive surgical procedures. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can also play a role in managing pain.

At South Texas Spinal Clinic, our pain management doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal pain, and they are dedicated to providing personalized care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pain. By taking a multidisciplinary approach, they aim to not only reduce pain but also enhance the patient’s overall quality of life.

Early and advanced pain management can prevent the progression of pain into a chronic condition, reduce dependency on pain medications, and help patients return to their normal activities sooner. With the right care, individuals can regain control over their lives and move toward a future of greater comfort and mobility.

When is it Time to Seek Pain Management Care?

Pain can affect more than just your body—it can limit mobility, impact sleep, and take away enjoyment from daily life. While mild discomfort may improve with rest and simple care, persistent or worsening symptoms are a sign to see a pain management doctor.

You should request an appointment with a pain management doctor if you experience:

Pain that lasts more than a few weeks without improvement

Discomfort that interferes with walking, working, or daily activities

Pain that worsens with movement or stress on joints

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in affected areas

Pain that spreads or radiates to other parts of the body

Identifying the Pain Sources That Lead to Treatment

The musculoskeletal system of your body is remarkably intricate and hardworking. Every movement depends on numerous systems working in harmony to enable you to move freely and without pain. Unfortunately, a disruption in one area can have a widespread effect on your entire body, often resulting in pain that may manifest in seemingly unrelated areas.

Common conditions treated through pain management include:

Patient Education Center

Knowledge is a powerful part of healing. Explore our patient education center to learn about pain management, treatment options, and recovery tips—so you can make informed decisions about your care.

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Frequently Asked Questions


Pain management is a specialized approach used to diagnose, treat, and reduce chronic or acute pain without invasive surgery. It often combines medical treatments, therapies, and lifestyle strategies to improve your quality of life and align with your goals.


If pain lasts longer than expected, interferes with daily activities, or isn’t relieved by standard treatments, a pain doctor may help you find more effective options.


Treatment may include medications, injections, physical therapy, minimally invasive procedures, and guidance on exercise, posture, or stress management. Care is personalized to each patient.


Not usually. Most pain conditions can be treated with nonsurgical options. Surgery is considered only if conservative treatments don’t provide relief or if the condition requires it.


Yes. Treatments are performed by trained pain management doctors who carefully tailor care plans. Safety and comfort are always the top priorities.


Relief can vary depending on the cause of the pain and the type of treatment. Some patients notice improvement quickly, while others may need a longer-term plan for lasting results.

Treatment Options Tailored to Your Needs

Depending on the condition, our pain management doctors typically begin with conservative approaches and will adjust your treatment plan if your pain persists. Rest assured, they will collaborate with you until a satisfactory solution is found. Tailoring a plan designed to address your specific injury while keeping your goals in mind, our physiatrists aim not only to make you comfortable but also to facilitate your return to activities, especially if you’re an athlete. There’s no need to endure chronic pain—contact South Texas Spinal Clinic today to discover how pain management can assist you, or use our convenient online scheduling to book an appointment. Our pain management doctors are always ready to help you.

Nonsurgical Approaches

Our team focuses on effective, nonsurgical treatments designed to relieve pain and improve function. Options may include medications, targeted injections, physical therapy, lifestyle guidance, and other minimally invasive techniques. These approaches are personalized to your condition and goals, helping you find lasting relief without the need for surgery.

Nonsurgical treatments we offer include:

What If Pain Persists?

If your pain continues despite initial treatments, you are not out of options. Our pain doctors will tailor your treatment plan and may recommend other advanced therapies, such as targeted injections, orthobiologics, or other minimally invasive procedures. We work with you to adjust your care plan until we find the right approach, focusing on both relief and restoring your quality of life.

For some patients, surgery may eventually be considered—particularly if structural problems in the spine, joints, or tendons are contributing to ongoing pain. If surgery is recommended, we’ll guide you through your options and work closely with your surgeon to ensure continuity of care. Our goal is always to explore the least invasive approaches first while keeping surgery as a potential solution if necessary.

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Physical Therapy

Our physical therapy programs are tailored to improve strength, flexibility, and balance—all essential for protecting bone health.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation delivers gentle currents to targeted areas to relieve pain, improve circulation, and encourage muscle activity.

Injections

Injections

Injections may be used to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and support healing as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Advanced Bone Health

Healthy bones are essential for supporting you and protecting against fractures—especially as you age. Low bone density can lead to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of painful compression fractures. Our bone health doctor and providers can assess your bone health, recommend lifestyle changes, and offer treatments to help keep your bones strong for years to come.

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Schedule an Appointment

Don’t let pain limit your life. Our pain doctors are ready to diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan just for you. To get the care you deserve, please call us at (210) 293-3165 or use the button below to schedule an appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

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