Patient having a consultation with their doctor about their back pain to discuss treatment optionsBack pain can interfere with daily life, making even simple tasks difficult. While surgery may seem like the only answer, many patients find meaningful relief through conservative care. At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, patients benefit from the advanced training and experience of specialists like Dr. Rajesh K. Sharma, who is Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and Dr. Vrunda H. Pandya, a fellowship-trained anesthesiologist with over a decade of experience. 

Their expertise helps guide personalized treatment plans that focus on non-surgical options first. For many individuals, exploring these less invasive approaches can effectively reduce pain and delay or eliminate the need for back surgery.

What Is Conservative Care?

Conservative care refers to non-surgical treatments designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function. These therapies offer a path to relief by addressing symptoms with minimally invasive care.

Common conservative treatments include:

  • Physical therapy and guided exercise programs
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks
  • Chiropractic care and posture training
  • Lifestyle changes such as weight management or ergonomic modifications

These approaches are often used in combination to provide the most effective relief tailored to the individual’s condition and needs.

When Conservative Care Is the Right First Step

For many spinal conditions, surgery is not immediately necessary. Conservative care may be appropriate for:

  • Persistent back pain without neurological symptoms
  • Early-stage disc degeneration
  • Muscular strain or inflammation
  • Mild to moderate herniated discs
  • Chronic conditions that respond well to physical rehabilitation

In these situations, conservative treatment can help reduce inflammation, strengthen supporting muscles, and restore mobility—all without the risks or recovery time associated with surgery.

When Back Surgery Might Be Needed

While conservative treatments work for many people, there are cases where surgery becomes the more appropriate choice. Surgical intervention may be considered when:

  • Pain does not improve after several months of consistent conservative care
  • Imaging reveals severe nerve compression or spinal instability
  • Symptoms include loss of bladder or bowel control
  • There is progressive weakness or numbness in the limbs

A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist can determine when conservative care has been exhausted and when surgery may provide the best outcome.

Finding the Right Path to Relief in San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville, TX

Living with back pain does not have to be your new normal. If you are in the San Antonio, Boerne, or Kerrville area, expert help is close to home. Conservative care often provides the relief patients need without resorting to surgery. Whether you are dealing with a long-term spinal condition or new discomfort that is disrupting daily life, the right treatment plan can make all the difference.

Schedule a consultation today by calling 210-920-8945. The focus is on finding the most effective non-surgical therapies to address your pain and support long-term recovery.