Neurosurgeon & Spine Care in San Antonio, TX
Procedures & Solutions for
Neck Pain
Your Pain Is Real. We Find the Source.
Board-certified neurosurgeons diagnosing and treating cervical spine conditions — from herniated discs and nerve compression to complex surgical reconstruction.
Tired of being told “it's just aging” or “try rest”? We pinpoint what's causing your pain, then recommend the right care — from conservative treatment to advanced surgery.
From “Why Does It Hurt?” to a Plan That Fits You
Spine pain isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is our care. Our team uses extensive training to evaluate, diagnose, and treat, from conservative care to complex surgery.
We Gather Your History
With your permission, we collect pertinent records from your referring providers so you don’t start from scratch.
A Thorough First Visit
Our PA team reviews your symptoms and completes a physical assessment. No MRI is needed first.
Testing to Find the Source
We order the studies that fill in the gaps, which may include imaging, nerve testing (EMG), bone density (DEXA), and physical therapy.
Support While You Wait
Based on what we know, our team may prescribe medications, pain injections, or physical therapy to help with immediate pain while results come in.
Surgeon Review & Your Options
Your surgeon reviews your findings with you and talks through your diagnosis, treatment options, and timelines, including conservative care.
Only if needed
If Surgery Is Recommended
We handle the details with you: cardiac clearance, insurance preauthorization, pre-surgical labs, bracing if needed, and planning for your needs after surgery. We also coordinate with other doctors and organizations so your care stays in network and on schedule.
A Plan Matched to You, and Decided With You
Treatment ranges from conservative options to complex surgery, depending on your diagnosis. When surgery is considered, your surgeon weighs the benefits against risks, including your overall health, other medical conditions, and body type, and talks it through with you at length. Most of our patients are not surgical candidates. You lead your own care, and we make sure you enter the process informed.
Nonsurgical Care
Physical therapy and medications to help manage pain and support function. Many patients choose to try these first and have us monitor how they respond over time.
In-Office Minimally Invasive Procedures
Procedures such as kyphoplasty and SI joint procedures, performed in our office when appropriate for your diagnosis.
Surgical Intervention
Recommended only when it is prudent. Unlike a joint replacement, spine surgery isn’t always corrective. Often the goal is to help prevent further nerve damage and loss of motor function.
Our Services / Nuestros Servicios
Everything You Need.
Our carefully curated services reduce the need for appointments at multiple clinics.
Spine Health Evaluation
Evaluación de Salud Espinal
Comprehensive consultations with our neurosurgeons to identify the source of your neck, back, or radiating pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
Nerve Studies (EMG / NCV)
Estudios de Nervios
In-house electrodiagnostic testing to precisely locate nerve damage and guide your treatment — no outside referrals needed.
Physical Therapy
Terapia Física
Specialized spine and peripheral nerve rehabilitation with therapists who work directly alongside your surgical team.
Bone Health Clinic
Clínica de Salud Ósea
DEXA scans, bone density assessments, and treatment for compression fractures — addressed within 48 hours of diagnosis.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Procedimientos Mínimamente Invasivos
On-site procedures for targeted pain relief with faster recovery times and minimal disruption to your daily life.
Complex Surgery
Cirugía Compleja
When conservative care and minimally invasive options have been exhausted, our board-certified neurosurgeons deliver expert surgical solutions — from single-level fusions to complex spine reconstruction.
Meet Our Experts / Conozca a Nuestros Expertos
Led by the Best in the Field.
Every case is reviewed thoroughly by our surgeons. Even when treatment is managed by an advanced care provider, patients receive the full benefit of our neurosurgical team's expertise.
Dr. Gerardo Zavala II
FAANS — Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Dedicated to innovative spine care and compassionate patient relationships. Dr. Zavala specializes in complex spine issues, revision surgery, and spinal deformity conditions including scoliosis — leading NSC with a focus on precision diagnosis and conservative-first treatment.
Dr. Ladislau Albert Jr.
FAANS — Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Expert in the precision treatment of cervical spine conditions and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Albert delivers personalized treatment plans designed for lasting relief with the shortest possible recovery and minimal disruption to daily life.
Featured This Week / Artículo de la Semana
November 4, 2026
Herniated Disc: What It Actually Means — and When You Really Need Surgery
Hernia de Disco: Qué Significa Realmente y Cuándo Se Necesita Cirugía
A herniated disc diagnosis can sound alarming, but most patients are not headed straight to the operating room. Learn what a herniated disc actually is, why it causes back, leg, or arm pain, which treatments are tried first, and the specific warning signs that mean it's time to see a neurosurgeon about surgical options.
Un diagnóstico de hernia de disco puede sonar alarmante, pero la mayoría de los pacientes no van directamente al quirófano. Conozca qué es realmente una hernia de disco, por qué causa dolor de espalda, pierna o brazo, qué tratamientos se prueban primero y las señales de alerta específicas que indican que es momento de consultar a un neurocirujano sobre opciones quirúrgicas.
Latest from NSC / Lo Nuevo en NSC
News & Updates.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Qué esperar en su primera visita
Dr. Zavala walks you through your first appointment at NSC — from check-in to your personalized treatment plan.
View All VideosJune 2026
Spotlight on Bone Health
Our onsite DEXA scan provides patients with important information about their bone health and bone quality allowing for intervention of osteoporosis and opportunity to learn how bone health plays a role in spine health.
May 2026
Nerve Studies
NSC offers onsite nerve studies improving accessibility for those patients needing answers regarding peripheral nerve pain and weakness.
April 2026
When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?
Not every back or neck problem requires a neurosurgeon — but some signs shouldn't wait. Learn the specific symptoms and conditions that call for expert neurosurgical evaluation.
Your Questions Are Fair
If you’ve tried treatments that didn’t help, or you’d rather avoid surgery, you’re in good company. Here’s what we hear most.
“Neurosurgeons only operate on brains.”
Our neurosurgeons specialize in the spine and the nerves that run through it, which makes them especially skilled at finding why you hurt.
“The surgeon will just want to operate.”
We offer physical therapy, medications, and in-office procedures, and we recommend surgery only when it is prudent. The decision is made thoughtfully, with you.
“Spine surgery is a big, risky operation.”
Advanced technology now allows smaller incisions and, for many procedures, shorter recovery times. Your surgeon will explain what applies to you.
“I need an MRI before I can be seen.”
You don’t. Your first visit helps us decide which tests you actually need.
Concerned about cost? We offer payment plans, and our team will help you understand your insurance coverage.
Request an AppointmentReady for Answers?
We're Ready for You.
You don't have to guess what's causing your pain. A real person will help you schedule, and your visit ends with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan, and next steps.
No espere a que el dolor empeore. Programe su evaluación hoy.
New appointments within 10 days · No MRI needed first · Hablamos Español
