Blog

Welcoming All New Patients with Open Arms

When you choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio, you’re choosing a center which has the experience, expertise, and effectiveness to help resolve your conditions. Our innovative approach to treating patients has proven time and time again to be extremely successful. We’re always working towards a bigger and better goal of being the best we can be, day in and day out. Our team of experts will always treat the issue at the root cause and focus on doing everything right the first time to ensure you can live your life without pain. Additionally, everyone from our staff to our surgeons provide you with the tools you need to succeed. Just ask our previous patients who’ve helped us achieve a 99% patient satisfaction rating. Read on to learn more about our focus on new and existing patients and how we can help you achieve your goals of becoming pain-free through our excellent surgical techniques.

Embracing Unique Challenges with Innovative Solutions

Every individual patient is unique. With this inherent uniqueness, there will be moments where we ourselves as surgeons must be adaptable and unique as well. There’s never a one-size-fits-all approach to our expertise here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants. We know this is often a very sensitive and difficult time for you, the patient, and we want you to know we’re here for you every step of the way. We cater to our patients to ensure their needs are met whenever they have a request. This is the way things should be done; the right way.

Working Towards Resolving Your Conditions

We want to see you at 100% just as much as you want to see yourself back in action. Through this joint goal, we’ll be able to utilize our expertise to best align ourselves in treating your unique condition. Our goal in any surgery is to have you back on track to health and wellness. Resolving your pain through treating your condition appropriately will allow us to possibly achieve this for you. We go through the process of an initial consultation, further evaluations if required, providing you with multiple options if available, and then if required; surgery. We always attempt to resolve issues and promote wellness without surgery, yet if we deem surgery is the most effective route to take, we’ll ensure you understand all of the reasons behind our decision before proceeding further.

Treating the Issue at the Root Cause

If there are underlying issues causing your condition, we want to figure out what’s happening and resolve those root causes ASAP. This will allow us to better understand, diagnose, and treat the issue at hand. As mentioned above, surgery is always the last resort option and we have an in-house team of physical therapists to best address any physical discomfort, pain, or trauma prior to a surgical procedure. We always want to utilize a non-surgical approach prior to proceeding with an invasive procedure. Physical therapy has been proven to assist in certain scenarios with this goal. 

Promoting Post-Surgery Recommendations

If you happen to have surgery here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we want you to know we have your back throughout the entire process. We’re always looking out for our patients when they’re recovering from a surgery. We perform extensive follow-ups to ensure everything from your medication management, to your pain levels, to your nutrition is maintained successfully. 

Helping You See Results with Our 99% Satisfaction Rating

Our patient testimonials speak for themselves, yet we know there’s only one way for you to truly discover just how great our medical center truly is. We encourage you to contact us using the button below if you’re interested in becoming a new patient here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio. We’ll be eagerly awaiting your inquiry and we look forward to resolving your conditions as soon as possible!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

What Does Board-Certified Mean?

Board-certified means a doctor has gone above and beyond to complete further, extensive training within a specific field of medicine and they’ve also passed a specific exam to prove their knowledge within said field of medicine. This amounts to demonstrating your doctor is not settling for the status quo. They want to learn more, offer better care to their patients, and incorporate continuous education into their lives; throughout their career as a medical professional. Board-certification is not an easy goal to achieve. For this reason, and many more, we always like to highlight how our neurosurgeons, Dr. Gerardo Zavala and Dr. Ladislau Albert, Jr. are board-certified. Read on to learn more about board-certification and the care you can expect to receive here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio.

Why is Board-Certification Important?

Board-certification is important as it allows you, the patient, to see our doctors care about being the best they can be. Not just any doctor can become board-certified. It takes a certain individual who truly wants to perfect their craft to receive board-certification. The entire process is quite tedious and requires a great commitment to your specific medical field as a doctor. For this reason, there are only a select number of individuals who end up becoming board-certified.

Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants You Can Trust

With our board-certified neurosurgeons, you can trust you’re in excellent hands as they’re always striving to be the absolute best surgeons they can be. Dr. Zavala and Dr. Albert have always gone above and beyond and it shows with their excellent patient satisfaction rating. It takes a certain individual to become board-certified and Dr. Zavala and Dr. Albert have proven they have what it takes to become board-certified and we’re excited for you to see just how excellent their surgical skills truly are.

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Excellent Care

If you’ve been seeking neurosurgery and spinal care, you’ll want to contact us using the button below. Our excellent staff will be sure to respond to your inquiry as soon as possible with further details on what to expect when you become a patient of ours here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio. We look forward to welcoming you very soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

We’re Here for You When You Need Us Most

We know this time is most likely very stressful and worrisome, yet we at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants are here to reassure you we’ll do absolutely everything we can to help you achieve a healthy, pain-free lifestyle once again. We know you may be struggling to believe anything will help your condition, yet don’t lose hope as we’ve seen phenomenal success rates with our past patients and we want to see the same results for you. Read on to learn more about our “concierge approach” to you as the patient and how we’re always going above and beyond to ensure you’re properly taken care of.

Always On-Call

When you choose to have surgery with us here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio, you can take comfort in knowing there’s always someone here to help, should you need assistance. Our after-hours answering service is dedicated to relaying questions from you to our doctors and relaying information back to you within rapid timeframes. We’re always here for you.

Consistent Follow-Up to Ensure a Successful Recovery

Our team consistently follows up with our post-surgery patients in recovery to ensure everything is going as planned. We know how important it is to maintain a continuous dialogue with our patients. As we see more and more patients, we know just how valuable even a brief discussion can be to ease minds and ensure everything is a-okay.

Always Striving for Improvement

We know there’s always room for improvement in any process which is why we always make it a goal, no matter how great we do, to be better than the day before. Through this process, we’ve been able to successfully grow our medical practice to new heights and achieve a nearly perfect patient satisfaction rating.

Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

If you’ve been seeking neurosurgery and spinal care, don’t hesitate to contact us using the button below and we’ll be sure to have our staff reach out to learn more about yourself and your condition. We look forward to hearing from you soon and welcoming you with our concierge approach!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

The Importance of Stretching

Stretching is something we are often told we should do, yet more often than not we may forego the act of stretching due to not knowing how to do it properly, being lazy, or simply not believing in the possible benefits of stretching. According to Harvard Medical School, stretching itself has been shown to be beneficial for increased mobility and flexibility over time. This could in turn allow you to be much more agile and responsive when participating within certain activities. REad on to learn more about the possible benefits of stretching and how they can be easily applied to your daily routine.

Stretching May Help Prevent Injuries During Activities

According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching increases flexibility which in turn increases the range of motion within joints. This will allow you to possibly perform better when exercising, playing sports, etc… We all want to be proactive in our injury prevention methods, so why not give stretching a go? You’ll most likely feel a bit more flexible at the very least and possibly prevent a negative situation from occurring during your physical activity.

Stretching May Help Us Limber Up for Our Favorite Activity

It doesn’t matter which activity is your favorite. Whether you prefer golf, soccer, football, etc…; you’ll find stretching may be a good way to prep your body for the activities ahead. Many of us will want to just simply jump in and play, yet it’s important to listen to your body and if you feel as though you need a quick stretch beforehand, go for it.

Stretching May Reduce Aches, Pains, & Cramps

According to Harvard Medical School, light and gentle stretching may improve cramping muscles and allow them to relax and release. This can be a quick fix solution for muscle cramping, yet there may be other issues at hand if the cramping becomes a chronic issue. Dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramping as well which is why it’s important to stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.

Stretching Just Feels Good

For many people, stretching just feels good. It’s as plain and simple as that. It can feel very relaxing and therapeutic to stretch the muscles within your body and once you incorporate it into your routine, you may find it’s just something you want to do to start your day off right.

Always Speak to Your Doctor First Before Beginning a Stretching Routine

Be sure to always speak to your doctor or healthcare professional before beginning any new stretching routine. They’ll be able to provide you with the right stretching exercises to follow to achieve your goals.

Choose Us for Your Physical Therapy Recovery Plan

If you’ve been searching for a physical therapist to help you overcome the issues you’ve been experiencing; you’ve come to the right palace. Feel free to fill out the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing physical therapists as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

As we begin to work from home more and more due to global events, it’s important to implement proper techniques when working in your home office, your kitchen table, your couch, etc… It’s sometimes easy for us to forget how we should still maintain our posture, composure, and ergonomics when we’re within our home base; especially if you’ve never worked from home before. Read on to explore some great tips and techniques which you can easily implement to efficiently and effectively work from home with ease and comfort for your neck, back, and spine.

Choose the Right Chair for You

The right chair can make a world of difference when it comes to working from home. The main differences between the right chair and the wrong chair are simply: does your chair offer the support and structure to provide you with a comfortable seating arrangement? If not, then you may want to reevaluate the style and ergonomics of your chair in which you’ll be working from. The chair is where most of us reside during the work day and if it;’s not properly designed for your body’s frame and size, you may end up with an uncomfortable work-from-home experience. Make the right choice and buy a chair which helps you thrive in your work-from-home environment.

Use an Ergonomic Keyboard

An ergonomic keyboard cna make a big difference in how you type. Ergonomic keyboards are designed with comfort and support in mind. Yes, they’re a bit more expensive, yet they may possibly offer relief for some individuals if they’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. Your wrists may thank you later on.

Stay Adequately Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to a lack of productivity and being chronically dehydrated is not good for your body, especially your back, neck, and spine areas. Be sure to stay adequately hydrated. According to Harvard Medical School’s blog, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to water consumption and you should ultimately listen to your body and consult with your doctor if you feel as though you’re chronically dehydrated. They’ll be able to recommend the right amount to keep you going through the day and stay successfully hydrated.

Make Sure to Walk Around & Stay Active

Being stagnant all day is not good for you. Your body is made to move, and move it should! Be sure to set a reminder to stand up and walk around at least every 30 minutes to promote circulation and be active. Walking around the block or simply pacing back and forth a few times within your office is a great way to keep your body moving throughout the day.

Stretch Periodically Throughout the Day to Promote Circulation

According to a study published by The Journal of Physiology, stretching may help promote blood flow throughout the body. Stretching makes sense to perform throughout the day from time to time, especially if you’re seated for 8+ hours working at your desk from home. Your body needs some stimulation and stretching may be just the right thing to help stimulate blood flow and help you stay flexible and nimble.

Reassess Your Posture When Working at Your Desk

It’s important to check in with yourself every hour or so as well to see if you’ve begun slouching or craning your neck. It’s a habit most of us partake in, yet if you make the effort to check in with yourself, you may be able to stop the bad habit and gain better posture positioning over time.

Consider Buying an Adjustable Height/Standing Desk

To switch things up, you may want to consider purchasing an adjustable height or standing desk to allow you the option of going from seated to standing. A standing desk may allow you to give your hips and lower back a bit of rest from being seated all day long. Altogether, a standing desk at the least will incorporate new positions to further stimulate your workflow and keep things interesting.

Align Your Screens to Be at Eye-Level to Reduce Neck Craning

If your screen is not at your eye-level, you’ll most likely inadvertently be shifting, tilting, or adjusting to compensate for the misalignment. Be sure to have your screens aligned with your eye-level to help promote a better position for your neck, shoulders, and back. 

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants to Help Resolve Your Neck, Back, or Spine Pain

If you’re working from home and have noticed any neck, back, or spine pain; you should reach out to us using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing medical professionals as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Headaches May Be Caused by Many Things

Headaches are still quite the confusing thing for even medical professionals. Headaches may be caused by many things including injury, diet, stress, etc… What we’re here to help with is to best narrow down what could possibly be causing your headaches. We all know headaches are not the best thing to deal with and we understand they may be causing you to feel anywhere from slightly annoyed to in a great deal of pain. The important thing to remember is to know you’ll be in great hands here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants.

Headaches Can Be Detrimental to Your Wellbeing

Wellbeing is different for many people, yet one thing is for sure, headaches do not belong within the “general wellbeing” category. Chronic headaches for most people have patterns and these patterns can help us better determine what is possibly causing them and how we can best go about resolving them.

Our Doctors will Help Diagnose What’s Causing Your Headaches

A proper diagnosis may be difficult with headaches, as there’s still so much we don’t know about them. Yet don’;t be discouraged, as we’ll ensure you receive the best care possible from all of our staff, doctors, and specialists to best determine what exactly is going on and how we can best treat the issue at hand. 

We’ll Provide Different Treatment Options to Best Resolve Your Headaches

We’ll most likely provide multiple treatment options for your chronic headaches as we want you to know there are multiple avenues to take when it comes to resolving this chronic issue. We’ll always support your choices when it comes to our recommended pathways to regaining your health and ensure you’re the one who makes the choice after presented with multiple options.

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Your Headache Resolution

If you’ve been experiencing chronic headaches and they just don’t seem to be going away, you’ll want to contact us for an evaluation using the form below. We’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our excellent doctors and have you on your way to possibly regaining your health once again. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin treating your condition with our expertise!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Choosing the right backpack for your kids is crucial for a number of reasons, yet the most important reason is for their neck, and, and spine health. Kids are especially vulnerable to feeling the impact of a poorly constructed backpack, or a backpack which is worn incorrectly due to user error. In this post, we’ll be discussing which backpacks are the best choice for your kids, how to wear the backpacks properly to better avoid injury or discomfort, and how long your child should be wearing their backpack.

How to Properly Choose the Right Backpack for Your Kids

Choices, choices, choices. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to backpacks for your kids. While you should definitely involve your kids in the process, you’ll also want to be the one who makes the final decision one which backpack is best for your child. The right backpack should be properly sized, have a molded frame to support the spine, be constructed of lightweight material, possess adequate straps, and have individual compartments to properly distribute weight within the backpack.

A Properly Sized Backpack is Best

Your child may be very tall for their age, very small for their age, or somewhere in between. What’s important is for their backpack to not be overwhelmingly large to the point it throws off their posture, balance, and comfort levels. Finding the right-sized backpack for your kids is as simple as having them try out a few at the store and see which backpack aligns best with their frame and size.

A Molded Frame On the Backpack is Good for Spinal Support

A molded frame insert can help provide proper spinal support and prevent objects within your child’s backpack from poking into their back as well. These backpacks will typically be a bit more expensive, yet it’s certainly worth it when it comes to your child’s comfort and health. 

Choosing a Lightweight Material Will Help Alleviate Weight-Induced Strain

When you choose a lightweight material for your child’s backpack, it’s that much less of a strain on their back, neck, spine, and shoulders. Any extra weight reduction can help offset some of the strain a backpack may impose, so why not choose the lightest material possible while still maintaining the backpack’s integrity?

Ensuring the Backpack Has Adjustable Straps

When your child’s backpack has adjustable straps, it will allow you to effectively adjust the straps to fit their frame snugly and securely. This is an important and often underutilized component of many backpacks, yet those waist and sternum straps are there for a reason. They’re there to help secure the weight being held within your child’s backpack and successfully distribute some of the weight burden away from just their back area.

Individualized Compartments to Better Evenly Distribute Weight

When your child’s backpack has individualized compartments for better weight distribution, it’ll allow your child to balance out the weight of their backpack much more evenly. If the backpack doesn’t have individualized compartments, they may run the risk of having multiple heavy items paired next to a much lighter item; ultimately creating a lopsided backpack which could cause discomfort and pain. Be sure to teach your kids to use the individualized compartments to evenly distribute weight and they’ll thank you later for it.

Ensure the Weight of the Backpack is No More than 10% of Your Child’s Body Weight

This is something which should be very much adhered to. You don’t want your child’s backpack to be more than 10% of their body weight due to the fact it could cause them to experience pain, discomfort, or even an injury. The math is quick and easy to do with this equation so it should be easy for you to successfully implement this tip into their backpack wearing routine. 

Pack the Heaviest Items Closest to Your Child’s Back

This tip is similar to how you should always lift heavier objects closer to your body so you reduce the risk of injury. The same goes for your child’s backpack. If there’s a heavier item which must be carried within their backpack, you’ll want to remind them to pack it close to where their back would be aligned with the bag. If it’s packed too far away, for instance in the front pocket of the backpack, it may cause excess strain on your child’s back. You and your child will not want this to happen, so play it safe and always pack the heavier items near where your child’s back will be.

Properly Secure the Backpack with the Sternums & Waist Straps

As mentioned above, the straps are there for a reason and should be secured properly to best alleviate some of the weight load within your child’s backpack. Ensuring a comfortable fit cna do a lot of good if your child plans on wearing the backpack on and off on let’s say a hike for example.

Remind Your Child it’s Important to Use BOTH Straps

It’s no longer “cool” to wear one strap on your shoulder. Remind your child of this and let them know they’re not allowed to wear their backpack like that, otherwise it could cause issues later on down the road.

Only Wear the Backpack for 30 Minute Intervals to Reduce Stress On Back

Ensure your child is only wearing their backpack for no more than 30 minutes at a time. Any longer, and your child may end up with pain, discomfort, or injury. Let them know it’s perfectly okay to take the backpack off and rest if they’re feeling tired or strained from wearing it.

Follow These Tips for a Better Backpack Wearing Experience

Extending your support as a parent will help your child stick to these backpack wearing tips. You’ll most likely find your child will actually enjoy these tips once they’re put into practice, as their back, neck, and spine will likely be much less trained and fatigued. Ultimately this will lead to a happier child and we could all use that within our lives as parents, right? Right!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.