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Melody’s Pain Story: I was struggling with pain that was gradually limiting me more and more. I found it difficult to go shopping, participate in social activities, and even stand long enough to do basic tasks like the dishes. Despite the hesitation and discouragement from others to avoid doing anything with my spine, I knew […]

Richard’s pain story: After years of working as a nurse, the pain from my back became unbearable. I tried to avoid surgery, but as the pain increased, I knew I had to do something. I decided to keep an open mind and explore the option of a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) to see if it […]

Manuel‘s pain story: My pain resulted from my military service and injury, sustained during training and wartime deployment. Since 1984, I have struggled with pain. In 2003, I retired from military military, and became a schoolteacher; however, I had to discontinue my second career due to pain. Before SCS, I could never manage my pain […]

The holiday season is a time for gatherings, feasts, and celebrations, but for those living with chronic pain, cooking large meals can become a daunting task. Whether it’s arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, or any other condition, the physical strain of preparing festive meals can lead to flare-ups, exhaustion, or injury. Working together with your provider […]

Sciatica is a common condition; it causes pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica typically occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Common causes include: Herniated Discs: Discs act as cushions between vertebrae. A […]

Understanding Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN) Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes affecting the peripheral nervous system, which includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to these nerves, particularly in the extremities such as the feet, hands, and legs. This condition can […]

Over 50 million Americans grapple with chronic pain, a condition that extends beyond a few months and disrupts daily life and overall well-being. This persistent pain usually stems from an initial injury, such as a back strain, but can be caused by various conditions such as arthritis, nerve damage or other age-related causes. Unlike typical […]

Dear Patients with WellMed Insurance, Effective October 1, 2024, WellMed determined that Spine & Joint Pain Specialists (SJPS) is now considered an OUT OF NETWORK provider for the following plans: AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (HMO) AARP Medicare Advantage (HMO) Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO) Cigna Total Care (HMO D-SNP) Cigna Fundamental Medicare (HMO) Cigna Preferred Savings […]

Pain Management is successful when using a multi-modal approach to the plan of care—injections, medications, therapy, nutrition, and behavioral changes. Physical Therapy is a KEY component. Interventional pain management used concurrently with Physical Therapy has yielded significantly greater pain relief for patients than just utilizing one treatment approach. Physical therapy is an effective tool alongside […]

As we age, managing pain becomes essential for sustaining quality of life. The challenges seniors face can deeply impact their mental and physical health as they can have trouble getting up in the morning or running everyday errands. We’ll explore the ways that we can alleviate pain in aging bodies. Physical Activity Maintaining mobility is […]

Please plan to bring your insurance card to your next appointment. As we begin the new year, SJPS is working hard to ensure your insurance company has the correct information to process your visits and procedures. Please bring your insurance card to your first appointment this calendar year, as we will need to make a copy of it for […]

Winter can bring extra challenges for people with joint pain. The cold weather can make conditions like arthritis worse, making everyday activities harder. Let’s keep it simple and explore easy ways to feel better during the colder months. Know the Connection Cold weather isn’t just a feeling – studies show it can majorly affect joints. […]

As the weather starts to drop and the crisp air fills our lungs, it’s important to ensure that your pain management strategies are in place. Fall brings its own set of challenges, with fluctuating weather and potential triggers. Perhaps it’s time to check in with your pain management specialists during this season to provide you with valuable insight and ensure you […]

Spring has arrived and with it, Fiesta has returned! Pain is no party and we here at SJPS want you take have as good a time as possible. From walking the streets of Fiesta,  to enjoying a parade, all of this is more possible by being proactive with your body. At Spine & Joint Pain […]

We recently sat down for a few minutes with Dr. Velarde to discuss his passion for managing patient’s pain. Click here to join Dr. Velarde “In the Room.” In his words, “Come on over here…we will take care of your pain!” Watch Video Here

  The holidays are in full swing & everyone has full “To Do” list before year end. If back pain is keeping you from enjoying the holiday season, we can help! At Spine & Joint Pain Specialists, our goal is to help you get back to life before pain. Our goal is to maximize each […]

It has been a busy season at Spine and Joint Pain Specialists!  We recently sat with our new Interventional Pain Management physician, Dr. Cesar Velarde to get to know him in a one-on-one interview.

This month has been focused on educating patients and opening the lines of communication regarding treatment options available for painful conditions. Fun Facts! – Did you know that Pain Awareness Month was first declared in 2001? – 83 million Americans indicate that pain impacts their day to day activities. Are you among the millions of […]

This month was created to increase the awareness about the effects of pain and to open the lines of communication in our local communities, so that pain can be better understood and managed. Did you know? • Pain affects more than Americans than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. • 80% of people in the […]

Dr. Tisdall & our team are excited to welcome Cesar Velarde, MD to Spine & Joint Pain Specialists!  Dr. Velarde has extensive experience in providing interventional pain care in Las Cruces, New Mexico since early 2000.  He is highly skilled in performing Interventional Pain Management procedures, such as spinal cord stimulators, epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency […]

Dr. Jonathan W. Bourgeois will be moving back to his home State of Oregon mid-June, after 22 years of adventure on the East Coast and Texas! He wishes his patients good health, a pain-free future, and many thanks for the opportunity and privilege of being their pain doctor for the past 4 years. We will […]

Fiesta Week, also known as Fiesta San Antonio and previously known as Fiesta San Jacinto, is a 10-day festival that started in 1891 as a flower parade dedicated to the heroes who lost their lives in the battles of San Jacinto and The Alamo. Fiesta has grown to host over 100 events that feature parades, […]

We hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving. We are so grateful for your continued trust in our team! As the leaves turn to gold (in some parts of Texas), and the fireplaces become active once more, we look forward to continuing our goal of making your pain more tolerable.

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, SJPS and the Borracho Tailgaters participated in a toy drive to collect toys to donate to CASA (Child Advocates of San Antonio). Together, they doubled their goal (which was 500 toys) and donated a total of 1,000 toys!

Knee pain is one of the most common types of pain among adults, especially athletes and elderly adults. That comes as no surprise, considering how often we use our knees throughout the day, and how much impact and bodyweight knees have to support. But knee pain can be caused by many different things. Sports related […]