Pura Vida Chiropractic · Spine Specialist
Spine Doctor in San Antonio TX
Need a spine doctor in San Antonio who treats herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis, or chronic back pain without medications or surgery? Dr. Dan Foss, DC is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 23+ years of specialized experience in spine conditions. Fully bilingual care (English/Spanish). 159+ five-star reviews. Free initial evaluation.
Spine specialist without surgery
The spine is the most complex structure in your body — 33 vertebrae connected by discs, ligaments, joints, and muscles, all coordinated by the spinal cord and thousands of nerves. When something becomes misaligned, the consequences can be painful and limiting: radiating pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, mobility problems. Many patients arrive at Pura Vida Chiropractic after months or years of pain — having tried medications, physical therapy, injections, and even considering surgery.
The good news: most spine problems do not require surgery. Medical studies consistently show that 85% to 90% of patients with symptomatic herniated discs significantly improve with conservative care. Dr. Foss combines four specialized techniques — Advanced SOT, decompression, Class IV laser therapy, and SoftWave — to address the structural cause of the problem, not just mask the pain.
Spine conditions we treat
Herniated Disc (Cervical and Lumbar)
When the intervertebral disc protrudes and compresses nerves. Symptoms: radiating pain to arm or leg, numbness, tingling, weakness. Treated with decompression, SOT, and Class IV laser. 85-90% improve without surgery.
Sciatica (Sciatic Nerve Pain)
Radiating pain from low back to leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness. Causes: herniated disc, piriformis syndrome, pelvic subluxation. Treated with SOT (Category II pelvic blocking), laser therapy, and specific corrective exercises.
Scoliosis
Abnormal lateral spinal curvature. In children and adolescents it can progress rapidly without treatment. In adults it causes chronic pain and postural problems. Treatment includes specific adjustments, corrective exercises, and progression monitoring with X-rays.
Chronic Back Pain
Pain lasting more than 3 months without obvious structural cause. Most have a sacroiliac or myofascial component that conventional medicine does not identify. SOT identifies the specific pattern (Category I, II, or III) and applies targeted correction.
Whiplash
Common injury after auto accidents. Causes neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and stiffness. Treated with specific adjustments, laser therapy, and SoftWave. We work directly with your PIP/MedPay insurance and personal injury attorneys.
Pregnancy Back Pain
Pregnancy biomechanical changes cause lumbar pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. The Webster Technique (Dr. Foss is certified) is safe through all trimesters and can improve fetal positioning before delivery. We treat pregnant women weekly.
Why Pura Vida is different from other spine doctors in San Antonio
Most chiropractors in San Antonio primarily use the Diversified technique — the traditional high-velocity manipulation method. It is effective for simple cases, but limited for complex conditions or sensitive patients. Dr. Foss is the only chiropractor in San Antonio with Advanced SOT certification — a 3-pillar protocol system that goes far beyond basic chiropractic:
- Advanced SOT (Pelvic Blocking): Identifies whether your spine problem is Category I (sacroiliac), Category II (pelvic weight-bearing), or Category III (lumbar/disc) and applies specific correction with padded wedges. No high-velocity manipulation — ideal for sensitive patients, elderly, pregnant women, and children.
- CMRT: Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique for spine conditions with visceral component (where back pain is connected with organ problems like reflux, constipation, or digestive issues).
- SOT Craniopathy: For upper cervical conditions and skull-base-related problems — cervicogenic vertigo, TMJ, tension headaches, post-concussion.
- Class IV Laser + SoftWave: Non-invasive regenerative therapies in-office to accelerate healing of discs, ligaments, and soft tissues. Most SA clinics do not offer them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a spine doctor and a chiropractor?
In popular Hispanic speech, 'doctor de columna' often means any professional who treats spinal problems — including chiropractors, orthopedists, and neurosurgeons. Dr. Dan Foss is a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Texas license TX10880, specialized in spine conditions without surgery: herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis, chronic back pain, neck pain, postural problems, and structural imbalances. Chiropractic treats the spine through precise adjustments, manual therapies, and techniques like SOT (Sacro-Occipital Technique) without medications or surgery.
Can a spine doctor treat a herniated disc without surgery?
Yes, in most cases. Published studies show 85-90% of patients with symptomatic herniated discs improve with conservative care without surgery. At Pura Vida Chiropractic we combine SOT adjustment, decompression therapy, Class IV laser therapy, and SoftWave (extracorporeal shockwave) to treat lumbar and cervical herniated discs. Many patients referred for surgery avoid surgical intervention after a course of chiropractic treatment.
What spine conditions does Dr. Foss treat?
We treat a wide variety of spine conditions: lumbar and cervical herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis (in children and adults), chronic back pain, neck pain, whiplash from auto accidents, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, sacroiliac pain, acute lumbago, costochondritis, rib subluxation, tailbone pain, work-related spine injuries, and back pain during pregnancy (with certified Webster Technique). We also see neurological problems related to the spine like tingling, numbness, and weakness in arms or legs.
Do you have experience with scoliosis in children and adults?
Yes. Scoliosis is one of the conditions where specialized chiropractic care makes an important difference. In adults with moderate scoliosis, we can improve posture, reduce pain, and prevent progression of the curve. In children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, specific adjustments can help stabilize or improve the curve when combined with corrective exercises. We have a specific Spanish page about chiropractor for scoliosis if you'd like more information.
Does spine pain during pregnancy require a special spine doctor?
Yes. Pregnancy significantly changes spinal biomechanics — added weight, shifted center of gravity, hormonal relaxin loosening ligaments, and baby positioning can cause lumbar pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, and sacroiliac pain. Dr. Foss is certified in the Webster Technique, a chiropractic method specific to pregnancy that is safe throughout all trimesters. We treat pregnant patients weekly with excellent outcomes.
Do I need a medical order or referral to see the spine doctor?
No. In Texas, patients can see a licensed chiropractor directly without a medical referral. Your first evaluation with Dr. Foss is completely free — includes detailed history, physical exam, postural and biomechanical assessment, and a personalized treatment plan. If we later need medical imaging (X-rays or MRI), we coordinate the order and review.
How do I book an appointment with the spine doctor in San Antonio?
Call (210) 685-1994 and we will take your call in Spanish immediately. You can also book online 24/7 at puravidasanantonio.com/special. Your first evaluation is free. We are at 2318 NW Military Hwy, Suite 103, San Antonio TX 78231.
Related Spanish pages
Ready to treat your spine problem without surgery?
Your first evaluation with Dr. Foss is completely free. Includes physical exam, postural and biomechanical assessment, and a personalized treatment plan. Call (210) 685-1994 or book online.