Archive for February, 2011
Your Mattress & Back Pain
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on February 28, 2011
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Your Mattress and Your Back: Houston
Four facts are indisputable. First, more than 40 million adults experience recurring or chronic back pain, most of which is non-specific. This means that there is no specific therapy to remove the source of the pain. Second, we spend one-third of our lives lying on a mattress. Third, there is a definite relationship between the mattress you sleep on and your back pain. Restful sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy back and spine. Fourth, choosing the right mattress can (1) improve your condition if you have an existing back pain issue, and (2) prevent you from developing back pain.
Mattresses come in a variety of types – memory foam, innerspring, latex, air, adjustable, etc. If any of these mattresses is too soft, the body will “sink in” causing low back pain and irritated spinal joints. If the mattress is too hard it can cause pressure points and reduce blood circulation. Today it is generally acknowledged that any type of medium firm mattress is preferable provided (1) it conforms to the spine’s natural curves thereby keeping the spine in alignment when you lay down; (2) distributes pressure evenly; and (3) minimizes transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other. This last point is important since most of us will change position more than 50 times during our sleep cycle.
Other factors that influence mattress selection include:
- Preferred sleep position – lying flat, lying on the side, or lying on the stomach (not recommended as it forces the spine into an unnatural angle and may aggravate back and neck problems)
- A proper cervical pillow will lessen the chances of neck and back pain
- Your height and body weight
- Mattress size, material, warranty, test period, cost, etc.
Mattresses have a definite role in the management of back pain. The best mattress for you is one that is tailored to your particular needs. If you have questions about back pain, or are uncertain as to how to proceed with mattress selection, you should consult a back and neck specialist.
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Diving & Spinal Cord Injury review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Kingwood
Posted by admin in review, Uncategorized on February 21, 2011
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Driving and Spinal Cord Injury
Houston
Recreational swimming and diving rank third among all physical activities (after walking and camping), and is the most common activity among children. The fun of diving into a pool or other body of water too often turns into trauma that ends up in the emergency room. Each year more than 7,000 young Americans experience a diving accident. Consider the following:
- The head and neck are the most common body area injured in a diving accident and account for more than half of all sports-related spinal cord injuries. The injuries are almost exclusively located in the cervical vertebrae
- A large number of water-related spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic. The loss of sensation and movement in the upper and lower body (quadriplegia) or the loss of sensation and movement from the waist down (paraplegia) happens far too often. These injuries require a lifetime of care and medical treatment
- 90% of diving-related accidents occur in water that is less than six feet deep. Even when the water is deep enough to prevent divers from hitting the bottom, the surface tension of the water can cause spinal injury if the diver hits the water improperly. In this regard, recreational and competitive divers alike are at risk
- 90% of diving accidents occur in private residential swimming pools (66% in below ground pools/33% in above ground pools)
- 70% of the injuries are the result of head first dives, 18 percent from jumps or cannonballs, and 12 percent from flips or handstands
Even an experienced diver can be seriously injured by diving improperly, diving into water less than 6 feet deep, falling off a diving board or sliding down a water slide head-first.
Diving Board/Platform Diving/Edge of Water Diving
Each year nearly 700 serious spinal cord injuries occur as a result of diving off a board or platform. Collision with a diving board or platform is the leading cause of these injuries. The odds of injury caused by contact with the diving board increases dramatically if a child or adolescent is attempting a flip, handstand or backward dive. Injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, spinal injury and lacerations can result from diving from the waters edge into a pool or other body of water.
Preventing Diving Accidents
The following measures can be taken to prevent diving accidents:
- Always dive into a pool with your hands in front of you, so if anything hits the bottom of the pool, it’s your hands and arms, not your head
- Always check the depth of the water and for any obstacles before diving. Diving should not be done in waters less than 6 feet deep
- If in doubt about water depth, enter slowly, feet first
- Never dive into murky water
- Remember that in non-pool waters there may be submerged obstacles such as sandbanks, rocks and tree branches that are not visible from above the surface
- For adolescents, young adults and older adults – Don’t Drink and Dive
Prevention strategies also include educating young children about water safety to prevent them from jumping into shallow or turbid water, requiring that adult supervision or a certified lifeguard is present, employing visible depth indicators around the pool, learning proper diving technique when attempting new and unusual dives, and installing soft pool bottoms.
Finally, remember that diving injuries to the cervical spine aren’t always visible or immediate. Neurological effects (such as nausea) might occur after the diver is out of the water and the correlation to the incident might not be obvious Other evidence of nerve damage may be observed immediately or after a delay. These include tingling in the extremities, vision problems, concussion and impaired motor function. All diving-related neck injuries should be evaluated by a head and neck specialist – delayed treatment can cause further complications.
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Smoking & Spinal Fusion Surgery
Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, bone growth, cervical fusion, houston, katy, lumbar fusion, smoking, spinal fusion, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on February 18, 2011
smoking, spinal fusion, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
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Smoking and Spinal Fusion Surgery
Houston
Patients often ask about the effects of smoking on spinal fusion surgery. Nicotine has a significant negative impact on the human musculoskeletal system by lowering bone mineral density, contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration, and limiting the restoration of the blood supply to bone grafts. Numerous studies have shown that smoking also (1) slows the production of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) thereby increasing the time required for healing, (2) impairs the absorption of calcium, and (3) increases the risk of bone fracture. Other studies have found a direct link between smoking and low-back pain independent of surgical intervention.
Spinal fusion, the permanent surgical immobilization of two or more adjacent bones (vertebra) of the spinal column, has become the standard of care in the United States with more than 500,000 spinal fusions performed annually on the neck and low back. The effects of smoking should be of particular concern for individuals who undergo a fusion in the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine. Smoking causes an increased rate of pseudarthrosis, the failure of bone to fuse following spinal fusion surgery. This leads to increased postoperative pain. Studies of lumbar and cervical fusions consistently show that successful fusions occur in a significantly higher percentage of nonsmokers than smokers.
Finally it should be noted that cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for the development of postoperative complications such as deep wound infection, improper healing and bone graft pain.
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smoking, spinal fusion, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Neck Pain and Cervical Pillows
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on February 18, 2011
Cervical Pillow
Neck Pain and Cervical Pillows
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Chronic cervical or neck pain is a widespread problem that can be the result of a neck injury (e.g., whiplash), pinched nerve, arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid), spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease (e.g., bone spurs), and muscle related conditions such as neck strain, fibromyalgia and severe neck ache and stiffness (e.g., polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)).
A cervical pillow can provide some relief from cervical pain by providing support to the head and neck while you sleep. Unlike regular pillows, cervical pillows are ergonomically designed to change the shape of the cervical spine whether you are lying on the back or the side. Selecting the best cervical pillow for you can be a trial and error situation since there are a number of factors to consider.
For Example:
- Pillow Design – there are numerous pillow designs to consider – the contour pillow, roll pillow, dogbone pillow, wave or S shape, wedge, etc.
- Pillow Material – foam, fiber, memory foam, water-filled, air-filled, buckwheat, etc.
- Firmness/Softness of the pillow material
- The Size of the person and the amount of neck support that can be tolerated
- Size – pillow should support the back of the neck as well as the back of the head
- Cost
- Trial Period – is necessary to find the pillow that is most comfortable to you
- Warranty
Other Factors to Consider Include:
- A cervical pillow that restricts changes in sleeping postures or places more pressure on the back of the neck than on the back of the head might actually cause neck trouble. Don’t use the cervical pillow if it causes discomfort of any kind.
- Although cervical pillows can provide temporary overnight relief from neck pain, it is always prudent to consult a head and neck specialist to determine the cause of your neck pain and to discuss alternative solutions.
~ New Patients Welcome ~
Call Today: 281-446-3876 (281-44 NEURO)
Osteoporosis in Men
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on February 14, 2011
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Osteoporosis in Men
Evaluation in Houston
Osteoporosis is a progressive, degenerative bone disease most commonly associated with aging. This abnormal thinning of bones can progress without pain or other symptoms until a break occurs. Osteoporosis is incurable, but it is preventable and treatable.
Although current media attention focuses on osteoporosis in women, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) reports that more than 2 million men have osteoporosis and another 12 million men have osteopaenia (low bone density), a precursor to osteoporosis. Based on their statistical analysis, the NOF predicts that 25% of men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis and (2) that men over 50 are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer. Despite the gravity of these statistics, male osteoporosis and osteopaenia too often remain undiagnosed and inadequately treated conditions.
Risk factors for osteoporosis in men include: age, family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake, low estrogen levels, a sedentary lifestyle, previous fracture not related to trauma, and disease or medication affecting bone metabolism (e.g., corticosteroids, certain anticonvulsants, or excess doses of thyroid hormones). In addition, other medical problems such as chronic kidney, lung or gastrointestinal disease, prostate cancer and some autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to the development of osteopaenia and osteoporosis.
The importance of screening for osteopaenia and osteoporosis must not be underestimated. Early detection is the most important step toward the prevention and treatment of these conditions. A non-invasive, painless bone density test will determine whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing the condition. Because standard x-rays cannot detect osteoporosis in its early stages, the following procedures are commonly employed:
- Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) – x-ray beams of differing energy are used to detect bone and soft tissue density separately. This fast and highly accurate technique can be used to measure bone density in the spine, hip, forearm and the total body.
- Single energy x-ray absorptiometry – a single x-ray beam is used to measure bone density at peripheral sites like the forearm and heel. In this technique, the area to be tested is wrapped in a tissue-like substance or immersed in water to improve the quality of the results.
- Ultrasound – measurements taken during an ultrasound may provide data on the structural integrity of bone. New ultrasound devices such as quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can estimate bone density of the heel within minutes, providing an automatic print-out of results.
Each of these tests will allow your doctor to (1) detect osteoporosis at its earliest stages, so that treatment can begin, (2) monitor your rate of bone loss, and (3) monitor your response to treatment.
All men 50 and over should take the following essential steps to keep bones strong: (1) engage in regular weight-bearing exercise (brisk walking, weight-lifting, stair-climbing, etc.) and (2) follow a healthy diet, with an emphasis on calcium, low-fat or nonfat dairy products as well as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
If you or a loved one have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis, it’s important that you consult with your doctor without delay.
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Call Today: 281-446-3876 (281-44 NEURO)
Questions About The Spine
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on February 14, 2011
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Questions About the Spine
Q: What are the regions of the spine?
A: Starting at the top, the spine has four regions with a total of 33 vertebrae:
- The first region is comprised of the seven cervical or neck vertebrae (labeled C1–C7).
- The second region is comprised of the 12 thoracic or upper back vertebrae (labeled T1–T12).
- The third region, known as the lower back, is comprised of the five lumbar vertebrae (labeled L1–L5).
- The fourth region is known as the sacrum and coccyx. This group of nine bones (5 in the sacral and 4 4 in the coccygeal region) is fused together at the base of the spine.
Q: Is the spinal column straight?
A: No. The spinal column has three gradual curves. These curves serve to increase spine strength, maintain balance in upright positions, absorb shock when walking, and protect the spinal cord from injury. Abnormal spine curvature (scoliosis) usually occurs in the thoracic region due to a congenital condition, sciatica, poor posture, one leg being shorter than the other, or paralysis of muscles on one side of the body.
Q: What is the spinal canal?
A: The spinal canal is a tube formed by the stacked vertebrae.
Q: Are all vertebrae the same size?
A: No. Although vertebrae differ in size and shape in the different regions of the spinal column, they all share the same structure. The exception is the first and second cervical vertebrae which differ structurally in order to support the skull.
Q: How long is the spinal cord?
A: An adult male has a spinal cord roughly 18 inches in length. An adult woman has a spinal cord roughly 17 inches in length. The spinal cord extends from the brain to the lower back. An injury to the spinal cord can cause a
loss of communication between the brain and the parts of the body below the injury.
Q: What keeps the vertebrae from rubbing together?
A: Each of the 24 moveable vertebrae in your spine are separated and cushioned by an intervertebral disc. The discs, which account for ¼ the length of the spinal cord, serve as shock absorbers and allow movement of the spinal column.
Q: Does the spinal cord have nerves?
A: Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves branch off the spinal cord. The nerves are numbered according to the vertebrae above which it exits the spinal column.
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How to Lift: Tips from the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, Houston
Posted by admin in back injury prevention, lifting, lifting techniques, lumbar spine, Uncategorized on February 1, 2011
low back and neck injuries from lifting, Houston, Kingwood, Humble, Katy, the Woodlands, Beaumont, Baytown
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How To Lift?
At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, patients with low back injuries and neck injuries are seen very frequently. One of the most common things which we do every day, yet give very little thought to, is lifting. Because we do it so frequently, lifting can cause significant injury to the low back. This can occur as a result of lifting heavy objects once or light objects multiple times. If you proper techniques of lifting, back injury can be avoided.
First we will focus on bending itself. One of the worst things which we can do is to bend at the waist. This place is huge stresses upon the lumbar spine. It is much better to bend at the knees while keeping the back in a relatively straight and upright posture.
The position of the feet is very important when lifting objects. Keep the feet at least a shoulder width apart from each other. This helps provide extra leverage and stability.
The position of the object which we are lifting in relation to our body is very important. Make sure to keep the object as close to the body as possible. The further the object is away from our body, the greater the torque is placed on our lumbar spine.
Balance the objects which you are carrying so that both sides of the body have an equal weight distribution. We often see people carrying a heavy object such as a suitcase in one hand while leaning to the other side to balance the weight. This places excessive stress upon the lumbar spine. It is much better to try to carry equal weights on either side and create a balanced load for the lumbar spine.
Avoid lifting objects which are too heavy for you. This will of course vary depending upon the abilities of the individual. It is best to avoid a level of extreme strain and struggle as this has a much higher risk of causing injury to the back.
While lifting objects, keep your body straight and pointed at the object. One of the worst things we can do is twist the body while lifting at the same time. This does place significant stress and strain upon the lumbar spine.
When possible, avoid lifting objects and especially heavy ones, above the waist and shoulders. When one lifts bear arms up in the air, the curvature of the lumbar spine increases. If one is lifting an object at the same time, excess strain will be placed on the lumbar spine.
Since injury to the low back and neck, or any other portion of the spine, can occur as a result of improper lifting techniques, it is important to pay good attention to proper body mechanics.
If one pays attention to these guidelines, many back injuries will be avoided. Remember that back injuries can occur as a result of repetitive injury to the spine or from an isolated single injury. It is easy enough to remember to incorporate these simple lifting techniques into our daily routines at the same time significantly decrease chances of a low back injury.
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improper lifting, low back pain, houston, katy, galleria, woodlands, conroe, humble
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute, located in Houston, TX, specialized in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of low back pain, neck pain, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, herniated disc in the lumbar and cervical spine, and sciatica. They serve patients in the Houston and surrounding areas, including Katy, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, the Woodlands, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Pearland, Westchase, River Oaks, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, as well as other regions of Texas and the United States.
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Call Today: 281-446-3876 (281-44 NEURO)
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