Archive for category back pain
Facet Joint Health, Low Back Pain and Upper Back Pain review by KBNI Houston, Kingwood, Spring, Sugarland, Katy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Clear Lake, Memorial City, the Woodlands
Posted by admin in arthritis, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, Clear Lake, conroe, facet joint, Galleria, houston, Humble, imaging, katy, Kingwood, low back pain, lumbar spine, Memorial City, Missouri City, nerves, pain, Pearland, physical exam, physical therapy, Port Arthur, spinal, spinal column, spinal discs, spine, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, Spring, Texas City, Tomball, upper back pain, woodlands on January 21, 2016
facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal
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Facet Joint Health, Low Back Pain and Upper Back Pain
Simply put, the facet joint links the vertebrae of the human spinal column and allow for the articulation of the spine. When they facet joints are not functioning properly, or when they become degenerated, develop arthritis, or slip, they may be the cause of low back pain and upper back pain. In addition to providing mobility, the facet joints also help stabilize the spinal column by being oriented in such a way that they decrease the chances of preventing forward vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis). The ends of the facet joints are covered in cartilage, which allows for pain-free operation over a normal range of motion (bending, twisting, lifting, sitting, standing, etc.). While the cartilage does break down naturally over time (in this manner resembling cartilage in other parts of the body), the facet joints are still quite durable if direct physical trauma (such as from an accident) is not an issue. The condition known as spondylolisthesis exists when one vertebral body is slipped forward upon the vertebral body below. This is also known as anterolisthesis. When the vertebral body is slipped backward upon the vertebral body below, the condition is known as retrolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis may occur as a result of degenerative changes of the facet joint. When a patient has a condition known as spondylolysis, the patient is prone to develop spondylolisthesis. Spondylolysis is a condition where there is a gap in what may be considered the roof over the spinal canal. It may occur from an injury, or a person may be born with it. When this condition occurs, the facet joint is no longer able to help support the vertebral bodies from slipping forward upon each other, and instead, all of this burden is placed upon the intervertebral disc, which separates two adjacent vertebral bodies. Spondylolisthesis, whether anterolisthesis or retrolisthesis, may be related to low back pain or upper back pain, as it relates to possible instability of the spinal column.
facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal
With all of these essential functions, the facet joints are a little-known but important means to preventing low back pain and upper back pain. These joints, along with spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) help relieve pressure on the spinal nerves during routine motion, lowering the incidence of nerve compression (and accompanying sharp low back pain). Over time, however, the facet joints begin to break down just like any other mechanical component in the human body. Repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting can all accelerate the natural degenerative processes in the human spinal column, and the facet joints are no exception. The cartilage on the ends of the joints breaks down as spinal discs become thinner, harder, and less capable of bearing shock as we grow older. All of this leads to higher incidence of compressed (pinched) spinal nerves, which in turn can cause muscle weakness, numbness, low back pain, upper back pain, and decreases in overall mobility.
facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal, Houston, Pearland, Galleria, Beaumont, Baytown, Clear Lake, Port Arthur, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City, Humble, Kingwood, Conroe, Tomball, Missouri City, Texas City, TMC, Texas Medical Center
As such, maintaining the health of our facet joints as we age should be a priority for everyone. Patients with chronic low back pain and upper back pain are advised to explore the option of physical therapy or chiropractic designed specifically for the spine. Typically, spine-specific physical therapy programs use a regimen of core-strengthening exercises to build muscles along the spinal column and throughout the torso. Stronger core muscles are more capable of relieving load-bearing stress on other degenerated portions of the spine, such as the discs and facet joints. Continuing physical therapy at home will also help back pain patients maintain optimal muscle mass as they age, which will in turn lower the incidence of injury, low back pain and increase overall mobility. Patients are advised to consult their physicians prior to beginning any physical therapy regimen to ensure they do not have any structural deformities that would be exacerbated by an exercise program. Imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ) may be necessary to confirm this, depending on the physician’s findings during your physical exam. Standing low back x rays in flexion and extension will show whether spondylolisthesis is stable, or whether it moves.
facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal, Houston, Pearland, Galleria, Beaumont, Baytown, Clear Lake, Port Arthur, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City, Humble, Kingwood, Conroe, Tomball, Missouri City, Texas City, TMC, Texas Medical Center
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for individuals to visit their doctor, and for loss of work. Finding the source of the low back pain is important, before the low back pain can be addressed, and treatment begun. Causes of low back pain include the facet joint, the spinal disc itself, the ligaments attached to the low back spinal column, the nerves leaving the spine in the low back, and the muscles which attach to, and create movement in the low back.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Pearland, Galleria, Beaumont, Baytown, Clear Lake, Port Arthur, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City, Humble, Kingwood, Conroe, Tomball, Missouri City, Texas City, and Texas Medical Center (TMC)
Patients suffering from a low back pain or neck pain, or who have been told they may require a low back surgery or neck sugery, can
contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal, Houston, Pearland, Galleria, Beaumont, Baytown, Clear Lake, Port Arthur, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City, Humble, Kingwood, Conroe, Tomball, Missouri City, Texas City, TMC, Texas Medical Center
Muscle Weakness and Spinal Nerves review KBNI Houston, Pearland, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
Posted by admin in anti-inflammatory, arthritis, back injury prevention, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, core strengthening exercise, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, houston, katy, low back pain, mri, neck pain, nerve compression, nerve damage, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID, nutritional supplements, Pearland, physical therapy, spinal discs, spinal nerves, spine health, Tomball, Uncategorized, woodlands on August 21, 2015
Muscle Weakness and Spinal Nerve
spinal discs, spinal nerves, muscle weakness, back pain
Our spinal nerves branch out from the spinal cord and allow us to feel sensation in many parts of the body. The nerves transmit signals of heat, cold, pain, and general sensation, meaning that without their unimpeded operation, patients experience a variety of negative symptoms, from muscle weakness to paralysis. Our spinal nerves are also intertwined with our vertebrae (the bones in the spinal column). The spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) help provide a means for the spine to articulate as well as keeping vertebrae from compressing nearby spinal nerves. Over time, however, the spinal discs naturally degenerate, becoming harder, thinner, and less pliable as we grow older. As spinal discs break down, the distance between our vertebrae shrinks, placing patients at an elevated risk for compressed spinal nerves and extreme back pain.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, muscle weakness, back pain
On most occasions, rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen will be enough to mediate back pain and restore mobility long enough for patients to pursue other avenues of treatment. Sometimes, though, structural problems in the back may lead to more serious complications. If back pain patients at any time experience muscle weakness or numbness in the extremities, seek medical attention immediately. This could be an indication of continually compressed spinal nerves. Over time, repeated compression can damage the nerves and lead to a loss of sensation and / or mobility.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, muscle weakness, back pain, Houston, Pearland, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
If compression of spinal nerves is suspected to be the culprit and the physical examination is inconclusive, doctors will order imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging) in order to observe the problem area in greater detail. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) provides excellent clarity of the body’s soft tissues, allowing physicians to judge whether spinal nerves may be at risk during routine activity.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, muscle weakness, back pain, Houston, Pearland, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
If spinal nerve compression forms the root of a patient’s back problem, there are several steps he or she can take from home that will increase their long-term mobility. First, consult your physician regarding a physical therapy or chiropractic regimen designed to build core strength along your spinal column and in the abdomen. Strong core muscles will help relieve pressure from spinal discs and reduce the possibility of compressed spinal nerves in the future. Also, consider your present weight and activity level: are you doing everything you can to minimize back pain? Unhealthy weight gain puts more pressure on every part of the spinal column, including spinal discs and facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae. By keeping your weight down and getting regular exercise, patients can optimize their chances for maintaining mobility as they age.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO
Keywords: spinal discs, spinal nerves, muscle weakness, back pain, Houston, Pearland, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
What is Disc Degeneration in the Context of the Spine? KBNI Houston, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
Posted by admin in anti-inflammatory, arthritis, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, core strengthening exercise, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, exercise, facet joint, houston, low back pain, nerve compression, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID, osteoarthritis, pain, Pearland, strengthening, Tomball, woodlands on August 19, 2015
What is Disc Degeneration in the Context of the Spine?
spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration
Degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration) has proven to be a frightening diagnosis for many members of the public. Our spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) are essential for a high quality of life. They cushion the load-bearing stress on the spinal column and along with the facet joints (the joints between our vertebrae) spinal discs help allow for the spinal column’s articulation during routine motion.
Over time, however, the spinal discs naturally degenerate (degenerative disc diseease) , becoming thinner, harder, drier, and less capable of absorbing shock. This means that vertebrae in the spinal column move closer together, placing nearby spinal nerves at a higher risk for compression. Degenerated spinal discs also directly impact a back pain patient’s mobility, given that the discs act somewhat like the shocks and suspension on an automobile a person with compromised discs is going to move more slowly and have a smaller range of motion.
spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration
Problems also surface when back pain patients are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Patients may be frightened at the condition getting worse to the point of paralysis or greatly decreased mobility. While advanced damage in your spinal discs is indeed cause for concern, there are many steps patients can take to mediate back pain and improve their quality of life as they age. First, don’t give up simply because of your diagnosis. Disc degeneration is a natural process. Degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration) simply means your degeneration has progressed more quickly than is the norm.
spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, Houston, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
Additionally, there are many steps patients can take at home to make sure they retain an acceptable range of motion and low-to-moderate pain levels. First, consider using over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to mediate back pain when it reaches acute levels. Pain medication will provide temporary relief and restore mobility by reducing inflammation (anti-inflammatory effects) along the spinal column (which, in a person with advanced degeneration of their spinal discs, will also help in relieving pressure on spinal nerves). A physical therapy or chiropractic regimen emphasizing core-strengthening exercises is also essential. Strong muscles throughout the torso and along the spinal column will relieve pressure from compromised spinal discs and help reduce the possibility for compressing spinal nerves. Patients also have the advantage of continuing these physical therapy / chiropractic exercises at home for an indefinite period of time, reducing medical costs and helping to maintain their mobility while reducing the possibility of further damage to the spinal discs themselves. Finally, physical therapy is an essential component in a healthy lifestyle that keeps weight at optimum levels, reducing the load-bearing stress on spinal discs and facet joints. Maintaining a healthy weight will further reduce the possibility of additional damage, while an unhealthy weight will increase the potential for nerve damage.
spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, Houston, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute treat patients with degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration). The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin. In most cases, non-surgical treatments are available, reserving surgery for those patients in whom conservative treatments do not provide sufficient pain relief.
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO
Keywords: spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, Houston, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
Autoimmune Disorders that Affect the Spine review by KBNI Houston, Sugarland, Katy, Woodlands, Baytown, Beaumont, Spring, Pearland
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, core strengthening exercise, facet joint, houston, katy, nerve compression, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID, osteoarthritis, Pearland, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal nerves, strengthening, sugarland, Tomball, woodlands on August 17, 2015
Autoimmune Disorders that Affect the Spine
autoimmune disorder, back pain, spinal nerves, rheumatoid arthritis, non steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID
An autoimmune disorder is any condition which causes your immune system (which normally guards us against invasive pathogens and harmful bacteria) to instead attack healthy, normal tissue. Some common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, in which joints all over the body (including facet joints in the spine) are attacked, causing back pain and inflammation as well as permanent decreases to mobility. Type I diabetes is another example: the body’s ability to produce insulin, a chemical that regulates blood sugar levels, is inhibited by the body’s immune system.
autoimmune disorder, back pain, spinal nerves, rheumatoid arthritis, non steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID
Within the context of the spinal column, autoimmune disorders can be extremely detrimental to long-term patient mobility and pose a serious threat to general quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other types of arthritis, can inflame the facet joints (the joints that allow for the articulation of the spine), which inhibits even routine movements like sitting, standing, and walking. Rheumatoid arthritis also increases a patient’s risk for compressing nearby spinal nerves and causing extreme back pain. Intertwined with our vertebrae, our spinal nerves are responsible for transferring sensation messages to and from our brain to much of the rest of the body. The severe inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis reduces the available room for spinal nerves to operate unimpeded, increasing the likelihood they will be compressed by nearby vertebrae during routine movement.
autoimmune disorder, back pain, spinal nerves, rheumatoid arthritis, non steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID, Houston, Sugarland, Katy, Woodlands, Baytown, Beaumont, Spring
While many autoimmune disorders cannot presently be cured, doctors are hard at work trying to discover the links that cause our immune systems to compromise their normal function and damage healthy tissue. It is thought that many autoimmune disorders may be closely related via their root trigger mechanism. If an underlying chemical, hormonal, or genetic change can be identified, doctors can use this information to correct the defects in patients’ immune systems, in effect “re-programming” them to recognize native healthy tissue for what it is.
While that day may yet be far in the future, patients still have options available to improve their quality of life. Over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help reduce inflammation in the spinal column, decreasing the likelihood of compressed spinal nerves and mediating pain levels. Physicians will also generally recommend a physical therapy regimen emphasizing core-strengthening exercises to develop muscles along the spinal column. Strong muscles throughout the torso will help mediate back pain as well as relieving load-bearing stress from compromised spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) as well as decreasing the likelihood of compressing nearby spinal nerves.
autoimmune disorder, back pain, spinal nerves, rheumatoid arthritis, non steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID, Houston, Sugarland, Katy, Woodlands, Baytown, Beaumont, Spring
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO
Keywords: autoimmune disorder, back pain, spinal nerves, rheumatoid arthritis, non steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID, Houston, Sugarland, Katy, Woodlands, Baytown, Beaumont, Spring, Pearland
How the Spine Develops as We Age review KBNI Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Pearland
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, compression fracture, core strengthening exercise, diet, disc degeneration, facet joint, fracture, healthy diet, herniated disc, houston, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, nerve compression, nutrition, nutritional supplements, pain, Pearland, physical therapy, smoking, spinal nerves, strengthening, sugarland, Tomball, woodlands on June 6, 2015
How the Spine Develops as We Age
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston
The human spinal column is made up of vertebrae, ligaments, muscles, facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae) and spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae). Spinal nerves wind their way around vertebrae and provide sensation to much of the body. All of these components interact to allow for a pain-free normal range of motion during routine movement. Since the spinal column is involved in almost every kind of human motion (sitting, standing, running, bending, lifting, twisting, etc.), pain-free articulation of the spinal column is essential for a high quality of life.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston
Though the human body may be an incredible machine, its mechanical components do not escape wear and tear. The cartilage on the ends of our facet joints naturally degrades over time and the wear is exacerbated by repeated heavy lifting or lifting combined with torsional (twisting) motion. This places nearby spinal nerves at a higher risk for nerve compression, which causes extreme back pain and decreased mobility. Since spinal discs naturally degenerate as we get older, becoming harder, less pliable, thinner, and less capable of bearing shock, the spinal nerves have a higher risk of compression, given that as spinal discs shrink, the distance between vertebrae lessens accordingly. Typically this means a smaller range of motion for back pain patients as they grow older.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Pearland, Sealy, Spring, Port Arthur, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Tomball, Galveston
Aging patients also need to account for the possible effects of osteoporosis (low bone density) on the spine. Poor nutrition, smoking (nicotine, a chemical in cigarettes, is toxic to bone-generating cells), and a lack of physical activity can all decrease bone mass. This in turn increases the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Fractures are especially dangerous within the spinal column, as shards of collapsed vertebrae or spinal discs may pierce the spinal canal and lacerate spinal nerves, putting the patient at risk for serious long-term health complications. Also, the fractures may occur so slowly that many patients may not notice any sudden changes in their back pain levels.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Pearland, Sealy, Spring, Port Arthur, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Tomball, Galveston
Even with all of these potentially serious problems, however, there are still steps you can take at home to keep your spinal column healthy as you age. Proper weight management will help reduce stress on the facet joints and spinal discs. Healthy dieting and nutritional supplements will help keep bone density at optimal levels. Physical therapy (particularly a regimen full of core-strengthening exercises) and chiropractic treatment by a chiropractor will develop muscles in the torso and along the spinal column. Stronger core muscles lessens the load from compromised spinal discs and helps patients mediate their back pain levels.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience and expertise in working with patients who are recovering from minor or major spine surgery. They understand that the beginning of the healing process starts in the OR, but the remainder continues well after the surgery is finished.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO
Post-operative Care Questions for Lower Back Surgery Patients review by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Kingwood, Katy, Pearland, Beaumont, Tomball, Baytown, Galveston, Sugarland
Posted by admin in artificial disc, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, exercise, houston, infection, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, lower back surgery, lumbar fusion, pain, Pearland, post-operative care, preventive lifestyle, recover, spinal discs, spinal fusion, spinal nerves, sugarland, Tomball, woodlands on May 19, 2015
Post-operative Care Questions for Lower Back Surgery Patients
post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston
Lower back surgery can be an incredibly trying endeavor for patients and physicians alike. Typically, lower back surgery is used as a last resort for patients whose back pain has not responded to more conservative treatments (i.e. rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.). Though major back surgery is generally quite expensive and requires a long period of post-operative care, there are several steps patients can take to minimize recovery time and pain levels while maximizing their chances at retaining full mobility.
First, take your doctor’s recommendations very seriously. If he or she advises you on lifestyle changes to compensate for your decreased mobility during post-operative care, you must be willing to implement these changes. Many kinds of back surgery involve the implantation of screws and / or plates for a spinal fusion to stabilize different parts of the spinal column. Other surgeries implant entire artificial spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) to correct the problems that natural spinal disc degeneration can cause (severe pain, destabilization, compressed spinal nerves).
post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston
Often deep incisions have to be made to implant these devices and consequently the muscles along the spinal column are lacerated. The spine takes time to heal and grow new tissue around these wounds. Patients may experience severe back pain and decreased spine mobility but are advised not to pursue strenuous activity without first consulting their physicians. Your doctor will be able to give you a much clearer idea of which activities pose a higher risk for your specific back surgery. Sticking to a strict activity regimen will help you reduce your risk of needing subsequent corrective surgeries.
After the surgery, physical therapy / chiropractic during post-operative care will help patients retain mobility, as well as building core strength and stretching for flexibility that will aid in preventing future injuries. Another problem you may wish to ask your doctor about is surgical site spine infection infection (SSI). Due to back surgery exposing the body to open air, pathogens may enter the incision site and cause infection at some point during post-operative care. It’s extremely important to get a family member or friend to monitor your wound during dressing changes. Look for oozing pus, red edges around the wound, and foul odors. It’s also possible that surgical site infection may occur as a result of contaminated medical devices. This infection is extremely dangerous, as the wound itself may not exhibit signs of infection. Monitor any changes in back pain, as well as any fever, numbness, or muscle weakness. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience and expertise in working with patients who are recovering from minor or major spine surgery. They understand that the beginning of the healing process starts in the OR, but the remainder continues well after the surgery is finished.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO
post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball
Keywords: post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball
Living with Back Pain: Self-Education review KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Katy, Pearland, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial, Conroe, Beaumont
Posted by admin in back injury prevention, back pain, baytown, beaumont, car accident, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, exercise, facet joint, houston, injury, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, nerve damage, personal injury, physical therapy, preventive lifestyle, sciatica treatment, spinal injury, strengthening, stretching, woodlands on April 17, 2015
Living with Back Pain: Self-Education
back pain, low back pain, spinal discs, physical therapy, chiropractic, injury, personal injury, chiropractor, pain levels, nerve damage
Living with Back Pain: Self-Education review KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Katy, Pearland, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial, Conroe, Beaumont
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for missing work in the modern world, yet many still believe its origins are a mystery. Normally, low back pain is caused by a set of very predictable (and unfortunately, all-too-common) conditions. Too much strenuous activity (bending, heavy lifting, twisting, fast or repetitive articulation of the spinal column) accelerates the natural wear on spinal discs as well as the cartilage covering the ends of the facet joints (the joints that allow for articulation of the spinal column). Too much sedentary activity (sitting at an office computer monitor, standing for excessive periods of time) depletes the oxygen supplies of tensed muscles in the back, often leading to painful muscle spasms and an increased chance of compressed spinal nerves. As such, back pain patients need to take steps to educate themselves on how to best maintain the stability and pain-free articulation of their spinal columns as they age.
back pain, low back pain, spinal discs, physical therapy, chiropractic, injury, personal injury, chiropractor, pain levels, nerve damage
Self-education is vital not only to mediating back pain levels, but also for maintaining a high quality of life as you age. Too many people give up on activities (such as physical therapy or yoga) that boost strength and flexibility. As a result, they gradually lose mobility and their pain levels continue to rise during activities that they once found quite manageable. Perhaps the most important tenet of living with back pain is an understanding that regular exercise is essential to mediating pain levels. Core strengthening exercises develop muscles along the spinal column and throughout the torso, lessening the shocks and stresses of everyday movement for compromised spinal discs and facet joints. Stretching is also very important to loosen the muscles, and gently stretch the tendons.
Beyond physical therapy designed to strengthen the core, however, it’s important that back patients understand their own bodies. Know which activities represent a higher risk of back pain and how to avoid them, and prevent back injury. Learn the difference between muscle soreness (such as from a vigorous workout) and sharp back pain resulting from compressed spinal nerves and herniated discs (which, over time, can lead to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and nerve damage and sciatica ). Communicate honestly and often with your physician regarding your progress in your physical therapy program or chiropractic program. Are certain exercises causing too much (or the wrong kind of) pain? Which exercises seem to be most effective at getting you through your routine? What elements of your lifestyle have you had to change in order to mediate pain levels and how have these changes helped? Giving your doctor all of this information will help in making specific adjustments to your physical therapy regimen or chiropractic regimen in order to give you the best chances of retaining your long-term mobility.
back pain, low back pain, spinal discs, physical therapy, chiropractic, injury, personal injury, chiropractor, pain levels, nerve damage, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Katy, Pearland, Kingwood, Humble, Beaumont, Memorial, Conroe
Physician spine experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston have significant expertise treating many patients suffering from low back pain and neck pain, without the need for surgery on the spine. When surgery is necessary, the latest techniques in minimally invasive surgery of the spine are available. Neurosurgeon experts will evaluate patients, and review images of the spine, and help the patient to try to get through the pain they are experiencing, and return them to a normal and healthy lifestyle, when possible.
Patients may have suffered a car or truck motor vehicle accident, or been in some other type of motor vehicle accident or other personal injury. Many patients may recall a specific injury to the spine, which had caused the onset of pain, while others don’t recall any type of injury, but have had a gradual onset of pain. Some patients may simply have turned the wrong way, or got up out of bed the wrong way. No matter what the cause of pain is, physician experts at the KBNI will be happy to evaluate any patient experiencing neck pain, low back pain, or pain in the arms or legs.
back pain, low back pain, spinal discs, physical therapy, chiropractic, injury, personal injury, chiropractor, pain levels, nerve damage, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Katy, Pearland, Kingwood, Humble, Beaumont, Memorial, Conroe
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO
Keywords: back pain, low back pain, spinal discs, physical therapy, chiropractic, injury, personal injury, chiropractor, pain levels, nerve damage, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Katy, Pearland, Kingwood, Humble, Beaumont, Memorial, Conroe, Sealy, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas
Long-term Physical Therapy and Chiropractic for the Spine review by KBNI Houston, Spring, Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Kingwood, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, dehydration, diet, healthy diet, houston, katy, lifting techniques, pain, physical therapy, preventive lifestyle, sugarland, woodlands on April 15, 2015
Long-term Physical Therapy and Chiropractic for the Spine
back pain, physical therapy, chiropractic, preventive lifestyle, spinal discs, Houston
Back pain is incredibly common and is often the result of lifestyle. Repeated heavy lifting, twisting, and excessive articulation of the spinal column (such as during exercise) can all accelerate wear and tear on our spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) as well as the muscles and ligaments in our spinal column and the cartilage on the ends of our facet joints (the joints that allow the spinal column to articulate). Too much sedentary activity can also produce adverse changes in the spine, given that long periods of sitting and standing decrease oxygen flow to tensed muscles in the back, increasing the chances of back pain from muscle spasms and compressed spinal nerves.
back pain, physical therapy, chiropractic, preventive lifestyle, spinal discs, Houston
All of these practices accelerate the natural degenerative processes in the spinal column. Our spinal discs naturally get harder, thinner, and less pliable as we grow older, making them less capable of bearing the shocks and stresses of routine movement. The cartilage on the ends of our facet joints naturally breaks down over time, also increasing the chances of compressed spinal nerves. If you are experiencing back pain that has lasted longer than a week, it’s important for you to take stock of your present condition: what are you doing in your life that could be contributing to your back pain? Seek medical attention and provide your physician with all the necessary information about your work history and family medical history. Honest communication from you will help your physician prescribe an effective course of treatment, one that likely includes physical therapy or chiropractic care for the spine.
Along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy or chiropractic treatment remains one of the best long term solutions for mediating back pain. Core strengthening exercises will help in developing muscles along the spinal column and throughout the torso, lessening the load on compromised spinal discs and decreasing the incidence of compressed spinal nerves. Many physical therapy exercises can also be done at home, providing back pain patients with an affordable solution to maximizing their long-term mobility and mediating pain levels.
back pain, physical therapy, chiropractic, preventive lifestyle, spinal discs, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston
Living a preventive lifestyle and encouraging back injury prevention is also an excellent supplement to a physical therapy regimen. Proper weight management, healthy dieting, hydration, adequate sleep, and regular cardiovascular exercise are all elements of a preventive lifestyle and serve to combat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions, back pain among them. Keeping your weight at a healthy level will reduce wear on your back muscles, spinal discs, facet joints, and all other joints in your body. Physical therapy will help maintain your strength and balance as you age, while a preventive lifestyle will help maintain your overall quality of life at a high level.
back pain, physical therapy, chiropractic, preventive lifestyle, spinal discs, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston
Doctors at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston have significant expertise treating many patients suffering from low back pain and neck pain, without the need for surgery on the spine. When surgery is necessary, the latest techniques in minimally invasive surgery of the spine are available.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
Keywords: back pain, physical therapy, chiropractic, preventive lifestyle, spinal discs, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston
Dehydration and the Spine review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown, Pearland
Posted by admin in back injury prevention, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, dehydration, diet, facet joint, healthy diet, houston, katy, lifting techniques, nutrition, nutritional supplements, obesity, personal injury, physical therapy, spinal injury, spine health, woodlands on April 14, 2015
Dehydration and the Spine
dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston
Our spinal column wears naturally over time, gradually degenerating according to age and lifestyle. This means that muscles along the spinal column slowly lose elasticity and mass, while spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) lose pliability and height while becoming harder and less capable of bearing shock. The ends of our facet joints (the joints that link the vertebrae and allow for the articulation of the spinal column) are encased in cartilage which also naturally wears over time. Wear and tear on all of the spinal column’s components is exacerbated by lifestyle choices: obesity (excess weight) , repeated heavy lifting and twisting, overextension, and long periods of sedentary activity.
dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston
Dehydration also has negative consequences for the spinal column, but many people do not realize its’ risks. A patient in a dehydrated or near-dehydrated state exacerbates the wear on all of his or her joints, including the facet joints in the spinal column. This puts nearby spinal nerves at risk, as dehydrated spinal discs are thinner and vertebrae are physically closer together than they would be otherwise. Incidence of compressed spinal nerves (and corresponding sharp back pain and extremity pain) is higher when dehydrated spinal discs and facet joints are unable to keep nearby vertebrae from impinging on spinal nerves.
A preventive lifestyle can go a long way toward preventing dehydration-related back pain. Proper weight management, regular cardiovascular exercise, healthy dieting (nutrition) , hydration and adequate rest are all pillars of the preventive lifestyle physicians recommend for combating a wide variety of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. If you live an active lifestyle or engage in physically strenuous activity for work or during recreation, consider supplementing your water with electrolytes.
dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)
While proper hydration may help mediate your back pain, it will not likely be cured by hydration alone. You should explore other long-term strategies, such as physical therapy, chiropractic, to mediate pain levels. Physical therapy for the spine performed by a physical therapist, or chiropractic performed by a chiropractor, develops muscles along the spinal column and throughout the torso. These muscles assist degenerated spinal discs and facet joints in managing the body’s weight distribution and can relieve pressure from the body’s joints. Physical therapy also represents a long-term solution for back pain, as it mediates pain levels and helps patients retain their mobility as they age. Before implementing a regimen, however, patients are advised to check with their physicians to verify that the stability of their spinal column is up to the challenge. Doctors will most likely need several checkups (including imaging tests) to determine a course of treatment that’s right for you.
dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)
Experts in spine at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) are extremely experienced at treating a large variety of disorders of the spine, which may cause pain in the neck, low back, or the arms or legs. While non-surgical measures are implemented most of the time, surgery on the spine (including the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery techniques) are available when needed.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
KBNI cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Keywords: dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)
Talking with Your Spine Surgeon – Neurosurgeon / Orthopedic Spine Surgeon by KBNI Houston Sugarland Woodlands Katy Pearland Galveston Beaumont Memorial City
Posted by admin in anti-inflammatory, arthritis, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, ct, houston, katy, mri, neurosurgeon, neurosurgery, pain, spine surgeon, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on April 13, 2015
Talking with Your Spine Surgeon – Neurosurgeon / Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
back pain, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, pain levels, anti-inflammatory drugs, Houston
Communicating about your back pain is the first step in setting down the road to recovery. The importance of communicating honestly with your physician cannot be overstated here. A physician’s ability to prescribe an effective course of treatment depends upon the information he or she receives from you. Considering that most chronic back pain is a result of lifestyle choices, this means your input could go a long way toward reducing your recovery time.
Physicians will likely ask you questions regarding your work and recreational histories, including detailed questions about any injuries. Be forthcoming with details about your pain levels, including descriptions of the location, duration, and intensity of your pain. Note how your pain levels change as you perform different activities, and let your doctors know which activities make it worse.
back pain, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, pain levels, anti-inflammatory drugs, Houston
A physician arrives at a diagnosis after taking a detailed history from the patient about their Chief Complaint (CC) . They then ask about a History of Present Illness (HPI) , which are detailed questions about what causes the symptoms, when they began, what makes them better or worse, how long they last. The physician also asks about issues such as fevers (which might indicate presence of an infection) or a history of cancer (which might indicate that cancer may be involved). The physician will also ask about family history, which may play a role in genetically inherited disorders. The physician then will perform a comprehensive detailed physical examination, focusing on where the problem lies. Then, the physician will order additional tests if needed. These may include imaging studies, nerve studies (EMG/NCV), bone density studies, X rays, CT scans.
back pain, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, pain levels, anti-inflammatory drugs, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City
If your pain levels are severe and are not resolved with conservative treatments like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs, you may wish to consult a spine surgeon – neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon (though this will likely require a referral from your regular physician or specialist). Major back surgery is costly and necessitates a long recovery time, so doctors generally do not recommend it unless a patient’s chronic back pain is not adequately mediated by other treatments. Neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons may be able to provide you with helpful consultation on how to proceed with your treatment, but just like general physicians, surgeons depend on accurate information from you to find the best course of treatment. Prior to your back surgery, surgeons consult imaging exams (magnetic resonance imaging, x-rays, computerized tomography scans CT Scans) in order to better understand the cause behind your pain levels.
Both prior to surgery and during post-operative care, back pain patients should take advantage of anti-inflammatory drugs to regain mobility and reduce their pain levels. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be crucial during post-operative care depending on the length and depth of the incisions involved. Note that after a spinal fusion, your surgeon may want you to stay away from taking anti-inflammatory medications because they can impede the fusion process. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing response to muscle trauma, but inflammation and arthritis along the spinal column can lead to compressed spinal nerves in patients with degenerated spinal disks (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae).
back pain, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, pain levels, anti-inflammatory drugs, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City
Continue providing detailed information about your recovery to your spine surgeon (neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon) during your period of post-operative care. You will likely be subject to several post-operative checkups to monitor your progress. Remember that physicians will sometimes make adjustments according to the information you give them, so take detailed notes regarding your pain levels and provide truthful information at all times.
Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) have significant experience treating patients with a variety of causes of low back pain and neck pain. Because of their diverse experience with conservative as well as surgical modes of treatment, they approach each patient with the treatments options which are best for the goals, desires and expectations of that patient.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: back pain, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, pain levels, anti-inflammatory drugs, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City
Reducing Arthritis-related Joint Degeneration review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Tomball, Pearland, Memorial City, TMC, Beaumont
Posted by admin in arthritis, back injury prevention, back pain, baytown, beaumont, facet joint, healthy diet, houston, katy, low back pain, nutritional supplements, osteoarthritis, sugarland, woodlands on March 26, 2015
Reducing Arthritis-related Joint Degeneration
back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston
Arthritis encompasses a wide variety of diseases causing swelling, pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the joints. One of arthritis’s most common forms, degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), wears down the cartilage that covers the ends of our joints, eventually causing bone-on-bone contact. As one might expect, bones rubbing together creates extreme pain and inflammation in the body, leading to restricted mobility. Within the context of the spine, osteoarthritis attacks the cartilage at the ends of our facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae) causing inflammation and back pain all along the spinal column. Nearby spinal nerves are also at risk, as the inflammation may compress them and further restrict mobility while producing sharp back pain.
back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston
Normally, osteoarthritis occurs as a result of age, though young people may get it from genetic defects within their cartilage, trauma to a joint, or other conditions that deform joints. Obesity also puts people at a higher risk, as well as those who, through their recreational or professional activity, place heavy repetitive stress on their joints.
Though osteoarthritis may have serious cumulative degenerative effects on the spinal column, there are several measures people can take to reduce the damage. Proper weight management and healthy dieting with proper nutrition will lower stresses placed on joints during routine movement. Avoiding foods that produce high amounts of uric acid as the body breaks them down will prevent the resulting crystal deposits from making their way to the joints and worsening back pain. These foods include mushrooms, asparagus, sardines, and dried beans. While dietary changes will not cure osteoarthritis, they can reduce flare-ups.
back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Beaumont, Port Arthur
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to relieve extreme back pain and reduce inflammation around the facet joints, allowing patients more mobility and an opportunity to pursue other avenues of treatment. Aerobics, stretching, and light strength training can all be helpful in restoring mobility. These exercises develop muscles around the spinal column, allowing them to assist the facet joints and spinal disks in routine movement.
If your course of treatment for osteoarthritis includes regular physical therapy, your doctor may insist on several additional check-ups to re-evaluate your progress. Imaging tests (magnetic resonance imaging, x-rays) are also used to supplement the doctor’s evaluation of possible damage done to your facet joints. Depending on your lifestyle and occupation, you may need to take measures to ensure that your spine is not placed under continual stress, since even sitting for long periods of time can raise pain levels significantly in patients with osteoarthritis.
back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Beaumont, Port Arthur
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have great experience in treating patients with arthritis and osteoarthritis resulting in low back pain, neck pain, and pain to other portions of the spine.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Beaumont, Port Arthur
Proper Lifting Techniques for Your Spine review by KBNI Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Katy Sugarland, Woodlands, TMC
Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, baytown, beaumont, herniated disc, houston, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, lumbar spine, physical therapy, sugarland, woodlands on March 25, 2015
Proper Lifting Techniques for Your Spine
back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe
Simply put, many members of the public do not know how to lift while protecting their backs. Improper lifting techniques are one of the most common reasons for damage to the spinal column, including slipped spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae), torn muscles, compressed spinal nerves and chronic low back pain. When lifting, be sure to stay balanced and hold the weight close to your body. Weight held far away from the body while lifting multiplies the pressure placed on the spinal discs and muscles and can result in extremely sharp back pain. Also, make an effort to reduce torsional (twisting) movement while lifting. When you twist your back with significant weight in your arms / hands, you place a much higher weight on each side of the spine in isolation as you twist. This increases the likelihood of compressed spinal nerves as well as the chances for injury.
When lifting, engage your hips, legs, feet, and gluteus maximus muscles (buttocks). Keep the weight close to your body, and don’t waste energy twisting: have a destination in mind before you lift the object. If you have a history of back pain, be sure to discuss your potential lifting limits with your physician prior to undertaking a project. If degeneration in your spinal discs has compromised the integrity of your spinal column, you may have to limit yourself and make multiple trips even for relatively light projects (e.g. groceries).
back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe
To supplement proper lifting techniques, talk to your doctor about physical therapy exercises you may be able to do at home. Physical therapy for the spine is typically focused on developing strong core muscles in the torso and along the spinal column. When strengthened, these muscles will assist the spinal discs, muscles, joints, and ligaments in managing the body’s weight distribution during routine movement. Keep in mind that your pain levels will likely fluctuate widely during physical therapy depending on the muscles engaged. Continue checking in with your physician to adjust your exercise regimen as needed. In the meantime, mediate your pain levels with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston
If, despite physical therapy and pain medication, you still cannot complete routine daily tasks without extreme back pain, back surgery may be necessary. A variety of procedures (such as spinal fusion, which fuses vertebrae together to combat spinal disc-related nerve pain) can be used to restore stability to the spinal column, reduce long-term pain levels, and ultimately maintain mobility as we age.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston
Keywords: back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe
Common Spinal Deformities, Spina Bifida review KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, back surgery, beaumont, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar fusion, lumbar stenosis, spina bifida, spine health, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on March 24, 2015
Common Spinal Deformities and Spina Bifida
chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston
Most chronic back pain is the result of lifestyle. Too much sedentary activity (e.g. sitting at a computer monitor for an extended period of time) causes elevated tension in muscles along the spinal column, gradually starving them of oxygen and increasing the chances of painful muscle spasms. At the other end of the spectrum, too much physical activity or improper lifting techniques can accelerate the natural degeneration of the spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae) and other vital components of the spinal column, leading to increased pain levels.
chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston
In some cases, however, lifestyle is not the root cause of chronic back pain. There are many structural spinal deformities, often congenital, that do not respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory pain medication. Whereas pain levels from a compromised spinal disc may be reduced by a physical therapy regimen designed to relieve pressure by developing muscles along the spinal column, spinal deformities often drastically compromise the integrity of the spinal column’s structure.
Spina bifida involves an opening in the lamina, which are not fused, and may involve a protrusion of the spinal nerves outside of the spinal canal where they are normally housed. Depending on the location of the protrusion, spina bifida may place patients at a much higher risk for traumatic injuries to the spinal nerves. As these nerves provide sensation to other parts of the body, damage to them can result in a loss of sensation, severe chronic back pain, or even paralysis. Spina bifida is caused by a congenital developmental disorder, in which the embryonic neural tube does not completely close. Spina bifida most commonly occurs in the lumbar and sacral areas. Spina bifida generally falls into one of three types: 1) spina bifida occulta 2) spina bifida with meningocele, and 3) spina bifida with myelomeningocele. Spina bifida occulta is generally asymptomatic, and most people don’t even know they have it. The most symptomatic type of spina bifida is that associated with a myelomeningocele, in which the spinal cord protrudes through the opening in the spine. The spina bifida meningicele and myelomeningocele occur in 1 out of every 1000 births.
spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston
Other spinal deformities include scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine that develops to varying degrees in patients. Most of the time its cause is unknown, but scoliosis may be triggered by muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Some patients may be able to navigate their daily routines without corrective back surgery, but many patients require it in order to restore some manner of normalcy to their motion. Severe curvature of the spine can be incredibly disabling, reducing mobility and causing extreme chronic back pain. With modern corrective back surgery, however, chances at a relatively normal life are good for most patients.
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal can be dangerous if it occurs in the cervical spine (cervical stenosis) , and troubling with pain and weakness when it occurs in the lumbar spine (lumbar stenosis) , because it places vital spinal nerves at a higher risk for injury, especially compression, which often in turn causes chronic back pain and symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness to the lower extremities. Prolonged nerve compression can damage the spinal nerves, impeding long-term sensation and mobility. Corrective back surgery is sometimes needed to relieve pressure on the spinal canal and expand the space at its narrowest point to reduce the chances of injury.
spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Keywords: chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Sex and Back Pain : Review by KBNI serving Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Sugar Land, Conroe, Texas
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar stenosis, mri, physical therapy, sciatica, sex, sugarland, woodlands on January 20, 2015
Sex and Back Pain
sex, back pain, sexual position, spinal column, spinal discs, Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Sugar Land, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Conroe, Texas
Decreased mobility resulting from back pain lowers one’s quality of life in many ways, and sex is no exception. As uncomfortable as it may be to admit, back pain lowers sexual performance, often to the point where many positions are too painful and couples find themselves straining to find ways to be sexually intimate. Fortunately, by following a few simple steps, you can navigate even serious back pain successfully enough to pursue a wide variety of sexual positions with your partner.
First, investigate your back pain as thoroughly as possible. Get a full physical examination from your doctor to narrow the possible causes for your pain. Imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging) may be necessary if your back pain is not resolving over time or if soft tissue damage (particularly to the spinal nerves) is suspected. Report any changes to the duration, intensity, location, or frequency of your back pain, as these changes can signify a worsening problem.
sex, back pain, sexual position, spinal column, spinal discs, Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Sugar Land, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Conroe, Texas
Also, be sure to communicate your needs to your partner. Experiment to find sexual positions that are conducive to both physical intimacy and individual comfort. Too many back pain patients wait until serious damage has been done prior to explaining their discomfort. Take the time to explain your pain to your partner and work together to find the positions that work for both of you until you can boost core strength enough to lessen your pain. You may also wish to change your sleeping surface. If you experience more severe back pain first thing in the morning and then find it gradually lessens throughout the day, it’s possible that your mattress may be causing a large portion of the problem. Staying hydrated throughout the day will also help to reduce joint-related pain, which is especially important for the facet joints that link the vertebrae in the spinal column.
Finally, pursue physical therapy or chiropractor exercises to the fullest extent authorized by your physician. Those of us with relatively sedentary jobs often worsen the health of our spinal column without even realizing it. Far from being a fragile thing, the spinal column requires a certain amount of exercise in order to efficiently re-hydrate the spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) with important nutrients. If we don’t get this exercise, the spinal discs’ natural degenerative processes accelerate and we quickly find ourselves with a smaller range of motion, less endurance, and a higher risk for injury. Physical therapy increases core strength, which allows the muscles along the spinal column and throughout the torso to assist the body during routine activity. A stronger core will raise the number of sexual positions you and your partner can achieve without having to worry about excessive back pain.
sex, back pain, sexual position, spinal column, spinal discs, Houston
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about what you can do to improve your comfort and safety during sexual activities. Because it involves sexual activity, many patients are afraid to ask their doctors, and may end up in a situation in which they cause further injury to their spine. The last thing one wants to do is cause further damage to the spine, if damage already exists. A physician who is an expert in the spine can rule out certain disorders, such as herniated disc, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis, and SI (sacro iliac) joint pain, all of which can cause back and lower extremity pain.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have great experience in treating patients with low back pain, neck pain, and injuries to the neck and low back. In the majority of cases, surgery can be avoided. Patients experiencing back pain during sexual activity can contact the KBNI for evaluation, guidance and advice.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
sex, back pain, sexual position, spinal column, spinal discs, Houston
Keywords:sex, back pain, sexual position, spinal column, spinal discs, Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Sugar Land, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Conroe, Texas
Other articles related to Sex and Back Pain:
http://www.spinehealth.com/essays-sex-and-back-pain-chapter-1.php
http://www.spinehealth.com/essays-sex-and-back-pain-chapter-2.php
http://www.spinehealth.com/essays-sex-and-back-pain-chapter-3.php
https://spinehealth.com/blog/intimacy-and-back-pain/
Back Braces review by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center
Posted by admin in back brace, back injury, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, houston, katy, pain, smoking, spinal fusion, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on November 20, 2014
Back Braces Review
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston
Occasionally, physical trauma compromises the stability of the spinal column and causes extreme spine pain and back pain. Accidents, fractures, and degeneration in the spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) can all cause destabilization in the spinal column. Destabilization generally has serious consequences for patient mobility given that we depend on pain-free articulation of the spine for almost all of our routine daily movement (sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, etc.). Destabilization represents a serious health risk to the long-term mobility of patients, as nearby spinal nerves may be compressed or lacerated from shards of vertebrae or spinal discs damaged by trauma. Vertebral bone must be given time enough to heal within a framework of relative immobility.
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston
Back braces provide this framework during the post-operative course of treatment and give patients the stability they need for their bodies to re-fuse portions of the spinal column. Generally, back braces are divided into two principal categories: corset braces (also known as elastic braces) and rigid braces. Corset braces are on occasion recommended after spinal fusion surgery to limit a patient’s motion by not allowing them to bend forward. They are also sometimes used by workers who regularly engage in heavy lifting on the job. Under such conditions, corset braces help reduce the likelihood of trauma to spinal disks (slipped or herniated disks) and torn muscles along the spinal column.
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe
Rigid braces, on the other hand, are contoured to the patient’s body and limit at least 50% motion of the spinal column. Rigid braces are hotter, more unwieldy, and more uncomfortable than corset braces. Both kinds of brace operate on the principle that bone grows best when little movement is involved, allowing our osteoblasts (bone tissue-generating cells) to bridge the fracture gap with as little interruption and difficulty as possible. Based on the patient’s individual healing progress as well as the nature of the trauma to the spinal column, decisions to employ back braces are typically made on a case-by-case basis.
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe
While both rigid braces and corset braces are effective at minimizing motion during the healing process, they are by no means the only avenue of physical rehabilitation in which a patient should engage. Consult your physician regarding physical therapy or chiropractic rehabilitation to re-develop muscles along the spinal column. Developing strong core muscles throughout the torso will assist degenerated or destabilized spinal disks in managing the body’s weight distribution during routine movement. Frequent checkups with your physician will allow individualized adjustments to your course of treatment.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have great experience in treating patients with low back pain, neck pain, and injuries to the neck and low back. In the majority of cases, surgery can be avoided.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Galveston
Opioid Pain Medication for the Spine: Information and Precautions review KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City
back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Galleria, Beaumont, Galleria, Galveston, Humble, Katy
OPIOID PAIN MEDICATION FOR THE SPINE; INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS
For many patients with chronic back pain, over-the-counter pain medication will be enough to mediate their pain levels and restore enough mobility for them to go about their daily lives. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen help to reduce inflammation in the body, often easing nerve-related pain by reducing inflammation at the site of the compressed spinal nerves. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication is generally powerful enough to help patients with torn muscles, herniated spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) and other mild-to-moderate structural problems within the spine.
back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Galleria, Beaumont, Galleria, Galveston, Humble, Katy
Occasionally, a patient’s back pain is severe enough to warrant other solutions. Physicians typically advocate more conservative treatments, such as a physical therapy regimen designed to develop muscles along the spinal column and in the torso. Core-strengthening exercises allow muscles to relieve spinal discs, facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae), and ligaments of some of the stresses of everyday movement. A strong torso through physical therapy can usually improve a patient’s mobility significantly if supplemented with over-the-counter pain medication to mediate acute pain levels during the course of treatment.
Physical therapy may not always be enough to correct the structural problems within the spine, however. Compromised spinal discs can lead to nerve damage over time, due to nearby spinal nerves bearing a higher risk for compression from everyday movement. Damaged or degenerated spinal discs are often thinner, harder, and less capable of bearing shock than normal discs. As such, physicians may be required to advocate back surgery as a possible solution to maintaining a patient’s long-term health. In the case of compromised spinal discs, sometimes a spinal fusion procedure is necessary to fuse vertebrae and stabilize the spinal column against future
In the first few weeks (or even months) of post-operative care, back surgery patients can expect elevated pain levels as their bodies attempt to heal and adjust to a new lifestyle. During this period, doctors may prescribe opioid pain medication (also known as narcotic pain medication) to help patients go about their daily lives without excessive back pain.
back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston
Some common narcotic pain medicines are
- Codeine
- Fentanyl (Duragesic) — available as a patch
- Hydrocodone ( Vicodin) (Norco)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Morphine (MS Contin)
- Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet, Percodan)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
Essentially, these medications work by reducing the number of pain signals sent to the brain, allowing back pain patients to re-gain mobility even in the face of high pain levels. Unfortunately, many types of opioid pain medication are addictive and can inhibit endorphin (the body’s natural painkillers) production if used over the long-term. Back pain patients utilizing opioid pain medication should see their physicians frequently to minimize the risk for addiction and long-term complications.
back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in diagnosing and treating spinal facet joint pain. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Galleria, Beaumont, Galleria, Galveston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland
Spinal Nerve Compression: When to Seek Medical Consultation review by KBNI Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial City, Tomball
Posted by admin in back injury prevention, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, discectomy, epidural steroid injection, ESI, herniated disc surgery, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar fusion, pain, physical therapy, spinal fusion, sugarland, woodlands on September 29, 2014
Spinal Nerve Compression: When to Seek Medical Consultation
Spinal Nerve Compression: When to Seek Medical Consultation review by KBNI Houston
Housed within the spinal canal, the spinal nerves provide sensation to most of the body. Generally, compressed spinal nerves happen as a result of age-related degeneration of the spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae). As we grow older, spinal discs become thinner, harder, and less pliable, reducing their ability to absorb the stresses of everyday movement. Spinal nerves may also be compressed through serious trauma, such as improper lifting techniques or accidents.
Back pain related to spinal nerve compression is generally quite sharp and significantly reduces mobility in patients. Immediate treatment options include over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which often reduce pain levels enough for the patient to explore other options for treatment. Physical therapy or treatment by a chiropractor represent both a short-term and long-term solution, as strong muscles in the torso and along the spinal column will assist spinal discs in bearing the body’s stresses. This in turn will reduce the incidence of compressed spinal nerves.
spinal nerves, spinal discs, physical therapy, back pain, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe
Occasionally, more conservative treatments like physical therapy or treatment by a chiropractor and pain medication aren’t enough to treat a patient’s nerve-related back pain. When a patient experiences muscle weakness along with nerve pain, it’s time to explore other treatment options. Physicians will likely order imaging exams (magnetic resonance imaging, x-rays) to confirm that spinal nerves are being compressed, as well as what the offending structure (e.g. bone spur) might be. After thorough analysis, physicians can then make recommendations on augmenting physical therapy or treatment by a chiropractor to better suit the patient’s pain levels or explore other options entirely. Major back surgery may be necessary to mechanically decompress the offending nerves or to remove the obstruction responsible for compression.
If patients are regularly experiencing compressed spinal nerves outside the context of heavy lifting, see your doctor. Provide detailed, truthful information regarding your work history, lifestyle, and exercise habits. Be sure to account for any recreational activities that may also have been responsible, as the physician can only make an accurate prescription for course of treatment if he or she has all the relevant information. Combined with the results of your imaging exams, physicians will then direct your course of treatment according to the severity of the nerve compression. Back surgery or surgery for herniated disc may be an option, but it is possible that more conservative treatments will mediate your back pain to the point where more extensive treatment will not be needed. It is advised that you immediately contact your physician if your pain becomes sharper and more constant, or if you experience muscle weakness or loss of bladder control. All of these issues can indicate impending nerve damage.
Neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have significant experiencing treating pain and nerve compression. When conservative measures fail, or if otherwise indicated, the latest techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery are used to help relieve pain.
spinal nerves, spinal discs, physical therapy, back pain, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spinal nerves, spinal discs, physical therapy, back pain, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe
Mobility during Recovery from Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Memorial City
Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, exercise, fusion, houston, katy, lumbar fusion, neck pain, physical therapy, post-operative care, recover, sciatica exercises, spinal fusion, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine mobility, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on September 27, 2014
MOBILITY DURING RECOVERY FROM BACK SURGERY
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston
Normally, back surgery is treated as a last resort if more conservative treatments (i.e., physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, facet joint injections, etc.) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels and restore mobility. Physicians and patients alike should approach back surgery as a calculated risk, one taken to maximize long-term health and mobility while giving the patient the best chance at consistently low-to-moderate pain levels during recovery. Post-operative care is a different matter entirely, however, as many patients aren’t prepared for the loss in mobility that comes after major back surgery. Large incisions, which in many back procedures are necessary to give the surgeon vision of the damaged portion of the spine, also can severely damage muscles and other soft tissue along the spinal column. This trauma greatly reduces patient mobility during post-operative care, as the muscles have essentially been rendered unable to do their jobs.
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
For patients, compromised mobility can present maddening challenges during post-operative care, not to mention complications. For example, surgical site infection (SSI) occurs from contamination of the surgical site, either during the operation itself or at some point during recovery. SSI is particularly dangerous if the contamination is internal, such as a contaminated plate or screw that has been implanted to stabilize the spinal column (lumbar fusion) . Patients will most likely be unable to adequately check their own incision sites for signs of infection, so family members and friends may be needed for not only this task, but to change the patient’s dressing as well.
Physical therapy / chiropractic therapy during post-operative care for back surgery is generally focused on preserving long-term mobility. If the muscles along the spinal column that were damaged by the surgeon’s incisions are not adequately worked during recovery, patients may soon find themselves incapable of bending and twisting beyond the physician’s weight-related restrictions. In other words, avoiding physical therapy can potentially result in a permanent reduction in range of motion. On the other hand, too much activity can de-stabilize implanted devices and re-tear healing muscles, prolonging the healing process and increasing the likelihood for additional corrective surgeries.
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Physicians will likely recommend several checkup visits during post-operative care in order to accurately gauge your progress and make necessary adjustments to your physical therapy regimen. Some back pain is normal and expected, but if your pain changes suddenly or begins to radiate through your ribs, legs, or arms, seek medical attention. Radiating back pain and muscle weakness often signals spinal nerve compression, which over the long-term may cause nerve damage and permanent loss of sensation. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help mediate pain levels, though during the initial healing process, physicians may authorize stronger prescription pain medication.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience at taking care of patients with back problems, back injuries and other sources of back and neck pain. They frequently see patients who are suffering from the symptom of neck pain, low back pain, and mid back pain, and have never received imaging studies of the spine. Physicians at the KBNI will order the appropriate spinal imaging studies of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine as needed, and review the results with the patient.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Keywords: back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Infections, Pain and Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galleria, Pearland, Kingwood, Spring, Memorial City, TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, fusion, houston, infection, katy, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar fusion, lumbar laminectomy, pain, smoking, spinal fusion, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on September 24, 2014
Infections, Pain and Back Surgery Review
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Physicians often advise back surgery as a last resort when more conservative treatment methods (anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, physical therapy) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels. Back surgery for pain is not only costly, but also occasionally necessitates a long period of post-operative care during which patients must work to re-develop muscles damaged by the back surgery incisions. Patients often head into surgery aware of the recovery period, but they also need to prepare for the low but distinct possibility of surgical site infection during post-operative care. Fortunately, infections from back surgery are an infrequent occurrence, but they must still be considered, watched, and prevented.
The extensiveness of some back surgeries may require deep or long incisions to provide the surgeon with adequate vision and access to damaged spinal discs or nerves. Major back surgery also goes hand-in-hand with a significant number of implanted devices, such as metal screws or plates ( back surgery fusion or spinal fusion )to stabilize a compromised spinal column. Though these materials are required to be sterile prior to surgery, they can still potentially become contaminated in various ways. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are bacterial populations that have developed resistances to several conventional (and even some last-resort) antibiotics ( bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represent an increasingly dire problem for hospitals worldwide. In cases of major back surgery, the risk of contamination is increased due to the physical procedure itself: internal parts of the body remain exposed to the surrounding air for several hours. Any bacteria that have survived on the operating staff or on the implantation devices are capable of causing problems for the patient during post-operative care.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Patients who want to minimize their recovery time and pain, as well as reduce the possibility of secondary back surgery will regularly monitor their incision sites for signs of back surgery infection. Back surgery patients occasionally do not have much mobility during post-operative care (especially if the surgery was extensive, like a spinal fusion or artificial spinal disc implant), so patients will need to communicate their needs and pain issues to family and friends. Have them check for redness, swelling, pus, and foul odors around the incision site. Patients must pay attention to their pain levels and note any sudden or drastic changes.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Risk factors of the patient which increase the risk of infection during back surgery include smoking, diabetes, malnutrition, obesity, and poor personal hygiene. Hand washing is important before handling a wound. In a hospital, all visitors, nurses and physicians should wash their hands before entering a patient’s room, as preventative care. Patients who have any open sores or cuts on their body should alert the doctors and nurses before the back surgery, as the surgeon may potentially choose to cancel the operation until the open lesions heal. If a patients suffers an infection post operatively, all visitors, nurses and physicians should wear protective attire upon entering the room.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
It’s also possible that a patient’s infection may be entirely internal, without many symptoms around their incision site. They should monitor pain levels, and check in with their physician if they experience nausea, vomiting, chills, or fever. Depending on the location and severity of the infection, physicians will likely prescribe a course of treatment involving one or more courses of different antibiotics. In some cases, both surgical site infections and internal infections have the potential to reduce healing during post-operative care. Secondary surgeries may be necessary to correct the problems the infections create, and help relieve the pain they create.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Keywords: infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Spinal Facet Joint Pain presented by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galleria, Pearland, Kingwood, Spring, Memorial City, TMC
Posted by admin in arthritis, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, exercise, facet joint, fusion, houston, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar fusion, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, rhizotomy, spinal fusion, sugarland, woodlands on September 23, 2014
SPINAL FACET JOINT PAIN
spinal facet joint pain
A facet joint is a link between our vertebrae within our spinal column, and can be the cause of pain within the spine. Regarding spinal anatomy, their ends are covered in cartilage, which allows for the relatively pain-free articulation of the spine during routine motion (sitting, standing, twisting, bending, lifting, walking, etc.). Over time, however, the cartilage covering the facet joints breaks down naturally as we age. Heavy lifting, poor weight management, improper lifting technique, and too much sedentary activity can all accelerate the breakdown of facet joint cartilage, increasing the chances of compressing nearby spinal nerves and causing extremely sharp back pain. The spinal column can be the source of mechanical pain.
In many cases, imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging) will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of a facet joint-related spinal back pain. Your doctor will have to first rule out muscle tears and muscle spasms caused by oxygen-starvation in your back muscles (often occurring as the result of too much time spent in a sitting or standing position, which keeps muscles in the back in a highly tensed state). While a compromised facet joint is certainly a cause for concern, by no means is the problem untreatable. Many patients are able to successfully mediate their pain levels at home, without having to explore the possibility of spinal back surgery.
spinal facet joint pain
In order to treat back pain caused by degenerating facet joints, most patients effectively mediate their pain levels using over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pain medication usually restores enough temporary mobility to explore other long-term treatments, such as physical therapy. Patients may use a physical therapy or chiropractor / chiropractic regimen to develop muscles along the spinal column, which in turn will relieve load stress from compromised spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) and facet joints alike. During your physical therapy or chiropractor / chiropractic regimen, several checkups will likely be necessary in order for your physician to accurately gauge your progress and recommend changes to your course of treatment.
If the cartilage has worn to the point where nearby spinal nerves are at risk, back surgery may be necessary to preserve a patient’s long-term health and mobility. Regular spinal nerve compression can lead to muscle weakness, sharp back pain, and eventual nerve damage and loss of sensation in other parts of the body. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine if parts of your spinal discs or facet joints are responsible. If back / spine surgery is needed, your physicians can offer excellent advice on your post-operative care period, including incremental increases in physical therapy to preserve (and in some cases improve) patient mobility.
facet joint, spinal, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont
Generally, spinal facet joint pain can be diagnosed by having a physician (spine surgeon, neurosurgeon, pain specialist) perform a facet joint block. This procedure “numbs” the nerves (medial branch of nerves) traveling to the facet joint. If the block is successful at relieving the pain, it can be concluded that the pain is coming from the facet joint. At that point, a more permanent facet joint rhizotomy, in which the nerves to the facet are destroyed (with thermal coagulation, also known as a rhizotomy) , may be of good benefit (after undergoing two trails of a facet joint nerve block). A fusion of the spine (ALIF, TLIF, XLIF, PLIF, DLIF) can also help with pain coming from the facet joint, as the fusion will immobilize the joint.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in diagnosing and treating spinal facet joint pain. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
facet joint, spinal, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont
Keywords: facet joint, spinal, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain and Disc Myths by by KBNI Houston, Katy, Spring, Kingwood, Conroe, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, disc degeneration, exercise, herniated disc, holistic, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, neck pain, pain, stretching, sugarland, woodlands on September 10, 2014
Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain and Disc Myths, Houston
lower back pain, neck pain, disc, Houston
Lower back pain and neck pain are incredibly common afflictions in the modern workplace, but many members of the public entertain harmful myths about how to treat them. For example, a large portion of the public believes that rest is the most effective way to treat chronic lower back pain or neck pain. While rest is definitely a component of the solution, long periods of sedentary activity can actually lengthen recovery time and reduce long-term mobility. Most mild to moderate lower back pain and neck pain is more effectively mediated by exercise.
lower back pain, neck pain, disc, Houston
Part of the rest myth may stem from yet another myth perpetuated about the spine: that it is weak or somehow fragile. In truth, the spine is an incredibly strong, durable part of the body that hosts a complicated system of muscles, ligaments, bones, and spinal disc (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae). Rather than be compromised by exercise, the spine thrives on it. We need regular cardiovascular exercise, stretching, and strength conditioning in order to optimally maintain our spinal column as we age, given that we undergo a number of natural degenerative processes as we grow older. The cartilage on the ends of our facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae and allow for the articulation of the spinal column) naturally degrades in quality, and this process is accelerated by extra weight and lack of exercise. Our spinal disc become thinner, harder, drier, and less capable of bearing stress during our routine movements. Both of these changes contribute to an increased incidence of compressed spinal nerves, which can cause severe lower back pain and compromise mobility.
lower back pain, neck pain, disc, 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
Due to these natural degenerative processes, many people may feel that a decline in their mobility is inevitable and that severe lower back pain and neck pain must correlate with severe structural damage in the spinal column. Fortunately, chronic lower back pain and neck pain most often does not necessarily mean that a patient’s spine is severely damaged. Some patients may have relatively little damage within the spinal column but still suffer from debilitating pain because of higher sensitivity to pressure placed on the spinal nerve roots. For example, if the tough exterior of a spinal disc wears to the point where a bit of the soft inner material of the disc protrudes through a hole in the exterior (hernia), patients will have a wide variety of responses based on individual pain tolerance as well as sensitivity of the spinal nerves themselves. Seek a full physical examination from a medical profession to confirm the source of your back pain and begin an effective course of treatment.
Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI), located in Houston, TX, specialize in treating patients with lower back pain and neck pain. The majority of patients can be treated, and achieve significant improvement in their lower back pain and neck pain, without the need of an operation. When surgery on the disc or spine is needed, neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute offer the most current and advanced techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery.
lower back pain, neck pain, disc, 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
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: lower back pain, neck pain, disc, 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
Holistic Acupuncture and Back Pain by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC
Posted by admin in acupuncture, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, holistic, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, neck pain, pain, sugarland, woodlands on September 4, 2014
acupuncture, holistic, back pain, Houston
Holistic Acupuncture and Back Pain in Houston
Acupuncture is longstanding tradition in Eastern medicine. Acupuncture is considered holistic medicine. An acupuncture expert (acupuncturist) inserts several thin needles just under the surface of the patient’s skin in various pre-determined positions. These positions correspond to the 2,000+ pressure points that acupuncturists believe correspond to 20 primary pathways (called meridians in the theory of acupuncture). The basic principle of holistic acupuncture is that the body has several natural energy pathways (meridians) and if one or more of these pathways are blocked, qi (life-force) cannot flow properly and a variety of negative conditions result. In traditional Eastern medicine, qi’s proper flow can be restored through stimulating key points on the body with acupuncture needles. Holistic acupuncture has been used to treat low back pain.
acupuncture, holistic, back pain, Houston
As one might imagine, the efficacy (ability of a treatment or drug to achieve a positive result on a consistent basis in many patients) of holistic acupuncture has not been proven in Western evidence-based medicine. Healthcare in the Western world is organized around the principle of treating specific conditions with specific treatments and / or drugs. Doctors first conduct physical exams to narrow possible causes (such as for the origin of a patient’s back pain) and then, if necessary, additional specialist opinions or additional testing confirms or reassesses the diagnosis. From that point, a patient receives a specific course of treatment designed to cure him or her of the condition.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, takes a holistic approach. Rather than focus on treating a specific condition in an exact, proven way, holistic acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system in hopes that nerve activity will have a positive effect on personal well-being. While these claims have not been proven by evidence-based medicine, acupuncture does succeed in stimulating the central nervous system. Many patients have given reports of feeling energized and relaxed as the needles stimulate activity in the brain and spinal cord. This practice may be effective for some back pain patients who suffer from increased muscle tension throughout the neck, shoulders, and spinal column. Stimulating nerves along tensed muscles can promote blood flow, which brings much-needed oxygen and nutrition as well as helps to prevent muscle spasms.
acupuncture, holistic, back pain, 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
Though the holistic claims made for acupuncture by Eastern medicine may be tempting to take at face value, patients are advised to conduct further testing to ensure they do not have a more serious condition. Back pain patients who experience relief from holistic acupuncture are not likely to have a severe structural defect within the spinal column, but it is important to confirm the diagnosis of back pain with a complete physical exam by a Western physician. Additional imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans, x rays) can reveal if there are underlying structural issues which need to be addressed with more serious treatment.
There is no question that the ability to treat back pain, neck pain, and other types of pain with a variety of modalities is beneficial to the patient. Although traditional Western Medicine is often very beneficial, a more holistic Eastern Medicine approach has a role in the health care system. At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, a variety of modality and treatment options are available to help patients suffering from low back pain, neck pain, and other pain disorders affecting the body. Expert neurosurgeons at the KBNI utilize non-surgical options when appropriate, often keeping surgical intervention as a measure of last resort, when other conservative methods fail.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
acupuncture, holistic, back pain, 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
Keywords: acupuncture, holistic, back pain, 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
Proper Lifting, Posture and Low Back Pain review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC
Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, houston, lifting techniques, low back pain, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, spinal injury, sports injury, sugarland, woodlands on July 19, 2014
spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center
Proper Lifting, Posture and Low Back Pain review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City
Patients with low back pain worldwide can, following their injuries, attest to the importance of lifting correctly and using good posture of the body and of the spine. Improper lifting technique typically results in three different types of injury to the lumbar spine: 1) muscle injury, which can tear muscle tissue and affect mobility, 2) spinal disc injury, in which the shock-absorbing capability of the disc between our vertebrae is compromised, and 3) joint injury, in which repetitive load-bearing stress can wear out the pliable cartilage which covers the end of each spinal joint. Keeping the spine and body in a proper posture will decrease strain on the muscles, joints and discs of the spine. This will help to decrease the incidence or prevent low back pain.
spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center
The key to avoiding spinal injuries while lifting is proper lifting technique and posture. First, be certain to keep the chest forward while bending at the hips, rather than at the lumbar spine. Bending over at the lumbar spine and lifting will dramatically increase intraspinal pressure, which increases incidence of muscle tears and herniated (ruptured) spinal discs. Bending at the hips, on the other hand, keeps the weight close to the body’s center of gravity and does not raise intraspinal pressure to nearly the same levels. Secondly, torsional movement (twisting) while lifting even small objects can produce a serious spinal injury relatively quickly. For larger objects that are too wide to grasp fully and keep close to the body, obtain the help of another person to minimize risk. Always keeping in mind proper posture is important.
After lifting and moving all of the requisite objects, low back pain may occur as a result of muscle fatigue. Be certain to give your back adequate time, rest, and healthy fuel to recover. If low back pain levels in or around the spinal column have not subsided within three days, medical consultation is advised. Physicians will typically conduct a series of physical tests designed to determine a patient’s range of motion. If mobility is compromised or if the patient’s range of motion is otherwise reduced, these tests will help lower the number of causes for the specific variety of spinal injury in question. Physicians may also require imaging tests (X-Rays, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging) to confirm their diagnosis, and to prescribe an accurate, effective course of treatment.
spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, 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
Chiropractors and physical therapists can help patients with education on the proper techniques for lifting and exercising, to prevent or treat low back pain. Both chiropractors and physical therapists are experts in posture and biomechanics of the body, and injury prevention. Chiropractors and physical therapists are experts in not only rehabilitating and strengthening the spine after an injury, but also in using good posture and biomechanics to prevent an injury to the spine.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience treating patients who have suffered an injury to the spine, and also in advising on the proper biomechanics and posture of the spine and body to prevent injuries to the spine and low back pain or neck pain. They offer a wide range of treatment options for treating spine injury, and neck and low back pain.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from neck pain or back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture, 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
Recover from Spinal Fusion discussion by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galveston, Texas Medical Center
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, cervical fusion, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, fusion, healthy diet, houston, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, lumbar fusion, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, post-operative care, recover, sciatica exercises, smoking, spinal fusion, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine surgery, sports injury, sugarland, woodlands on June 26, 2014
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy
Spinal fusion is a back or neck surgery in which vertebrae within the spinal column are fused together to eliminate movement at points of articulation (joints) between them. This can lower spinal mobility overall, but often spinal fusion can have a net positive effect for a patient due to decreased pain levels and increased spinal stability. When a spinal fusion is performed in the cervical spine (neck), it is known as a cervical fusion. When the spinal fusion is performed in the lumbar spine (low back), it is called a lumbar fusion. It can take some time to recover after this type of surgery.
To recover from a spinal fusion can be difficult based on the invasiveness of the surgery itself and the length of the post-operative care period. To recover, patients may need to make significant lifestyle changes in order to aid recovery and ensure that a stable fusion takes place as the bones of the spinal column grow back together. Eliminating smoking entirely is absolutely essential. Cigarettes contain elevated levels of nicotine, which is a chemical shown to be highly toxic to bone growth. Nicotine kills the body’s osteoblasts (bone-growing cells), while leaving our bone-eating cells (osteoclasts) alive. Spinal fusion patients who smoke during post-operative recovery are much less likely to maintain a stable spinal column, and may restrict bone growth while extending their less successful recovery by several months. If a patient wants a stable spinal fusion that minimizes the possibility of subsequent corrective surgeries, eliminating smoking is possibly the single greatest factor that aids recovery.
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy
To recover, patients must also be certain to follow guidelines regarding physical therapy, exercise, and motion during their post-operative care period. Core strengthening exercises can be guided by a chiropractor or physical therapy. Physical therapy or chiropractic guidance and education can also help to teach about how to prevent future spine injuries. Spinal fusion is one of the more intensive varieties of back surgery, and physicians must document the recovery process accurately to ensure that the patient’s spinal column is stable enough for everyday motion. This requires subsequent visits for imaging tests (typically X-rays, in the case of spinal fusion) to monitor bone growth. There may be strict guidelines for the amount a patient can lift or the length of time in which the patient may stand, sit, or walk during the course of their daily routines. The amount of time needed to recover may vary widely depending on how old the patient is (younger patients generally re-grow bone more quickly than older patients) as well as the physical requirements of their occupation.
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
In some cases, the physician who performed the spinal fusion may have the patient wear an external brace to help recover. This will help support the body, and reduce movement of the fused area of the spine, while new bone is attempting to grow, and accomplish the spinal fusion.
Some patients may wear an external bone growth stimulator, if prescribed by their doctor. The bone growth stimulator provides an electric current around the body, which stimulates bone growth.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience at taking care of patients and helping them to recover after undergoing spinal fusion. Many times, surgery can be avoided, but when necessary, the neurosurgeons at the KBNI have the most current techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery available when appropriate.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
REFERENCE SITES
Patients suffering from a cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, or who have been told they may require a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Laminectomy, Lumbar Laminectomy, Cervical Laminectomy for Lumbar Stenosis, Cervical Stenosis in Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Beaumont, Texas Medical Center TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, cervical laminectomy, cervical stenosis, chiropractic, chiropractor, fusion, houston, katy, laminectomy, low back pain, lumbar laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, spinal injury, spinal stenosis, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on June 21, 2014
laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring
A laminectomy is a spinal procedure designed to lower pressure within the spinal canal (spinal stenosis). When it is performed in the low back region for lumbar stenosis, it is known as a lumbar laminectomy, and when in the neck region for cervical stenosis, it is a cervical laminectomy. During a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, the back region of the vertebra, called the lamina, is removed to expand the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord (cervical stenosis in the cervical spine), or the nerve roots ( lumbar stenosis in the lumbar spine). Spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads in between the vertebrae) may rupture or otherwise become displaced. This can raise pressure within the spinal canal or even compress the spinal cord, causing extreme pain and possibly a loss of mobility. As the spinal canal houses the spinal nerves that run through the spinal column, any bone growths, spurs, or herniated disks have the potential to compress these spinal nerves or spinal cord, depending on the level of the spine where the compression occurs. Thickened ligament in the spine may also compress the nerves in the lumbar spine, or the spinal cord in the cervical spine, because the spinal cord travels through the cervical spine, but ends at the top of the lumbar spine, below which only the spinal nerves run within the lumbar spine. The ligament which often thickens with aging, is known as the ligamentum flavum. Depending upon where the source of compression of the spinal canal occurs, the surgeon can approach the spine from the front or the back. When the decompression is from the back, to remove the lamina of the spine, the procedure is known as a laminectomy.
laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring
Most commonly, a laminectomy is performed on patients who suffer from spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal at certain points is narrower than normal. Symptoms vary widely, with some patients reporting extreme pain and a loss of mobility from compressed spinal nerves or spinal cord. In a much less common situation, bladder problems can occur from pressure placed on spinal nerves (lumbar stenosis) in the lumbar spine on the cauda equina nerves traveling to internal organs. Patients with cervical stenosis may experience neck pain, or pain in the upper extremities, or in more severe cases, may experience partial or complete paralysis. When patients with cervical stenosis suffer an injury, they may experience trauma to the cervical spinal cord, resulting in a spinal cord injury. This could result in paralysis below the level of injury of the spinal cord, or another type of cord injury in which the arms are weak, but the legs are strong (known as central cord syndrome). Other patients’ quality of life may be relatively unchanged, although if sufficient pressure is placed on the cervical spinal cord, a posterior cervical laminectomy may be recommended to reduce the chances of further trauma.
laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring
Depending on the extent of the pressure placed on the spinal canal, the surgeon may remove parts of the lamina on both sides of the spinal column, in addition to any fragments of bone or disk that are causing the obstruction. Spinal fusion, a procedure in which vertebrae are fused together to ensure stability, may be necessary depending on the total bone loss sustained during the laminectomy, and any foreseen instability of the spine resulting from extensive bone removal. At times, the degeneration of the spine and overgrowth of bone spurs is so severe, that in order to fully decompress the spinal cord in the neck (cervical stenosis) with a cervical laminectomy, or the spinal nerves in the lumbar spine (lumbar stenosis) with a lumbar laminectomy, part or all of the facet joints (which connect the vertebral body above with the one below) may need to be removed. When this occurs, the spine may become unstable at that segment, and a spinal fusion at that segment may be considered.
laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston
Patients who are experiencing numbness or pain down one or both legs are advised to seek medical attention. Although there are several different possible causes for the compression of spinal nerves, symptoms may not fully indicate the seriousness of the condition. Continued compression can eventually cause permanent loss of sensation, as well as paralysis of the extremities. Paralysis of the legs, from lumbar stenosis, is very uncommon, but in rare situations, can occur, particularly is the lumbar stenosis is sudden and severe in onset, such as a severe and large herniated disc, or a spine injury fracture. Patients who experience numbness or pain down one or both arms are also advised to seek medical attention. If a patient feels a “electric shock” traveling down the spine, known as a Lhernitte sign, the patient may be suffering from spinal cord compression in the neck (cervical spine). In this situation, the patient should definitely make an urgent appointment to see a spine surgeon. Following a cervical laminectomy or lumbar laminectomy, a physical therapy regimen to maintain mobility and strengthen the core will give patients the best chance at restoring stability to their spinal columns. Core strengthening can be accomplished with physical therapy or by chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor.
Expert neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in treating cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis. At times, they are able to treat patients and improve their symptoms without the need for surgery. When the cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis is moderate or severe, or the symptoms the patient experiences are unrelenting, a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy may be performed. The KBNI neurosurgeons utilize minimally invasive spine surgery techniques when appropriate.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from a cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, or who have been told they may require a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, can
contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Spine Anatomy, Lumbar Spine, Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine discussion KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, car accident, cervical spine, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar spine, neck pain, pain, sugarland, thoracic spine, truck accident, woodlands on June 19, 2014
spine, lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring
The anatomy of the spine is varied and complex, with strong bones working in tandem with discs (shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae), as well as flexible ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The lumbar spine, cervical spine and thoracic spine each have their own very unique structure, allowing for different stresses and strains to be supported, and allowing for very different ranges of motion. A large collection of very sensitive nerves also dwells in the spinal column, transferring sensory information and motor control from the central nervous system to other parts of the body. There are eight different nerves associated with the cervical spine, twelve with the thoracic spine, and five with the lumbar spine. The nerves from the cervical spine generally supply movement and sensation to the arms. The nerves from the thoracic spine are mainly sensory, and supply sensation to the chest and back. The nerves from the lumbar spine mainly supply motor and sensory function to the legs.
As described above, when talking about the spine, it is generally divided into three primary regions: the lumbar spine (lower back), thoracic spine (middle back), and cervical spine (neck), while the base of the spine sits on a triangular bone called the sacrum. Each vertebra in the spine also has several parts. For example, vertebrae are divided into the body, which supports the weight of the spinal column, as well as the lamina, which covers the opening that would otherwise allow direct access to the spinal cord. Facet joints (one pair facing upward and one facing downward) link each vertebra in the spinal column and provide articulation points for movement. Repetitive load-bearing stress, poor weight management, and physical trauma can degrade the cartilage on the facet joints to the point where vertebrae are at risk for compressing nearby spinal nerves.
spine, lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
At times, generally from trauma or degenerative changes (wear and tear on the body), intervertebral discs located between the vertebral bodies, may herniated, and may push against the nerves leaving the cervical spine, lumbar spine, or thoracic spine. Disc herniations causing symptoms are much more frequent in the cervical spine and lumbar spine than they are in the thoracic spine. This is because the cervical and lumbar spine are subject to much movement, while the thoracic spine is held in a more rigid position as it is supported by the rib cage. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine may cause pain in the leg, and weakness of the leg. A herniated disc in the cervical spine may cause pain in the arm, or weakness of the arm. When a herniated disc in the cervical spine compresses the cervical spinal cord, it may result in a spinal cord injury and possibly partial or complete paralysis, from the level of the spinal cord compression and below. For example, if there is severe pressure on the spinal cord at the level of C5/6, a patient may have good strength in the deltoid muscles at the shoulders, but be otherwise paralyzed in the more distal arms and legs. A herniated disc in the thoracic spine may cause pain around the chest and rib cage, but when pressing on the thoracic spinal cord, may also cause partial or complete paralysis from the level of the compression and down.
Spinal nerves are particularly susceptible to injury, given that they do not regenerate once they have endured sufficient physical trauma. This is why conditions that threaten the integrity of the spinal cord—such as spinal tumors, bone spurs, and spinal fractures—must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Physicians often require several imaging exams, such as CT scans, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging, to determine whether there are any structural problems within the spinal column that may compromise the spinal cord.
cervical spine, spine, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
From an anatomical perspective, many patients who suffer from low back pain and strains and sprains often simply need to develop their torso through a series of core strengthening low back strengthening exercises. Increased blood flow will help aid the network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that assist the spinal column of the lumbar spine in distributing the body’s weight. Back pain, when understood and treated, can be improved without surgery. As such, core strengthening is often a hallmark of physical therapy regimens for patients who have undergone spinal procedures. The same can be said for neck pain. Strengthening of the neck and paraspinal muscles adjacent to the cervical spine may help with neck pain. Strengthening of the muscles surrounding the thoracic spine may also help with mid back thoracic pain.
Spine experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX treat disorders of the cervical spine, thoracic spine and lumbar spine. Many patients are seen after experiencing years of spine pain, or after having suffered a car or truck accident. Regardless of the cause or duration of pain, physicians at the KBNI obtain the appropriate imaging studies and nerve studies to look for the source of the pain. After the source of pain is localized, treatment can begin to attempt to treat and improve the pain. Neurosurgeons at the KBNI have found that the majority of patients suffering from pain do not need an operation on the spine, but when surgery is needed, they have the ability to perform the spine surgery using the latest techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery when appropriate.
lumbar spine, spine, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from a herniated disc can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spine, lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
thoracic spine, spine, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Herniated Disc Houston, Herniated Disc Surgery Houston review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Beaumont, Baytown, Memorial City, TMC Texas Medical Center
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, houston, katy, low back pain, neck pain, physical therapy, sciatica, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on June 18, 2014
herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, herniated disc Houston, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Beaumont
A herniated disc is an extremely common problem and diagnosis in the United States, leading many to consider herniated disc surgery. The spinal discs are flexible pads that sit between each of our vertebrae and act as shock-absorbers for the spine and body. Each spinal disc is composed of a tough exterior (annulus fibrosus) wrapped around a softer, jelly-like interior nucleus pulposus). Over time, our spinal discs naturally degenerate, becoming thinner, harder, and less capable of absorbing the stresses of everyday movement. This condition is known as degenerative disc disease. Excessive wear and tear (such as from bending and twisting or repetitive heavy lifting) will accelerate the natural wearing process and increase the chances of compressed spinal nerves and severe back pain or leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain . Normally, we are able to weather the changes in our spine as we age without severe pain, but sometimes this is not the case. Certain structural problems, like herniated discs, can reduce mobility significantly.
A herniated disc occurs when a disc is damaged to the point that some of the soft inner material of the disc protrudes through a hole in some of the disc’s tough exterior. Holes may occur in many different ways, including age or sudden physical trauma. After the protrusion occurs, the disc is now displaced in the spinal column and may impinge on nearby spinal nerves, causing extreme back pain or leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain. This is not the case for all herniated disc patients, however. Sometimes the injury is gradual and patients do not feel as much pain, even though their spinal discs may have suffered serious trauma. If a spinal herniated disc problem is suspected, patients should seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will give you a complete physical examination to narrow the possible causes for your back pain or sciatica. Imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging) will help determine if the soft tissues of the spinal discs and nerves has been damaged and to what extent.
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Fortunately, in most cases it is possible for herniated disc patients to preserve their mobility and improve their pain levels. Physical therapy or chiropractor treatment designed to strengthen core muscles in the torso and along the spinal column will help patients immeasurably during their recovery. Core-strengthening exercises help patients by allowing muscles in the torso to better assist in load-bearing during the body’s routine movement. A stronger core therefore means a lower incidence of re-injury, relief for nearby spinal nerves, and a higher overall quality of life for patients. For some herniated disc patients, however, their back pain may be too severe to be mediated solely by physical therapy or other conservative treatments. These patients may need corrective back surgery or herniated disc surgery to remove parts of the damaged disc and re-stabilize the spinal column with metal plates and / or screws (spinal fusion) in the lumbar spine or an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion in the cervical spine. Physical therapy is also typically involved in post-operative care for back surgery patients.
Expert physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have expertise in treating patients with herniated disc Houston. At the KBNI, neurosurgeon experts believe that most patients with a herniated disc can be treated without the need of an operation, and they can frequently implement a course of treatment which improves patient’s pain without the need of a surgery. When herniated disc surgery Houston is needed, neurosurgical experts at the KBNI employ the most current minimally invasive spine surgery techniques when appropriate.
herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, herniated disc Houston
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from a herniated disc can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, herniated disc Houston, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Disc Degeneration
Posted by admin in back pain, disc degeneration, neck pain on May 11, 2014
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Disc Degeneration
Between each vertebra of the spinal column there is a semi-flexible disc that acts as a shock absorber for the body. The intervertebral discs help in load-bearing work, as well as any activity requiring movement or flexion of the spine. Over time, these discs naturally degrade (disc degeneration), but injuries, poor diet, weight gain, repetitive stress, or structural deformities can all accelerate the degenerative process. Sufficient trauma may cause the disc to rupture—a serious condition that can cause the two surrounding vertebrae to compress spinal nerves, causing extreme pain and possible muscle weakness and loss of sensation. Expert doctors / neurosurgeons / spine surgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX have a vast amount of experience in treating patients with pain related to disc degeneration, degenerative disc disease , neck pain, low back pain, and sciatica.
If the progression of disc degeneration is significantly faster than normal, the patient may have a structural deformity that is contributing to the problem. A thorough medical exam is advised, during which the attending physician may advise several imaging tests to accurately diagnose the cause of the accelerated degeneration. Typically, the most advanced degeneration occurs in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine (low on the spinal column), due to the constant load-bearing stress placed on these intervertebral discs in the standing and sitting positions. Dr. Gary Kraus and Dr. Masaki Oishi, neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, find that most patients suffering from herniated disc of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, can be treated without the need for an operation. Very often, the pain of the low back or neck pain, and any associated radicular symptoms such as sciatica, often improve without surgical treatment.
Patients who are extremely active in sports or manual labor may find that drastic changes to their daily lifestyle are necessary. A regimen of physical therapy will offer instruction in new lifting techniques, as well as core strengthening exercises that will help develop the muscles of the torso. As core strengthening improves, the network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the torso will begin to relieve some of the load-bearing stress from the spine.
More severe cases of disc degeneration may necessitate surgical procedures. Modern advancements in medical technology have improved the artificial disc to the point that it can mimic a natural disc both in function and durability. Other surgical procedures—such as spinal fusion—may be used in severe cases of disc degeneration to reduce the possibility of compressed spinal nerves. Many of these procedures are quite costly and have lengthy rehabilitation periods, however, so they are often advised only when absolutely necessary to improve the quality of a patient’s daily life.
Patients in Houston, as well as other parts of Texas and the United States, are welcome to contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, for treatment of their degenerative disc disease, or any other low back pain, neck pain, or sciatica.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute is very convenient to, and routinely treats patients in Houston, Katy, Memorial, Westchase, Inner Loop, Galleria, the Woodlands, Sugar Land, Conroe, Beaumont, Tomball, and Galveston.
http://www.spinehealth.com/degenerated-disc-disease.php
http://www.neckpain.com/cervical-degenerative-disc-disease-houston.html
http://www.spinesurgery.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease
Keywords: Houston, physical therapy, disc degeneration, spinal column, core strengthening, sciatica, Katy, Memorial, Westchase, Inner Loop, Galleria, the Woodlands, Sugar Land, Conroe, Beaumont, Tomball, and Galveston
Reducing Back Pain
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Reducing Back Pain
reducing low back pain houston
Most often, low back pain is a product of one of the following scenarios: 1) improper lifting technique, which may tear muscle tissue or even herniate (displace) the intervertebral disk, 2) overuse or hypermobility, referring to intense labor or repetitive movement that puts increased wear on spinal disks and joints, or 3) low activity or hypomobility, which can lead to weight gain, as well as reducing the flow of nutrients to muscles and disks in the back.
Fortunately, physical therapy, rest, healthy dieting, and regular exercise can often have a long-term positive impact on low back pain levels. Those with acute or chronic back pain may be tempted to resist physical activity, but an approved regimen of physical therapy by a licensed physical therapist depends on regular implementation to be effective. Patients who opt out of the physical rehabilitation process may actually lose mobility as a result.
Core strengthening exercises play a fundamental role in most physical rehabilitation plans. The torso and spinal column are home to many different tendons, muscles, and ligaments that help support the weight of the body and provide stability during routine movement. All of these tissues work in tandem with the spinal column to participate in all load-bearing activities—running, walking, standing, and sitting among them. If core strengthening exercises are omitted from a patient’s physical rehabilitation regimen, the spinal column bears more weight than it otherwise would and low back pain is more likely to recur.
Patients with chronic back pain are advised to seek thorough medical consultation, given that their pain may be resulting from structural problems, deformities, or other abnormalities within the spinal column. Imaging techniques such as the X-ray, CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging can reveal the integrity of the spinal column as well as allow physicians to design a more effective physical therapy regimen.
Spinal Acupuncture (Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Humble, Kingwood)
Posted by admin in acupuncture, back pain, neck pain, sciatica on May 3, 2014
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Spinal Acupuncture
acupuncture houston low back pain neck pain, sciatica, katy, woodlands, river oaks, memorial city
While spinal acupuncture is not a typical option for treating neck and back pain, there are many patients who will testify to its beneficial effects. While the end results can vary widely depending on the severity of the patient’s back pain, Western physicians generally agree that spinal acupuncture is capable of stimulating a patient’s central nervous system. Patients may experience low back pain, neck pain, herniated dics, spinal stenosis, as well as sciatica. They may have suffered injury to the spine. A series of FDA-approved needles—different gauges are used at the physician’s discretion—are inserted to varying depths and at varying locations depending on the patient’s condition. The needles are extremely thin, usually around twenty times thinner than most hypodermic needles used in typical procedures. Many patients may not consider spinal acupuncture due to a fear of these needles, but acupuncture needles are also solid, which means that they do not remove tissue, whereas a hypodermic needle does. A thin, solid acupuncture needle, then, typically causes less pain than a hypodermic needle of equivalent size.
At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, Dr. Kraus and Dr. Oishi are extremely experienced at treating spinal injuries with conservative as well as surgical measures. There is a significant role for many types of conservative treatments, including the role of acupuncture in the treatment of spinal disorders and pain. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute treats patients from Houston and the surrounding areas, including Tomball, Katy, Memorial City, Spring, the Woodlands, Humble, Atascocita, Conroe, Kingwood, Galleria, the inner loop area, River Oaks, Sugar Land, Pearland, Galveston, Beaumont and Port Arthur, and other cities in Texas including Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth and San Antonio.
Spinal acupuncture patients most often report tingling sensations around the spine, an increase in sensation that can be the result of increased blood flow. This blood flow can offer relief for patients diagnosed with hypomobility (low mobility) of the spinal joints, as it brings oxygen and nutrition to the affected areas, especially when employed in conjunction with a regimen of physical therapy. It should also be noted that spinal acupuncture seems to be at least partially dependent on patient psychology—meaning that its effectiveness may be increased (or decreased) by the way the patient chooses to engage mentally with the treatment.
In some medical circles, acupuncture is also thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the body’s naturally manufactured means of reducing pain. Though it may be tempting for patients to rely solely on the endorphins released during acupuncture sessions, other medical consultation is strongly advised. A regimen of physical therapy, healthy dieting, and proper weight management can all do their part in reducing low back pain over the long term.
For more information about conservative care of the spine, for the treatment of low back pain, neck pain, herniated disc in the low back or neck, sciatics, degenerative disc disease as well as spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, in Houston TX. Call 281-713-6296 to schedule an appointment.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute treats patients from Houston and the surrounding areas of the Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Sugarland and Humble. They also treat patients from Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth and San Antonio, among other cities in Texas. They see patients who have not had any imaging studies, and will order the appropriate testing.
Keywords: spinal acupuncture, acupuncture, hypodermic needle, low back pain, physical therapy, sciatica, low back pain, neck pain, Houston, Woodlands, Tomball, Katy, Memorial City, River Oaks
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