Archive for category core strengthening exercise

Muscle Weakness and Spinal Nerves review KBNI Houston, Pearland, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown

contact us for helpMuscle Weakness and Spinal Nerve

 

spinal discs, spinal nerves, muscle weakness, back pain

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

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

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

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

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What is Disc Degeneration in the Context of the Spine? KBNI Houston, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown

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What is Disc Degeneration in the Context of the Spine?

spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration

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

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

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

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

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Autoimmune Disorders that Affect the Spine review by KBNI Houston, Sugarland, Katy, Woodlands, Baytown, Beaumont, Spring, Pearland

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Autoimmune Disorders that Affect the Spine

autoimmune disorder, back pain, spinal nerves, rheumatoid arthritis, non steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID

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

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

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

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

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How the Spine Develops as We Age review KBNI Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Pearland

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 How the Spine Develops as We Age   

 

 

spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston

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

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

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

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

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Post-operative Care Questions for Lower Back Surgery Patients review by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Kingwood, Katy, Pearland, Beaumont, Tomball, Baytown, Galveston, Sugarland

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Post-operative Care Questions for Lower Back Surgery Patients

post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston

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

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

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

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

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Living with Back Pain: Self-Education review KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Katy, Pearland, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial, Conroe, Beaumont

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Living with Back Pain: Self-Education

back pain, low back pain, spinal discs, physical therapy, chiropractic, injury, personal injury,  chiropractor,  pain levels, nerve damage

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

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

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

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

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Sex and Back Pain : Review by KBNI serving Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Sugar Land, Conroe, Texas

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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

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

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

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 painneck 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

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/

https://spinehealth.com/blog/pain-at-the-base-of-the-spine/

http://lowback-pain.com/sexandlowbackpain.htm

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Spinal Facet Joint Pain presented by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galleria, Pearland, Kingwood, Spring, Memorial City, TMC

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SPINAL FACET JOINT PAIN

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

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

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

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

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Proper Lifting, Posture and Low Back Pain review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC

 

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spine, low back pain, proper lifting, posture,  Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

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

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.

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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

 

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

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Spine Health Core Strengthening with Spine KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC

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spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy

SPINE HEALTH CORE STRENGTHENING HOUSTON

Spine health maintenance is imperative for a healthy body.  A number of factors are important for maintaining proper spine health.  Proper posture, core strengthening, rest, nutrition, cessation of smoking, and proper shoes are a good foundation.  The spine is integral to all of our routine movement. Even when we are standing still or simply sitting, the spine is still responsible for bearing much of the stresses placed on the body. Like other parts of the body, the spinal column is a collection of ligaments, muscle tissue, tendons, articulated vertebrae (the bones of our spine), and spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads that are between vertebrae and assist in load-bearing stress and movement). With so many components in constant use, it is easy to see why spine health is essential to a high quality of life.

The spinal column also protects the spinal cord, which in turn houses the central nervous system’s spinal nerves, which wind through the vertebrae and transmit sensation and signals for voluntary muscle control to the rest of the body. Protecting these sensitive spinal nerves from trauma is crucial for high function. This involves proper hydration and nutrition for the spinal disks, as well as core strengthening exercises to build the support network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the torso to assist the spinal discs in bearing the stresses of movement. Core strengthening will thusly decrease wear on the spinal disks, which significantly reduces the possibility of the vertebrae compressing spinal nerves and causing extreme pain.  Core strengthening exercises can be done alone, or with the expert guidance of a physical therapist for physical therapy, or a chiropractor for chiropractic training.  These experts will also guide patients in the proper use of good body mechanics for bending, lifting and twisting.

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy

Choosing comfortable, well-fitted shoes is another simple way of maintaining spine health. Shoes are so common they are often overlooked as a source of pain, but improperly fitted or worn shoes are much less effective at providing shock absorption for the body. Spinal joints and discs, as a consequence, receive more load-bearing stress in all daily movements. A healthy, varied diet, nutritional supplements, and proper weight management will all also aid the spinal column in managing the stress of everyday movement. Excessive weight can actually displace disks within the spinal column, causing them to rupture or compress nearby spinal nerves. Through weight management, a healthy diet, and a regimen of core strengthening exercises, patients can maximize spine health while minimizing pain levels and wear on the spinal column.

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston

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.  Many times, proper guidance from an expert as to body mechanics, posture, core strengthening and nutrition may improve spine health and reduce spine 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, 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

www.SpinePain.com

www.NeckPain.com

www.SurgerySpine.com


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

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston

Keywords: spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, 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

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Recover from Spinal Fusion discussion by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galveston, Texas Medical Center

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spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy

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

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.

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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

www.SpinePain.com

www.NeckPain.com

www.SurgerySpine.com


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

 

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

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Lumbar Stenosis, Cervical Stenosis, Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis and Effects of Aging on Spine discussion KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Beaumont, Texas Medical Center TMC

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lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring

lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring

As the body and spine age, degenerative changes of arthritis and spinal stenosis can affect the spine.  When this occurs in the cervical spine (neck) , it is known as cervical stenosis, and when it occurs in the lumbar spine (low back) , it is called lumbar stenosis.  Aging typically has an impact on every aspect of daily life, and movement of the spine is no exception. The spine is involved in almost every kind of routine movement: twisting, standing, sitting, walking, and running included. Aging can lower mobility, endurance, strength, and balance, but certain exercises and lifestyle choices help to prolong (and even counteract) some effects of aging, particularly in the case of the spine. The network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the torso begins to lose mass as we grow older (as do all muscles in the body), and it becomes more difficult to build muscle mass due to our cells not reproducing as vigorously as they do while we are young. Water loss in tendons (which attach muscles to bones) also makes these tendons stiffer and less capable of managing load-bearing stress. A regimen of core strengthening exercises can prolong torso strength, as well as assist in managing the body’s weight distribution. Regular core strengthening will also help reduce wear on the spinal disks (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) by reducing stress placed upon the spinal column during movement.

lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring

lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring

The lumbar spine anatomy and the cervical spine anatomy consist of vertebral segments, which are held together by ligaments, which cross over the disc spaces, and over the facet joints (which separate one vertebral level from the next).  There is ligament in front of the vertebral body known as the anterior  longitudinal ligament.  The ligament behind the vertebral body is called the posterior longitudinal ligament.  The ligaments around the facet joints are the capsular ligaments.  The ligament between the spinous processes is the interspinous ligament, and the ligament between the transverse process is the inter transverse ligament.  Of particular importance for the aging spine is the ligamentum flavum, which is a ligament which is found on the inside of the spinal canal, just under the lamina (which is the back roof of the spinal canal).  As the spine ages, this ligament can become thickened, and compress upon the nerves of the spinal canal, a condition known as spinal stenosis (cervical stenosis, lumbar stenosis) .  When this occurs, patients may experience pain in the neck or low back, or arms or legs.  When the spinal stenosis occurs in the neck, it is cervical stenosis. When the spinal stenosis occurs in the low back, it is lumbar stenosis.

lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring

lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring

Arthritis also affects the aging spine.  Arthritis is inflammation of the joints.  The spine has many joints, and these can become inflamed, resulting in pain and stiffness.  There are two major typed of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Osteoarthritis is a result of normal aging or wear and tear upon the spine.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a result of an autoimmune disorder.  Generally, the goal of arthritis treatment is to improve quality and function of live.  When the spine undergoes arthritis, bone spurs can grow inside of the spine and outside of the spine. The facet joints can become thickened and overgrown, and the arthritis can result in bone overgrowth and compression upon nerve roots.  The nerve compression from arthritis can affect the spinal nerves in the central canal (where all of the nerves of the spine pass as they traverse the distance from the brain to the rest of the body) and the arthritis can affect the nerves as they leave the spinal canal through the neural foramen, which are openings in the side of the spinal canal located just next to the facet joints.

Our spinal disks, along with our spinal joints, help our spine articulate, but they also gradually wear down and undergo disc degeneration. They can become thinner, causing a loss in height, as well as a rupture (herniated disc )as a result of regular load-bearing stress, sudden impact trauma (such as a fall), or due to increased body mass. Proper hydration, healthy weight management, a varied and nutritious healthy diet, nutritional supplements, and regular rest will all help prolong the effects of aging on the spinal disks, in addition to maintaining bone density at near-optimal levels. High bone density means less incidence of osteoporosis (low bone density), and a much lower probability of bone density-related spinal fractures (osteoporotic compression fractures). Vertebral compression fractures can press upon the nerves of the spine.   Smoking can also have an adverse effect on overall spine health.

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lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, 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

Our heart muscle gradually loses efficiency, meaning that on a year-by-year average, we are less capable of pumping blood in a given amount of time. This means we get tired more quickly and our muscles take longer to recover from stress. For the spine, this means that the support network of bones, ligaments, and muscles around the spine receive less and less nutrition, especially during periods of load-bearing stress. Regular cardiovascular exercise, proper hydration, and a healthy diet as well as weight management will help maintain heart muscle as we age.

In summary, the aging process can take a severe toll upon the spine.  Arthritis in the spine can develop, and along with this, the ligaments can become firm and thickened, resulting in spinal stenosis, lumbar stenosis and cervical stenosis.  Proper physical activity, proper nutrition, core strengthening exercises, sciatica exercises, and stretching can help to slow down and even reverse the aging process, as it relates to the spine.

Spine experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have expertise at taking care of patients with aging symptoms of the spine, in particular arthritis, and spinal stenosis including lumbar stenosis and cervical stenosis.  In the majority of cases, patients may undergo a treatment course and improve without the need of an operation.  When surgery is necessary, Neurosurgeons at the KBNI utilize the most advanced techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery when it is 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

www.SpinePain.com


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: lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, 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

 

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Herniated Disc Houston, Herniated Disc Surgery Houston review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Beaumont, Baytown, Memorial City, TMC Texas Medical Center

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herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, herniated disc Houston, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Beaumont

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.

herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, herniated disc Houston, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Beaumont

herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, herniated disc Houston, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Beaumont

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

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

 

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Core Strengthening Exercises help Low Back Pain: Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Galleria, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, 281-713-6296

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                             Core Strengthening Exercises help Low Back Pain

low back pain, neck pain, core strengthening exercises, physical therapy, houston, austin, dallas, fort worth, san antonio

low back pain, neck pain, core strengthening exercises, physical therapy, houston, austin, dallas, fort worth, san antonio

Neck pain and low back pain are some of the most common maladies of modern workers. Due to the sedentary nature of most office work, muscles in the torso can atrophy to the point where they no longer effectively help the spinal column in bearing most of the body’s weight. This in turn places more stress on the spinal column, which can accelerate the degeneration of the intervertebral discs (shock-absorbing pads that lie in between each vertebra).

Neurosurgeon experts Dr. Kraus and Dr. Oishi, at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, have found over the years of practice in treating many thousands of patients, that most patients will improve their neck pain and low back pain without the need of an operation.  Core strengthening exercises are part of an entire program of treatment which will help patients suffering from neck pain or low back pain.  The Kraus Back and Neck Institute treats patients from the Houston and surrounding areas, including the Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Galleria, Memorial City, as well as other cities in Texas including Austin, Dallas Fort Worth and San Antonio.

The first line of defense against back pain—even when physicians become involved—is often core strengthening exercises. Developing muscles in the abdomen and around the spinal column will allow natural bodyweight and the stress of movement to be more evenly distributed. This will decrease wear on the spinal joints and discs. Licensed medical professionals may prescribe a regimen of physical therapy designed to reach this goal. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging, are also options to determine if the problem is related to inactivity (hypomobility) or if the problem is tied to an underlying structural deformity, such as scoliosis or spinal fracture.

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low back pain, neck pain, core strengthening exercises, physical therapy, houston, austin, dallas, fort worth, san antonio

After an accurate diagnosis has been made, it is crucial that patients continue to perform their physical therapy / physical medicine regimens to their requisite frequency and duration. Patients who complete a physical therapy program—and who even afterward continue in maintaining core strength—report demonstrably lower levels of pain, as well as fewer spinal injuries. Proper weight management, a healthy diet, and nutritional supplements will also help greatly during a core strengthening physical therapy regimen. Pain relief or improvement will not be immediate, but proper core strengthening exercises conducted on a consistent basis will have a long term effect on improving low back pain and neck pain.

As for the core strengthening exercises themselves, physical therapy routines may be specially crafted for patients based on where in the spinal column the patient’s pain is originating. Mainstays include exercise balls, light aerobics, and stretching, as well as traditional core strengthening exercises like yoga and Tai-Chi. Emphasis is normally placed on flexibility, strength, prolonging mobility, and minimizing pain. Aerobic activity helps stimulate muscles, flooding the torso with blood and oxygen, while light weight training builds resistance and load-bearing capabilities.

For More Information, please contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, or visit online at www.SpineHealth.com .

Keywords: low back pain, neck pain, core strengthening exercises, physical therapy, spinal column, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Galleria, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio

 

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