Archive for category Port Arthur
Cervical Sprain and Cervical Strain: Review by KBNI Houston, Kingwood, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont
Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, cervical sprain, cervical strain, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, Clear Lake, conroe, Galleria, Galveston, houston, katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, Missouri City, neck pain, physical therapy, Port Arthur, range of motion, Sealy, spinal injury, Spring, sugarland, Texas City, Tomball, woodlands on April 21, 2016
Cervical Sprain and Cervical Strain
cervical sprain, cervical strain, neck pain, range of motion, physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal, injury
A high quality of life is dependent on many things, one of which is the pain-free operation of our joints over a normal range of motion. When a cervical sprain or strain occurs, however, patients typically experience headaches, neck pain that grows worse over time, and moderate-to-severe muscle tension in the neck. All of these symptoms reduce mobility and range of motion, things that can substantially lower one’s quality of life given how frequently we need to move our necks and rotate our heads.
cervical sprain, cervical strain, neck pain, range of motion, physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal, injury
There is a difference between cervical sprain and cervical strain. Cervical sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, which is a band of connective tissue which connects one bone to another. A cervical strain is an injury to a muscle and/or a tendon, which is a fibrous cord of tissue which attaches muscles to a bone.
cervical sprain, cervical strain, neck pain, range of motion, physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal, injury
Most commonly, cervical sprains and / or strains occur during an acceleration-deceleration injury (usually called whiplash, as these injuries frequently occur as a result of an automobile accident). Portions of the neck may be temporarily extended beyond their normal range of motion and patients experience inflammation along the spinal column and corresponding headaches. Damage to the spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) may also occur, placing nearby spinal nerves at risk for compression. If the spinal discs become herniated (slipped, or ruptured) as a result of the accident, patients may find it necessary to implement a long-term physical therapy regimen or chiropractic treatment in order to preserve mobility.
cervical sprain, cervical strain, neck pain, range of motion, physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal, injury
Generally, cervical sprain or cervical strain is treatable in the same ways that common muscle strains, sprains, and pulls are: rest, hydration, and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen all help to mediate acute pain levels and restore some degree of the patient’s prior mobility. If the whiplash injury was severe or if the patient’s range of motion has declined considerably (along with acute neck pain), doctors will likely advocate for imaging exams to determine the extent of the damage within the neck. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help doctors examine the soft tissues in the neck (spinal nerves, muscles, ligaments, spinal discs) to narrow the possible root causes for patients’ neck pain.
When it comes to preserving-long-term mobility, most physicians will recommend physical therapy or chiropractic therapy that emphasizes core strength training. Strong muscles along the spinal column, throughout the torso, and including the shoulders and neck will allow these muscles to assist in managing the weight of the skull. Strong muscles will relieve pressure from spinal discs, lowering the incidence of compressed spinal nerves and ultimately lowering a patient’s pain levels. Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy will also help maintain a patient’s general quality of life as they age by building flexibility and maintaining optimal muscle mass. Finally, physical therapy or chiropractic treatment will allow patients the best chance at re-gaining a relatively pain-free range of motion.
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: cervical sprain, cervical strain, neck pain, range of motion, physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal, injury, Houston, Kingwood, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont
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
High Deductible Health Plans, Health Savings Accounts and Future of Healthcare review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Pearland, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Sealy, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur
Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, conroe, deductible, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, Galveston, HDHP, health, health insurance, health reimbursement arrangement, health savings account, high deductible, high deductible health plan, houston, HRA, HSA, Humble, insurance, insurance agent, katy, Kingwood, medical bills, medical debt, out of pocket, Pearland, Port Arthur, Sealy, Spring, sugarland, Tomball, woodlands on January 17, 2016
High Deductible Health Plans, Health Savings Accounts and Future of Healthcare
high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket
For Help, Contact Us
As we enter the changing world of healthcare insurance and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), it is critical for patients to understand policies which the United States Government has implemented to help protect employees. At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI), the commitment to help patients remains the highest priority. As deductibles and maximum out of pocket expenses are increasing with high deductible health plans (HDHP), it is important for patients to understand Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). Without the full and proper understanding of these, patients might not be aware of how to continue to receive excellent healthcare, at an affordable price. In order for patients to receive the best healthcare possible, they must be well versed in the arrangements which the government has set in place to help them.
Patients who are enrolled in insurance plans with high deductibles, are undergoing fewer imaging studies, according to research performed by Kimberley Geissler, assistant professor of health policy and managementat the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/patients-high-health-insurance-deductibles In fact, according to the study, patients in these health plans undergo about 7.5 percent fewer diagnostic procedures including MRI, X-ray, and CT scans than patients with lower deductible plans. In this study, insurance plans with an annual deductible of at least $1,000 for individuals and $2,400 for families were considered high deductible.
high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket
High deductible plans are increasing in popularity due to the appeal of lower premium costs. Initially, the high deductible plans were felt to have lower costs, as far as patient premiums were concerned. The reality of these coverages occurred when it came time for patients to use the plans. Then, significant costs were incurred, as patients had to often meet high deductibles, before the benefits of the plans kicked in. Patients must understand how to utilize the opportunities of HSA, FSA and HRA accounts, to counteract this, and make the high deductibles and high maximum out of pocket expenses affordable.
high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket, Houston, Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston
The good news is that the Federal Government has implemented several programs to help protect patients, and shield them from some of the rising costs of healthcare. The three programs which will be discussed are 1) health savings accounts (HAS) , 2) health reimbursement accounts (HRA), and 3) flexible spending accounts. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf
- Health savings account (HRA) : According to the Federal Government, a health savings account (HAS) is a tax-exempt trust or custodial account which an employee can set up with a qualified HAS trustee to pay or reimburse certain medical expenses which they incur. The contributions remain in the employee’s account until they are used, and the interest or other earnings on the assets in the account are tax free. The HSA is “portable,” and remains with the employee if they change employers, or leave the workforce. To quality for an HSA, and employee must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2015, the definition for an individual was a minimum annual deductible of $1,300 up to a maximum annual deductible and out of pocket expenses of $6,450. For a family, these numbers increase to $2,600 and $12,900, respectively. In 2015, the maximum contribution for individuals was $3,350, and $12,900 for families. Employees can receive tax-free distributions from their HSA to pay or be reimbursed for qualified medical expenses. It is not necessary to make distributions from the HSA each year, and the money which is in the HSA of the employee remain with that employee. Qualified medical expenses which are covered by the HSA are those expenses which would generally qualify for medical and dental expenses deduction. Medications are considered a qualified medical expense if it requires a prescription, or, in the case of an over the counter medicine, the employee receives a prescription for it.
- Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA): A health flexible spending arrangement (FSA) is a program which allows employees to be reimbursed for medical expenses. They are typically funded through voluntary salary reductions, which are arranged with the employer. Contributions made to an FSA by an employer can be excluded from the employee’s gross income. There are no employment or federal income taxes deducted from the contributions. Employees can withdraw funds from the account to pay qualified medical expanses even if funds have not yet been placed in the account. Health FSA’s are employer established benefit plans, and may be offered with other employer-provided benefits as part of a cafeteria plan. For plans beginning after December 31, 2012, salary reductions contributions to an FSA cannot exceed $2,500 per year, or a lower amount if set by the plan. Money in the FSA which is not used by the end of the plan year is forfeited. Distributions from an FSA must be paid to reimburse for qualified medical expenses. An employee is entitled to receive the maximum amount of reimbursement at any time during a coverage period, regardless of the amount which had been already contributed. Payment might be made with debit cards, credit cards, and stored value cards given by the employer.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) : A health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is funded solely by an employer, and cannot be paid through a voluntary salary reduction agreement on the part of the employee. With an HRA, employees are reimbursed tax free for qualified medical expenses, up to a maximum amount for the coverage period. Any unused amounts in the HRA can be carried forward to reimbursement in future years. There is no limit on the amount of money an employer may contribute to the HRA. Payment for qualified medical expenses are often made with debit cards, credit cards, and stored value cards.
The physicians and team at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, are committed to helping patients with their care. They have significant experience with helping patients protect themselves, and curb expenses, through the utilization of their Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). They understand that difficulty with finances can cause significant emotional stress on patients, and this effect is compounded when patients are already trying to heal recover from pain or other illnesses. Health insurance agents may also advise patients about HSA, FSA and HRA accounts.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute treats patients in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, including Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, and neighboring cities of Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin and San Antonio.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, and who seek expert advice, or a second opinion, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, are welcome to schedule an appointment at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute:
……. 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
high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket, Houston, Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston
Keywords: high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket, Houston, Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston
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