Archive for category smoking
How the Spine Develops as We Age review KBNI Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Pearland
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, compression fracture, core strengthening exercise, diet, disc degeneration, facet joint, fracture, healthy diet, herniated disc, houston, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, nerve compression, nutrition, nutritional supplements, pain, Pearland, physical therapy, smoking, spinal nerves, strengthening, sugarland, Tomball, woodlands on June 6, 2015
How the Spine Develops as We Age
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston
The human spinal column is made up of vertebrae, ligaments, muscles, facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae) and spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae). Spinal nerves wind their way around vertebrae and provide sensation to much of the body. All of these components interact to allow for a pain-free normal range of motion during routine movement. Since the spinal column is involved in almost every kind of human motion (sitting, standing, running, bending, lifting, twisting, etc.), pain-free articulation of the spinal column is essential for a high quality of life.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston
Though the human body may be an incredible machine, its mechanical components do not escape wear and tear. The cartilage on the ends of our facet joints naturally degrades over time and the wear is exacerbated by repeated heavy lifting or lifting combined with torsional (twisting) motion. This places nearby spinal nerves at a higher risk for nerve compression, which causes extreme back pain and decreased mobility. Since spinal discs naturally degenerate as we get older, becoming harder, less pliable, thinner, and less capable of bearing shock, the spinal nerves have a higher risk of compression, given that as spinal discs shrink, the distance between vertebrae lessens accordingly. Typically this means a smaller range of motion for back pain patients as they grow older.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Pearland, Sealy, Spring, Port Arthur, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Tomball, Galveston
Aging patients also need to account for the possible effects of osteoporosis (low bone density) on the spine. Poor nutrition, smoking (nicotine, a chemical in cigarettes, is toxic to bone-generating cells), and a lack of physical activity can all decrease bone mass. This in turn increases the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Fractures are especially dangerous within the spinal column, as shards of collapsed vertebrae or spinal discs may pierce the spinal canal and lacerate spinal nerves, putting the patient at risk for serious long-term health complications. Also, the fractures may occur so slowly that many patients may not notice any sudden changes in their back pain levels.
spinal discs, spinal nerves, back pain, spinal column, Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Pearland, Sealy, Spring, Port Arthur, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Tomball, Galveston
Even with all of these potentially serious problems, however, there are still steps you can take at home to keep your spinal column healthy as you age. Proper weight management will help reduce stress on the facet joints and spinal discs. Healthy dieting and nutritional supplements will help keep bone density at optimal levels. Physical therapy (particularly a regimen full of core-strengthening exercises) and chiropractic treatment by a chiropractor will develop muscles in the torso and along the spinal column. Stronger core muscles lessens the load from compromised spinal discs and helps patients mediate their back pain levels.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience and expertise in working with patients who are recovering from minor or major spine surgery. They understand that the beginning of the healing process starts in the OR, but the remainder continues well after the surgery is finished.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin
If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO
Back Braces review by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center
Posted by admin in back brace, back injury, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, houston, katy, pain, smoking, spinal fusion, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on November 20, 2014
Back Braces Review
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston
Occasionally, physical trauma compromises the stability of the spinal column and causes extreme spine pain and back pain. Accidents, fractures, and degeneration in the spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) can all cause destabilization in the spinal column. Destabilization generally has serious consequences for patient mobility given that we depend on pain-free articulation of the spine for almost all of our routine daily movement (sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, etc.). Destabilization represents a serious health risk to the long-term mobility of patients, as nearby spinal nerves may be compressed or lacerated from shards of vertebrae or spinal discs damaged by trauma. Vertebral bone must be given time enough to heal within a framework of relative immobility.
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston
Back braces provide this framework during the post-operative course of treatment and give patients the stability they need for their bodies to re-fuse portions of the spinal column. Generally, back braces are divided into two principal categories: corset braces (also known as elastic braces) and rigid braces. Corset braces are on occasion recommended after spinal fusion surgery to limit a patient’s motion by not allowing them to bend forward. They are also sometimes used by workers who regularly engage in heavy lifting on the job. Under such conditions, corset braces help reduce the likelihood of trauma to spinal disks (slipped or herniated disks) and torn muscles along the spinal column.
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe
Rigid braces, on the other hand, are contoured to the patient’s body and limit at least 50% motion of the spinal column. Rigid braces are hotter, more unwieldy, and more uncomfortable than corset braces. Both kinds of brace operate on the principle that bone grows best when little movement is involved, allowing our osteoblasts (bone tissue-generating cells) to bridge the fracture gap with as little interruption and difficulty as possible. Based on the patient’s individual healing progress as well as the nature of the trauma to the spinal column, decisions to employ back braces are typically made on a case-by-case basis.
spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe
While both rigid braces and corset braces are effective at minimizing motion during the healing process, they are by no means the only avenue of physical rehabilitation in which a patient should engage. Consult your physician regarding physical therapy or chiropractic rehabilitation to re-develop muscles along the spinal column. Developing strong core muscles throughout the torso will assist degenerated or destabilized spinal disks in managing the body’s weight distribution during routine movement. Frequent checkups with your physician will allow individualized adjustments to your course of treatment.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have great experience in treating patients with low back pain, neck pain, and injuries to the neck and low back. In the majority of cases, surgery can be avoided.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spinal discs, spinal column, back brace, rigid braces, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Galveston
Infections, Pain and Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galleria, Pearland, Kingwood, Spring, Memorial City, TMC
Posted by admin in back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, fusion, houston, infection, katy, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar fusion, lumbar laminectomy, pain, smoking, spinal fusion, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on September 24, 2014
Infections, Pain and Back Surgery Review
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Physicians often advise back surgery as a last resort when more conservative treatment methods (anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, physical therapy) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels. Back surgery for pain is not only costly, but also occasionally necessitates a long period of post-operative care during which patients must work to re-develop muscles damaged by the back surgery incisions. Patients often head into surgery aware of the recovery period, but they also need to prepare for the low but distinct possibility of surgical site infection during post-operative care. Fortunately, infections from back surgery are an infrequent occurrence, but they must still be considered, watched, and prevented.
The extensiveness of some back surgeries may require deep or long incisions to provide the surgeon with adequate vision and access to damaged spinal discs or nerves. Major back surgery also goes hand-in-hand with a significant number of implanted devices, such as metal screws or plates ( back surgery fusion or spinal fusion )to stabilize a compromised spinal column. Though these materials are required to be sterile prior to surgery, they can still potentially become contaminated in various ways. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are bacterial populations that have developed resistances to several conventional (and even some last-resort) antibiotics ( bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represent an increasingly dire problem for hospitals worldwide. In cases of major back surgery, the risk of contamination is increased due to the physical procedure itself: internal parts of the body remain exposed to the surrounding air for several hours. Any bacteria that have survived on the operating staff or on the implantation devices are capable of causing problems for the patient during post-operative care.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Patients who want to minimize their recovery time and pain, as well as reduce the possibility of secondary back surgery will regularly monitor their incision sites for signs of back surgery infection. Back surgery patients occasionally do not have much mobility during post-operative care (especially if the surgery was extensive, like a spinal fusion or artificial spinal disc implant), so patients will need to communicate their needs and pain issues to family and friends. Have them check for redness, swelling, pus, and foul odors around the incision site. Patients must pay attention to their pain levels and note any sudden or drastic changes.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston
Risk factors of the patient which increase the risk of infection during back surgery include smoking, diabetes, malnutrition, obesity, and poor personal hygiene. Hand washing is important before handling a wound. In a hospital, all visitors, nurses and physicians should wash their hands before entering a patient’s room, as preventative care. Patients who have any open sores or cuts on their body should alert the doctors and nurses before the back surgery, as the surgeon may potentially choose to cancel the operation until the open lesions heal. If a patients suffers an infection post operatively, all visitors, nurses and physicians should wear protective attire upon entering the room.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
It’s also possible that a patient’s infection may be entirely internal, without many symptoms around their incision site. They should monitor pain levels, and check in with their physician if they experience nausea, vomiting, chills, or fever. Depending on the location and severity of the infection, physicians will likely prescribe a course of treatment involving one or more courses of different antibiotics. In some cases, both surgical site infections and internal infections have the potential to reduce healing during post-operative care. Secondary surgeries may be necessary to correct the problems the infections create, and help relieve the pain they create.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Keywords: infections, back surgery, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Osteoporosis vs Osteopenia review KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC
Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, compression fracture, fracture, houston, katy, kyphoplasty, osteopenia, osteoporosis, smoking, sugarland, woodlands on July 18, 2014
osteoporosis, osteopenia, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center
Osteoporosis vs Osteopenia review KBNI Houston
Osteoporosis (low bone density) is a disease that saps bones of their strength by reducing their density, producing a higher incidence of fractures. Since peak bone density usually occurs somewhere around age 25, older adults are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis and the dangerous fractures that may accompany it. Over time, our osteoblasts (bone-creating cells that generate bone tissue) are gradually reduced relative to our osteoclasts (bone-eating cells that consume old bone tissue). As the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts changes, bones become weaker and more prone to fractures and osteoporosis. Osteopenia is weakening of the bone which has not yet progressed to osteoporosis.
osteoporosis, osteopenia, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center
Osteoporosis (and osteopenia) has particularly negative repercussions for the spine. As with other key joints in the body, such as the hip joints, the integrity of spinal joints is essential for continued mobility and a high quality of life. Our spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) degenerate naturally over time, and as we grow older our soft tissues (such as the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the torso which help support the spinal column) become less effective at regeneration post-stress, just like bone tissue. Cartilage on spinal joints also wears down, increasing the likelihood of compressed spinal nerves, nerve pain, and decreased mobility. Low bone density can magnify all of these programs by destabilizing the spinal column.
Fortunately, there are several ways in which the incidence of osteoporosis (and osteopenia) may be reduced. Proper care begins with preventative lifestyle choices: nutritional supplements and a healthy diet will help maintain bone density at near-peak levels. Avoiding smoking is also enormously important, as nicotine has been shown to be highly toxic to bone regeneration, contributing to osteoporosis. Nicotine kills off osteoblasts while leaving osteoclasts intact, which means that the body’s natural balance of bone tissue regrowth and bone tissue consumption is thrown out of balance. More bone is consumed than can be regenerated, gradually making bones weaker. Anti gravity exercises and resistance exercises may help strengthen bone, and reduce osteoporosis. It is important to note that for even the short time that astronauts are in a weightless environment in space, they lose bone density. Medications known as bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat osteoporosis. They are commonly known as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Reclast and Zometa. In women, estrogen helps to maintain bone strength. After menopause, estrogen levels drop, and loss of bone density increases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
osteoporosis, osteopenia, 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
Imaging exams (such as X-rays) will help monitor the progression of osteoporosis so that the most effective course of treatment can be found. Patients can experience compression fractures of the spine, typically in the thoracic or lumbar spine, as a result of osteoporosis. When a compression fracture of the spine occurs, a patient may experience significant pain localized to that area of the spine. A procedure known as a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty may be used to inject cement into the fractured vertebral body. DEXA scans (dual energy x ray absorptiometry) can show the bone density on a quantitative basis. Results called “T scores” are generated. A T score compares the patient’s bone density with that of a healthy young adult. The T score is the number of standard deviations that the patient’s T score is above or below that of the healthy young adult. A T score of > -1 is normal. A T score between -1 and -2.5 is considered osteopenia, which is a condition of low bone density which may lead to full osteoporosis. A T score of -2.5 and below indicates osteoporosis. Physicians may recommend structural changes within the home, such as the installation of shower bars and stepping stools for the bedroom.
When compression fractures of the spine occur due to osteoporosis, a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty may be performed. During kyphoplasty, the spine surgeon places a needle (Jamshidi needle) percutaneously through the skin, through the pedicle of the vertebral level, into the vertebral body which has suffered a compression fracture due to osteoporosis. A kyphoplasty is typically performed bilaterally, which means on both sides of the vertebral body, through the right and left pedicles. A kyphoplasty then involves placing a balloon through the Jamshidi needle, and expanding the balloon to try to expand the portion of the vertebral body which is collapsed as a result of osteoporosis. After the height of the vertebral body is raised, bone cement (methyl methacrylate) is pushed through the Jamshidi needle into the expanded cavity in the bone, under low pressure. The question of what is the difference between kyphoplasty vs vertebroplasty can be answered as follows: during a kyphoplasty, a balloon is used to expand the compression fracture, and the methyl methacrylate cement is instilled into the osteoporosis fracture cavity under a low pressure; during a vertebroplasty, the methyl methacrylate bone cement is pushed through the needles into a nonexpanded compression fracture, under a higher pressure. Depending upon surgeon preference, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty may be used, with kyphoplasty giving the added advantage of not only strengthening the bone, but trying to restores some of the height of the vertebral body, and lordotic curve of the spine.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in treating osteoporosis and osteopenia as it affects the spine. The neurosurgeons have vast experience in treating spine fractures, both through conservative approaches which may include bracing, and through the surgical approach, often with a kyphoplpasty.
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: osteoporosis, osteopenia, 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 Health Core Strengthening with Spine KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC
Posted by admin in back injury prevention, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, healthy diet, herniated disc, houston, injury, katy, lifting techniques, nutritional supplements, physical therapy, recover, smoking, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine health, stretching, sugarland, woodlands on July 6, 2014
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
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
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
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
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
Recover from Spinal Fusion discussion by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galveston, Texas Medical Center
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, cervical fusion, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, fusion, healthy diet, houston, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, lumbar fusion, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, post-operative care, recover, sciatica exercises, smoking, spinal fusion, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine surgery, sports injury, sugarland, woodlands on June 26, 2014
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy
Spinal fusion is a back or neck surgery in which vertebrae within the spinal column are fused together to eliminate movement at points of articulation (joints) between them. This can lower spinal mobility overall, but often spinal fusion can have a net positive effect for a patient due to decreased pain levels and increased spinal stability. When a spinal fusion is performed in the cervical spine (neck), it is known as a cervical fusion. When the spinal fusion is performed in the lumbar spine (low back), it is called a lumbar fusion. It can take some time to recover after this type of surgery.
To recover from a spinal fusion can be difficult based on the invasiveness of the surgery itself and the length of the post-operative care period. To recover, patients may need to make significant lifestyle changes in order to aid recovery and ensure that a stable fusion takes place as the bones of the spinal column grow back together. Eliminating smoking entirely is absolutely essential. Cigarettes contain elevated levels of nicotine, which is a chemical shown to be highly toxic to bone growth. Nicotine kills the body’s osteoblasts (bone-growing cells), while leaving our bone-eating cells (osteoclasts) alive. Spinal fusion patients who smoke during post-operative recovery are much less likely to maintain a stable spinal column, and may restrict bone growth while extending their less successful recovery by several months. If a patient wants a stable spinal fusion that minimizes the possibility of subsequent corrective surgeries, eliminating smoking is possibly the single greatest factor that aids recovery.
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy
To recover, patients must also be certain to follow guidelines regarding physical therapy, exercise, and motion during their post-operative care period. Core strengthening exercises can be guided by a chiropractor or physical therapy. Physical therapy or chiropractic guidance and education can also help to teach about how to prevent future spine injuries. Spinal fusion is one of the more intensive varieties of back surgery, and physicians must document the recovery process accurately to ensure that the patient’s spinal column is stable enough for everyday motion. This requires subsequent visits for imaging tests (typically X-rays, in the case of spinal fusion) to monitor bone growth. There may be strict guidelines for the amount a patient can lift or the length of time in which the patient may stand, sit, or walk during the course of their daily routines. The amount of time needed to recover may vary widely depending on how old the patient is (younger patients generally re-grow bone more quickly than older patients) as well as the physical requirements of their occupation.
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
In some cases, the physician who performed the spinal fusion may have the patient wear an external brace to help recover. This will help support the body, and reduce movement of the fused area of the spine, while new bone is attempting to grow, and accomplish the spinal fusion.
Some patients may wear an external bone growth stimulator, if prescribed by their doctor. The bone growth stimulator provides an electric current around the body, which stimulates bone growth.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience at taking care of patients and helping them to recover after undergoing spinal fusion. Many times, surgery can be avoided, but when necessary, the neurosurgeons at the KBNI have the most current techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery available when appropriate.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
REFERENCE SITES
Patients suffering from a cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, or who have been told they may require a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Smoking & Spinal Fusion Surgery
Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, bone growth, cervical fusion, houston, katy, lumbar fusion, smoking, spinal fusion, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on February 18, 2011
smoking, spinal fusion, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Contact Us for Help
Smoking and Spinal Fusion Surgery
Houston
Patients often ask about the effects of smoking on spinal fusion surgery. Nicotine has a significant negative impact on the human musculoskeletal system by lowering bone mineral density, contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration, and limiting the restoration of the blood supply to bone grafts. Numerous studies have shown that smoking also (1) slows the production of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) thereby increasing the time required for healing, (2) impairs the absorption of calcium, and (3) increases the risk of bone fracture. Other studies have found a direct link between smoking and low-back pain independent of surgical intervention.
Spinal fusion, the permanent surgical immobilization of two or more adjacent bones (vertebra) of the spinal column, has become the standard of care in the United States with more than 500,000 spinal fusions performed annually on the neck and low back. The effects of smoking should be of particular concern for individuals who undergo a fusion in the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine. Smoking causes an increased rate of pseudarthrosis, the failure of bone to fuse following spinal fusion surgery. This leads to increased postoperative pain. Studies of lumbar and cervical fusions consistently show that successful fusions occur in a significantly higher percentage of nonsmokers than smokers.
Finally it should be noted that cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for the development of postoperative complications such as deep wound infection, improper healing and bone graft pain.
~ New Patients Welcome ~
Call Today: 281-446-3876 (281-44 NEURO)
smoking, spinal fusion, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
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