Archive for category spinal injury

Cervical Sprain and Cervical Strain: Review by KBNI Houston, Kingwood, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont

Cervical Sprain and Cervical Strain

cervical sprain, cervical strain, neck pain, range of motion, physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal, injury

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

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

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

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

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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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Dehydration and the Spine review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown, Pearland

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Dehydration and the Spine

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting,  back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston

Our spinal column wears naturally over time, gradually degenerating according to age and lifestyle. This means that muscles along the spinal column slowly lose elasticity and mass, while spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) lose pliability and height while becoming harder and less capable of bearing shock. The ends of our facet joints (the joints that link the vertebrae and allow for the articulation of the spinal column) are encased in cartilage which also naturally wears over time. Wear and tear on all of the spinal column’s components is exacerbated by lifestyle choices: obesity (excess weight) , repeated heavy lifting and twisting, overextension, and long periods of sedentary activity.

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting,  back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston

Dehydration also has negative consequences for the spinal column, but many people do not realize its’ risks. A patient in a dehydrated or near-dehydrated state exacerbates the wear on all of his or her joints, including the facet joints in the spinal column. This puts nearby spinal nerves at risk, as dehydrated spinal discs are thinner and vertebrae are physically closer together than they would be otherwise. Incidence of compressed spinal nerves (and corresponding sharp back pain and extremity pain) is higher when dehydrated spinal discs and facet joints are unable to keep nearby vertebrae from impinging on spinal nerves.

A preventive lifestyle can go a long way toward preventing dehydration-related back pain. Proper weight management, regular cardiovascular exercise, healthy dieting (nutrition) , hydration and adequate rest are all pillars of the preventive lifestyle physicians recommend for combating a wide variety of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. If you live an active lifestyle or engage in physically strenuous activity for work or during recreation, consider supplementing your water with electrolytes.

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting,  back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC)

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)

While proper hydration may help mediate your back pain, it will not likely be cured by hydration alone. You should explore other long-term strategies, such as physical therapy, chiropractic, to mediate pain levels. Physical therapy for the spine performed by a physical therapist, or chiropractic performed by a chiropractor, develops muscles along the spinal column and throughout the torso. These muscles assist degenerated spinal discs and facet joints in managing the body’s weight distribution and can relieve pressure from the body’s joints. Physical therapy also represents a long-term solution for back pain, as it mediates pain levels and helps patients retain their mobility as they age. Before implementing a regimen, however, patients are advised to check with their physicians to verify that the stability of their spinal column is up to the challenge. Doctors will most likely need several checkups (including imaging tests) to determine a course of treatment that’s right for you.

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting,  back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC)

dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting, back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC)

Experts in spine at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) are extremely experienced at treating a large variety of disorders of the spine, which may cause pain in the neck, low back, or the arms or legs.  While non-surgical measures are implemented most of the time, surgery on the spine (including the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery techniques) are available when needed.

Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

…….  Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE

 

KBNI cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.

 

 

Keywords: dehydration, spinal column, spinal disks, back pain, obesity, nutrition, dieting,  back injury prevention, physical therapy, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC)

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Spinal Cord Injuries review KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City

stem cell, spinal nerves, spinal cord injuries, physical therapy, Houston

stem cell, spinal nerves, spinal cord injuries, physical therapy,
Houston

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Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord runs from the occipital bone at the base of the skull all the way down between the first and second lumbar vertebrae (lower back). Along with the brain, the spinal cord composes our central nervous system, responsible for communications between the brain and many parts of the body. These signals transmit signals for sensation as well as motor commands for movement. In patients with spinal cord injuries, these communications are impaired, generally through physical trauma or congenital birth defects.

 

Trauma in spinal cord injuries (motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents)  varies widely: pressure, severing, lacerations, bruising, or excessive stretching can all be serious enough to break down communications between the brain and the affected area. If the trauma is serious enough (or if our spinal discs have degenerated to this point) the vertebrae and spinal discs may shatter and impinge on the nearby spinal cord, where sharp shards of disc or bone can penetrate the membrane of the spinal canal and do serious damage to spinal nerves.

stem cell, spinal nerves, spinal cord injuries, physical therapy, Houston

stem cell, spinal nerves, spinal cord injuries, physical therapy,
Houston

 

In serious cases, spinal cord injuries may leave the patient paralyzed, unable to move parts of his or her body. Generally speaking, the higher the trauma is on the spinal cord (closer to the occipital bone at the base of the skull) the more risk there is to a patient’s long-term mobility. This of course also depends on the severity of the injury. A serious laceration or severing high on the spinal cord may lead to quadriplegia, or paralysis of all extremities. While extensive physical therapy may improve a patient’s mobility and allow the brain to generate new ways of executing movement, some spinal cord injuries are too severe for physical therapy in its present state to have much of an effect. This is because damaged nerve cells in the spinal cord do not regenerate, whereas wounds in other parts of the body are gradually repaired.

 

The medical community is hard at work engineering new potential solutions to the problem of nerve cell regeneration. Stem cell research and the field of nanotechnology hold promising developments if public and private funding continues. Stem cell research focuses on learning about the various kinds of cells our bodies are able to produce, as well as how general stem cells are specialized into the incredible number of different cell types. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, is a field that incorporates a number of different sciences to manipulate and change matter on an extraordinarily small scale. Medical scientists hope to use both disciplines in repairing previously irreparable spinal cord injuries.

 

Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in diagnosing and treating spinal cord injuries.  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.

 

stem cell, spinal nerves, spinal cord injuries, physical therapy, Houston

stem cell, spinal nerves, spinal cord injuries, physical therapy,
Houston

 

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: stem cell, spinal nerves, spinal cord injuries, physical therapy,

Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Galleria, Beaumont, Galleria, Galveston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland

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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.

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

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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Laminectomy, Lumbar Laminectomy, Cervical Laminectomy for Lumbar Stenosis, Cervical Stenosis in Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Beaumont, Texas Medical Center TMC

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laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring

laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring

A laminectomy is a spinal procedure designed to lower pressure within the spinal canal (spinal stenosis). When it is performed in the low back region for lumbar stenosis, it is known as a lumbar laminectomy, and when in the neck region for cervical stenosis, it is a cervical laminectomy.  During a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, the back region of the vertebra, called the lamina, is removed to expand the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord (cervical stenosis in the cervical spine), or the nerve roots ( lumbar stenosis in the lumbar spine). Spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads in between the vertebrae) may rupture or otherwise become displaced. This can raise pressure within the spinal canal or even compress the spinal cord, causing extreme pain and possibly a loss of mobility. As the spinal canal houses the spinal nerves that run through the spinal column, any bone growths, spurs, or herniated disks have the potential to compress these spinal nerves or spinal cord, depending on the level of the spine where the compression occurs. Thickened ligament in the spine may also compress the nerves in the lumbar spine, or the spinal cord in the cervical spine, because the spinal cord travels through the cervical spine, but ends at the top of the lumbar spine, below which only the spinal nerves run within the lumbar spine.  The ligament which often thickens with aging, is known as the ligamentum flavum.  Depending upon where the source of compression of the spinal canal occurs, the surgeon can approach the spine from the front or the back.  When the decompression is from the back, to remove the lamina of the spine, the procedure is known as a laminectomy.

laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring

laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring

Most commonly, a laminectomy is performed on patients who suffer from spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal at certain points is narrower than normal. Symptoms vary widely, with some patients reporting extreme pain and a loss of mobility from compressed spinal nerves or spinal cord.  In a much less common situation, bladder problems can occur from pressure placed on spinal nerves (lumbar stenosis) in the lumbar spine on the cauda equina nerves traveling to internal organs. Patients with cervical stenosis may experience neck pain, or pain in the upper extremities, or in more severe cases, may experience partial or complete paralysis.  When patients with cervical stenosis suffer an injury, they may experience trauma to the cervical spinal cord, resulting in a spinal cord injury.  This could result in paralysis below the level of injury of the spinal cord, or another type of cord injury in which the arms are weak, but the legs are strong (known as central cord syndrome).  Other patients’ quality of life may be relatively unchanged, although if sufficient pressure is placed on the cervical spinal cord, a posterior cervical laminectomy may be recommended to reduce the chances of further trauma.

laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring

laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, West Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Spring

Depending on the extent of the pressure placed on the spinal canal, the surgeon may remove parts of the lamina on both sides of the spinal column, in addition to any fragments of bone or disk that are causing the obstruction. Spinal fusion, a procedure in which vertebrae are fused together to ensure stability, may be necessary depending on the total bone loss sustained during the laminectomy, and any foreseen instability of the spine resulting from extensive bone removal. At times, the degeneration of the spine and overgrowth of bone spurs is so severe, that in order to fully decompress the spinal cord in the neck (cervical stenosis) with a cervical laminectomy, or the spinal nerves in the lumbar spine (lumbar stenosis) with a lumbar laminectomy, part or all of the facet joints (which connect the vertebral body above with the one below) may need to be removed.  When this occurs, the spine may become unstable at that segment, and a spinal fusion at that segment may be considered.

laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston

laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston

Patients who are experiencing numbness or pain down one or both legs are advised to seek medical attention. Although there are several different possible causes for the compression of spinal nerves, symptoms may not fully indicate the seriousness of the condition. Continued compression can eventually cause permanent loss of sensation, as well as paralysis of the extremities. Paralysis of the legs, from lumbar stenosis, is very uncommon, but in rare situations, can occur, particularly is the lumbar stenosis is sudden and severe in onset, such as a severe and large herniated disc, or a spine injury fracture.  Patients who experience numbness or pain down one or both arms are also advised to seek medical attention.  If a patient feels a “electric shock” traveling down the spine, known as  a Lhernitte sign, the patient may be suffering from spinal cord compression in the neck (cervical spine).  In this situation, the patient should definitely make an urgent appointment to see a spine surgeon.  Following a cervical laminectomy or lumbar laminectomy, a physical therapy regimen to maintain mobility and strengthen the core will give patients the best chance at restoring stability to their spinal columns.  Core strengthening can be accomplished with physical therapy or by chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor.

Expert neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in treating cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis.  At times, they are able to treat patients and improve their symptoms without the need for surgery.  When the cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis is moderate or severe, or the symptoms the patient experiences are unrelenting, a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy may be performed.  The KBNI neurosurgeons utilize minimally invasive spine surgery techniques when appropriate.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center  (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.

Patients suffering from a cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, or who have been told they may require a lumbar laminectomy or  cervical laminectomy, can

contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

…….  Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online

……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain

Keywords: laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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Spine Injury Fracture review by KBNI serving Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood

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spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood

spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood

A spine injury  fracture is typically a serious injury that occurs when the integrity of the vertebrae (bones of the spine) is compromised, either by physical trauma or by a medical condition like osteoporosis (low bone density). Physicians use three main classifications for spine injury fractures in order to document the pattern of injury: 1) flexion fracture pattern (when one side of the vertebra loses height, usually from a fall from height), 2) extension fracture pattern (when the vertebra is pulled apart, such as in a car accident), and 3) rotation fracture pattern (severe rotation of the vertebra and surrounding soft tissues). A spinal injury fracture may also be further classified based on whether it ishas affected the integrity of the spinal cord.

If a spine injury fracture is suspected, immediate medical attention is advised. The spine serves as the seat of almost all everyday movement, and if its structure is compromised, the injury can have long-term effects on a patient’s mobility. The situation is particularly dangerous if the displacement of vertebral bone shards have compressed or otherwise injured the spinal cord, which is a structure that houses the central spinal nerves that run the length of the spinal column. These spinal nerves control sensation and voluntary muscle control for much of the body. If the spinal cord suffers sufficient physical trauma from a fracture pattern, the patient may be paralyzed in all the regions of the body that received information from the spinal nerves below the injury site.

spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood

spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood

Spine injury fracture may involve several types of fracture, described as compression fracture, osteoporotic compression fracture, burst fracture, vertebral compression fracture, pathologic fracture, spinous process fracture, or facet fracture.  Some fractures may be stable, and will heal on their own, while other spine injury fractures will require surgery to stabilize them. Some fractures will create a kyphosis deformity of the spine, in which the patient leans forward.

Unfortunately, physical trauma need not be serious in order for a spine injury fracture to occur. Such an injury often occurs in the course of everyday movement, such as when a patient bends to pick something up or lifts a bag of groceries. Sudden sharp pain may even be accompanied by a loss in height, which can indicate the simultaneous collapse of multiple vertebrae. Compression and distortion of the spinal column can compress the stomach, causing stomach pain and digestive problems. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture pattern, patients may also need surgery. Most efforts to surgically repair spinal fractures also result in lengthy periods of post-operative care, supplemented by physical therapy, rest, and subsequent medical examinations to maximize the chances of a positive recovery.

At the Kraus Back and Neck Instiute (KBNI) in Houston TX, patients are treated for spine injury fractures, whether they are acute or chronic.  Doctors at the KBNI will order the appropriate imaging studies, and guide patients to a path of fracture healing and pain improvement.

The KBNI serves patients throughout the Houston and surrounding areas, including Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Memorial City and Kingwood.

To schedule a visit, patients can

….  Schedule an office visit online at www.SpineHealth.com

….  Call 281-713-6296 to arrange an appointment

Keywords: spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood

 

spine injury fracture in Houston

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Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic, Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

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Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic,  Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic, Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

Sports injury can result in back injury or other spinal injury to patients.  Prevention and proper treatment are important.  Experts in physical therapy or experts in chiropractic (chiropractor) can help with guidance.  Our spines are the seat of motion for our entire lives. Spinal nerves running through and along the spinal column provide sensation to many parts of the body, in addition to serving as avenues for sending signals to our voluntary muscle groups. While it is essential to our mobility, the spinal cord lacks durability to direct physical trauma, as well as regenerative capacity if sufficiently injured. The soft tissue of the spinal cord is what can have serious repercussions for mobility when it comes to sports injuries. Collisions, blows, dislocations, and other types of physical trauma sustained in impact sports injury can push fragments of bone into the spinal cord or otherwise compromise its normal function or normal anatomy. Once the spinal cord has been damaged, patients can lose sensation or motor function in all parts of the body that were previously governed by parts of the spinal cord below the site of injury. Back injury and spinal injury are a great concern, especially in an active society in which contact sports are popular.  When injury is major, a surgery on the spine may be needed.  When there is no significant structural damage to the spine, but injury involving muscle and ligament sprain or strain, therapy with a physical therapist, or chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor may be of benefit.

spinal injury back injury chiropractic chiropractor houston katy sugarland woodlands

spinal injury back injury chiropractic chiropractor houston katy sugarland woodlands

Due to spinal cord’s lack of regenerative capacity, spinal injury that is high on the spinal cord—in the cervical (neck) region—can be particularly serious, potentially causing paralysis in all of the limbs. The upper back (thoracic region) has extra support due to the structure of the ribcage and supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments, so it is less vulnerable to serious sports injury than the neck. As a result of these vulnerabilities, physicians typically exercise extreme caution when a spinal injury is suspected. During a sporting event, this means immobilizing the patient on a stretcher accompanied by very careful movement to minimize the chance of further damaging the spinal cord. Recovery from sports injury can often be unique to each patient depending on where the spinal cord was injured and in what manner. Intense physical therapy regimens are typically required to minimize further loss of mobility and, in some cases, to partially re-develop a patient’s ability to control their extremities. To reduce the chances of injuring the spine during sports, always complete a thorough regimen of light calisthenics and stretching prior to any intense activity. This will help prepare muscles, tendons, and ligaments for the increased stress that sports require. Experts to help with guidance in this area may be physical therapists, who can use physical therapy techniques, or chiropractic treatment in the hands of a chiropractor, who can educate in proper stretches and warmup activities.  Back injury and other spinal injury can have long lasting and devastating consequences.  Prevention can be accomplished by using good equipment, following proper rules of engagement, especially in contact sports, and by strengthening the surrounding musculature to support and protect the spine.  Experts in strengthening and conditioning the spine may be physical therapists who perform strengthening, or chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor who performs strengthening techniques. In summary, sports injury may result in back injury and other spinal injury, and can often be prevented or avoided, with the proper caution.  If it does occur, proper and prompt treatment are important.  Proper prevention is important, utilizing proper rules, equipment and strengthening.  Physical therapy or chiropractic treatment with a chiropractor may have excellent benefit. Experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Instiute (KBNI) in Houston, serve patients who have suffered sports injury, back injury, and other spinal injury, throughout the Houston and surrounding areas, including Katy, Woodlands, Memorial City, the TMC (Texas Medical Center), Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, College Station, Bryan, and other cities in Texas.  Patients with pain from an injury can be seen.  No imaging studies are needed.  KBNI expert physicians will obtain the appropriate imaging studies and other tests to help diagnose the cause of the pain. Patients can schedule a visit online at  www.SpineHealth.com or call 281-713-6296 Keywords: Sports Injury, Back Injury, Spinal Injury Review KBNI Houston, Chiropractor, Chiropractic,  Katy, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, TMC (Texas Medical Center), College Station, Bryan, Texas

back injury chiropractor chiropractic houston katy woodlands sugarland kingwood

back injury chiropractor chiropractic houston katy woodlands sugarland kingwood

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