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

A herniated disc is an extremely common problem and diagnosis in the United States, leading many to consider herniated disc surgery. The spinal discs are flexible pads that sit between each of our vertebrae and act as shock-absorbers for the spine and body. Each spinal disc is composed of a tough exterior (annulus fibrosus) wrapped around a softer, jelly-like interior nucleus pulposus). Over time, our spinal discs naturally degenerate, becoming thinner, harder, and less capable of absorbing the stresses of everyday movement. This condition is known as degenerative disc disease.  Excessive wear and tear (such as from bending and twisting or repetitive heavy lifting) will accelerate the natural wearing process and increase the chances of compressed spinal nerves and severe back pain or leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain  . Normally, we are able to weather the changes in our spine as we age without severe pain, but sometimes this is not the case. Certain structural problems, like herniated discs, can reduce mobility significantly.

A herniated disc occurs when a disc is damaged to the point that some of the soft inner material of the disc protrudes through a hole in some of the disc’s tough exterior. Holes may occur in many different ways, including age or sudden physical trauma. After the protrusion occurs, the disc is now displaced in the spinal column and may impinge on nearby spinal nerves, causing extreme back pain or leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain. This is not the case for all herniated disc patients, however. Sometimes the injury is gradual and patients do not feel as much pain, even though their spinal discs may have suffered serious trauma. If a spinal herniated disc problem is suspected, patients should seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will give you a complete physical examination to narrow the possible causes for your back pain or sciatica. Imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging) will help determine if the soft tissues of the spinal discs and nerves has been damaged and to what extent.

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

Fortunately, in most cases it is possible for herniated disc patients to preserve their mobility and improve  their pain levels. Physical therapy or chiropractor treatment designed to strengthen core muscles in the torso and along the spinal column will help patients immeasurably during their recovery. Core-strengthening exercises help patients by allowing muscles in the torso to better assist in load-bearing during the body’s routine movement. A stronger core therefore means a lower incidence of re-injury, relief for nearby spinal nerves, and a higher overall quality of life for patients. For some herniated disc patients, however, their back pain may be too severe to be mediated solely by physical therapy or other conservative treatments. These patients may need corrective back surgery or herniated disc surgery to remove parts of the damaged disc and re-stabilize the spinal column with metal plates and / or screws (spinal fusion) in the lumbar spine or an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion in the cervical spine. Physical therapy is also typically involved in post-operative care for back surgery patients.

Expert physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI)  in Houston TX have expertise in treating patients with herniated disc Houston.  At the KBNI, neurosurgeon experts believe that most patients with a herniated disc can be treated without the need of an operation, and they can frequently implement a course of treatment which improves patient’s pain without the need of a surgery.  When herniated disc surgery Houston is needed, neurosurgical experts at the KBNI employ the most current minimally invasive spine surgery techniques when appropriate.

herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, herniated disc Houston

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

Patients suffering from a herniated disc can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

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

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

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