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

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

Posted by admin in anti-inflammatory, arthritis, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, core strengthening exercise, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, exercise, facet joint, houston, low back pain, nerve compression, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAID, osteoarthritis, pain, Pearland, strengthening, Tomball, woodlands on August 19, 2015

What is Disc Degeneration in the Context of the Spine?

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

Degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration) has proven to be a frightening diagnosis for many members of the public. Our spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) are essential for a high quality of life. They cushion the load-bearing stress on the spinal column and along with the facet joints (the joints between our vertebrae) spinal discs help allow for the spinal column’s articulation during routine motion.

Over time, however, the spinal discs naturally degenerate (degenerative disc diseease) , becoming thinner, harder, drier, and less capable of absorbing shock. This means that vertebrae in the spinal column move closer together, placing nearby spinal nerves at a higher risk for compression. Degenerated spinal discs also directly impact a back pain patient’s mobility, given that the discs act somewhat like the shocks and suspension on an automobile a person with compromised discs is going to move more slowly and have a smaller range of motion.

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Problems also surface when back pain patients are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Patients may be frightened at the condition getting worse to the point of paralysis or greatly decreased mobility. While advanced damage in your spinal discs is indeed cause for concern, there are many steps patients can take to mediate back pain and improve their quality of life as they age. First, don’t give up simply because of your diagnosis. Disc degeneration is a natural process. Degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration) simply means your degeneration has progressed more quickly than is the norm.

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Additionally, there are many steps patients can take at home to make sure they retain an acceptable range of motion and low-to-moderate pain levels. First, consider using over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to mediate back pain when it reaches acute levels. Pain medication will provide temporary relief and restore mobility by reducing inflammation (anti-inflammatory effects) along the spinal column (which, in a person with advanced degeneration of their spinal discs, will also help in relieving pressure on spinal nerves). A physical therapy or chiropractic regimen emphasizing core-strengthening exercises is also essential. Strong muscles throughout the torso and along the spinal column will relieve pressure from compromised spinal discs and help reduce the possibility for compressing spinal nerves. Patients also have the advantage of continuing these physical therapy / chiropractic exercises at home for an indefinite period of time, reducing medical costs and helping to maintain their mobility while reducing the possibility of further damage to the spinal discs themselves. Finally, physical therapy is an essential component in a healthy lifestyle that keeps weight at optimum levels, reducing the load-bearing stress on spinal discs and facet joints. Maintaining a healthy weight will further reduce the possibility of additional damage, while an unhealthy weight will increase the potential for nerve damage.

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Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute treat patients with degenerative disc disease (disc degeneration). The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin. In most cases, non-surgical treatments are available, reserving surgery for those patients in whom conservative treatments do not provide sufficient pain relief.

If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

……. 281-713-6296

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

……. KBNI VIDEO

Keywords: spinal discs, back pain, spinal nerves, physical therapy, degenerative disc disease, disc degeneration, Houston, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland, Pearland, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Beaumont, Baytown

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

Posted by admin in back injury prevention, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, dehydration, diet, facet joint, healthy diet, houston, katy, lifting techniques, nutrition, nutritional supplements, obesity, personal injury, physical therapy, spinal injury, spine health, woodlands on April 14, 2015

Dehydration and the Spine

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.

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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.

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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.

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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Spine-related Ambulatory Surgery, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Less Invasive Spine Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Port Arthur, Galveston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

Posted by admin in ACA, Affordable Care Act, ALIF TLIF PLIF DLIF XLIF AXIALIF, ambulatory surgery center, ASC, baytown, beaumont, herniated disc surgery, houston, infection, katy, less invasive spine surgery, lumbar fusion, minimally invasive surgery, neurosurgeon, neurosurgery, PPACA, spinal fusion, spine surgeon, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on March 30, 2015

Spine-related Ambulatory Surgery, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Less Invasive Spine Surgery

ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers

Historically, back surgery had a reputation for damaging muscles along the spinal column and requiring a long post-operative period of physical therapy to restore mobility. This is because traditional back surgery involves long, deep incisions that lacerate muscle and retract upon muscle so that the incision may be pulled open, giving the surgeon a full view of the incision site as well as the damage to be repaired in the spinal column. While this method is effective, it also poses a few serious risks to the patient’s health: the aforementioned lengthy recovery time (and compromised mobility during physical therapy) as well as the increased risk for surgical site infection (SSI) from keeping the patient’s internal workings exposed to open air (and thus possible contamination). There can also be additional spine pain during the recovery process of large open spine procedures.

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Fortunately, recent advancements in both hospital technology and neurosurgery / spine surgery skills has made it easier for spine surgeons to perform spine surgery with less interruption of normal tissues surrounding the spine. Many spine procedures now use a device called a tubular retractor, which is a small metal tube that is inserted through a small incision near the patient’s spine. The tubular retractor grants the surgeon access to the damaged spinal column or herniated disc within the spinal canal. Any material threatening the patient, such as a fragmented spinal disc or piece of vertebral bone tissue, is extracted through the tubular retractor, while any equipment necessary for the back surgery (such as plates or screws to stabilize a damaged spinal column) is inserted through the retractor. Some procedures may require surgeons to use multiple retractors, but the small incisions damage the muscles along the spinal column far less than traditional deep incisions. This minimizes recovery time, reduces the risk of surgical site infection, and helps patients preserve their mobility during recovery.

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Minimally-invasive surgery procedures on the spine also occasionally transform the classification of certain kinds of surgery. Whereas traditional back surgery requires a hospital visit, minimally-invasive techniques allow many kinds of surgery to be possible in an ambulatory care setting. In other words, instead of a hospital visit compounding the expense of certain kinds of surgery, patients (and insurance companies) are finding the benefit of performing spine surgery procedures in an outpatient setting. The Affordable Care Act (ACA, PPACA) of 2010 (also known as the ACA or Obamacare or PPACA) became famous for the mandate that required all US small business owners with 50 or more full-time employees to purchase health insurance coverage benefits for their full-time staff. As of 2015, the long-term effects of the Affordable Care Act (PPACA) remain to be seen. Sweeping re-classification of major surgical procedures has yet to emerge under the ACA / PPACA, as there are still very real practical concerns: how to prevent surgical site infection effectively, for example. New methods of pay for performance and bundled care payments may also change the way healthcare is evaluated and reimbursed, and will encourage decreased hospital stays and improved outcomes. New minimally invasive spine surgery techniques are emerging, however, so additional ambulatory care surgery may be increasingly employed in the future. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) are ideal for spine surgery procedures in which patients are expected to return home the same day, or within 23 hours of the surgery. There are also many conveniences to a patient, when having a surgery performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). The ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) are very well prepared to quickly and efficiently move patients through the preop evaluation process. The patient stays briefly in the preop holding area while the nurse evaluates the patient, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist speaks with the patient, and the neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon identifies the patient (to prevent any wrong patient surgery from occurring). The patient is then taken back to the operating room, and put to sleep, and the neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon performs the procedure. The patient is then taken to the post op recovery room, and usually held there until the patient is awake enough, and the pain is well controlled enough, to allow discharge of the patient home.

Minimally invasive spine surgery employs less invasive spine surgery techniques to approach the spine. These minimally invasive surgery on the spine techniques can be used to perform lumbar discectomy for removal of a herniated disc, as well as for a lumbar fusion ( ALIF, TLIF, PLIF, DLIF, XLIF).

Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute have significant experience treating patients with diseases of the spine in an ambulatory outpatient setting. They are well versed in the full spectrum of treatments, and know when to advise conservative measures, and when to recommend surgical intervention upon the spine.

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.

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: ambulatory care, back surgery, minimally invasive surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, ACA, Affordable Care Act, PPACA, ASC, ambulatory surgery centers, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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Recovering from Spinal Stenosis, Lumbar Stenosis, Cervical Stenosis review by KBNI serving Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, cervical laminectomy, cervical stenosis, houston, laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, mri, neurosurgeon, neurosurgery, spinal stenosis, spine surgeon, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on March 29, 2015

Recovering from Spinal Stenosis, Lumbar Stenosis, Cervical Stenosis

spinal stenosis, cervical stenosis, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, lumbar laminectomy, back pain, spinal canal, spinal nerves, Houston

Spinal stenosis results from the reduction (narrowing) of the open spaces within the spinal column. Due to the fact that spinal nerves run most of the length of the spine through our spinal canal, a narrowing at any point can increase the pressure on spinal nerves during everyday movement. As one might expect, this narrowing may produce extreme back pain via compression of the spinal nerves. Other symptoms of spinal stenosis include numbness in the legs or arms, weakness in the legs or arms, and problems with bladder or bowel function.

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Generally, age-related degeneration is responsible for the onset of spinal stenosis in most patients. As we age, repeated movement of the articulated facet joints of the spinal column breaks down the cartilage on the ends of our facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae together). Our spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) also become thinner, harder, and less capable of bearing the shocks of everyday movement. This natural degeneration reduces the spaces between the vertebrae, increasing the likelihood of compressed spinal nerves. In some patients, the reduction in open space may be severe enough to threaten the integrity of the spinal cord. Younger people may also develop spinal stenosis, but most of these patients’ spinal columns have been compromised by a disease that affects muscle and bone tissue.

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Treatment and recovery options for spinal stenosis patients vary depending on the severity of the narrowing as well as its location. In most cases, the narrowing occurs either in the neck or the lower back. Imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging MRI) will likely be used to pinpoint the spinal nerves that are at risk, as well as to ascertain that the patient’s back pain and other symptoms are the result of an actual narrowing of the spinal canal, as opposed to other natural aging processes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly useful here due to the fact that it allows physicians to view soft tissue (like spinal nerves) in great detail. Computerized tomography (CT) myelograms may also be used, as these procedures combine multiple x-rays into one complete view of the size and shape of the spinal canal.

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For treatment, physicians will likely recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to mediate back pain. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to prevent inflammation around compromised spinal disks or compressed spinal nerves. Houston spine pain treatments for more severe spinal stenosis will likely require surgery to increase space within the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Back surgery neurosurgery is typically only recommended, however, if conservative treatments like pain medication and physical therapy have failed to adequately address the problem.

When spinal stenosis is present in the lumbar spine (lumbar stenosis), patients may experience pain in the lower extremities, which is worse when standing, and improved when sitting. In rare cases, there may be a loss of bowel or bladder control. When the stenosis is rapid in onset, as may be caused by a severe traumatic disc herniation, or by a fracture, then loss of bowel or bladder control may be more common. When the spinal stenosis is more gradual in onset, as is the case with degenerative changes, then loss of bowel or bladder control is much less common.

When spinal stenosis is present in the cervical spine (cervical stenosis), the spinal cord may be compressed. This may not only lead to pain, but it may lead to paralysis, due to compression of the spinal cord. Pressure on the spinal cord may also create a condition known as myelopathy, in which there is a partial injury to the spinal cord, leading to progressive loss of control of the lower extremities, and possibly a loss of control of bowel and bladder function. The patient may also experience shocks traveling from the neck down the spine, which is known as a L’Hermitte sign. When myelopathy is present, due to cervical spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression in the cervical spine, the MRI scan of the cervical spinal cord will frequently show a high intensity signal, or a bright spot, in the cervical spinal cord. This represents a spinal injury, and may be incomplete, in which case the patient will have function of the lower extremities, or may be a complete spinal cord injury, in where the is no movement below the injury in the spinal cord.

Depending upon the nature of the stenosis, surgery may be performed to relieve the spinal stenosis. When surgery is undertaken to relieve lumbar stenosis, the procedure typically performed is known as a lumbar laminectomy, in which the lamina, or back of the lumbar spine, is removed. This generally has a good chance of success, at decompressing nerves in the lumbar spine often helps their improvement. When surgery is undertaken to relieve cervical spinal stenosis, a cervical laminectomy may be performed from a posterior approach, or an anterior fusion may be needed as well. Unlike lumbar laminectomy which generally had a good result, with improved lower extremity function, laminectomy to decompress the cervical spinal cord is generally not as successful. Removing the mechanical pressure placed on the cervical spinal cord generally helps to reduce the risk of further neurological deterioration, but it is difficult to predict whether there will be any improvement in neurological function. Patients may also experience brisk reflexes in the lower extremities, and may have, upon examination, a positive Babinski sign (flaring of the toes upon rubbing of the soles of the feet). It is important for the patient to know when to seek medical consultation, in order to prevent worsening neurological deterioration. A neurosurgeon or spine surgeon may need to perform neurosurgery in order to try to preserve function. A neurosurgeon is a surgeon who performs neurosurgery upon the brain and spine. A neurosurgeon typically has significant training in spine surgery. A spine surgeon may have had the neurosurgery training of a neurosurgeon, or they may be an orthopedic surgeon who has had fellowship training in spine surgery.

Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute have significant experience treating cervical spinal stenosis and lumbar spinal stenosis. They are well versed in the full spectrum of treatments, and know when to advise conservative measures, and when to recommend surgical intervention upon the spine.

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 stenosis, cervical stenosis, cervical laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, lumbar laminectomy, back pain, spinal canal, spinal nerves, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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Reducing Arthritis-related Joint Degeneration review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Tomball, Pearland, Memorial City, TMC, Beaumont

Posted by admin in arthritis, back injury prevention, back pain, baytown, beaumont, facet joint, healthy diet, houston, katy, low back pain, nutritional supplements, osteoarthritis, sugarland, woodlands on March 26, 2015

Reducing Arthritis-related Joint Degeneration

back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston

Arthritis encompasses a wide variety of diseases causing swelling, pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the joints. One of arthritis’s most common forms, degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), wears down the cartilage that covers the ends of our joints, eventually causing bone-on-bone contact. As one might expect, bones rubbing together creates extreme pain and inflammation in the body, leading to restricted mobility. Within the context of the spine, osteoarthritis attacks the cartilage at the ends of our facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae) causing inflammation and back pain all along the spinal column. Nearby spinal nerves are also at risk, as the inflammation may compress them and further restrict mobility while producing sharp back pain.

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Normally, osteoarthritis occurs as a result of age, though young people may get it from genetic defects within their cartilage, trauma to a joint, or other conditions that deform joints. Obesity also puts people at a higher risk, as well as those who, through their recreational or professional activity, place heavy repetitive stress on their joints.

Though osteoarthritis may have serious cumulative degenerative effects on the spinal column, there are several measures people can take to reduce the damage. Proper weight management and healthy dieting with proper nutrition will lower stresses placed on joints during routine movement. Avoiding foods that produce high amounts of uric acid as the body breaks them down will prevent the resulting crystal deposits from making their way to the joints and worsening back pain. These foods include mushrooms, asparagus, sardines, and dried beans. While dietary changes will not cure osteoarthritis, they can reduce flare-ups.

back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Beaumont, Port Arthur

Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to relieve extreme back pain and reduce inflammation around the facet joints, allowing patients more mobility and an opportunity to pursue other avenues of treatment. Aerobics, stretching, and light strength training can all be helpful in restoring mobility. These exercises develop muscles around the spinal column, allowing them to assist the facet joints and spinal disks in routine movement.

If your course of treatment for osteoarthritis includes regular physical therapy, your doctor may insist on several additional check-ups to re-evaluate your progress. Imaging tests (magnetic resonance imaging, x-rays) are also used to supplement the doctor’s evaluation of possible damage done to your facet joints. Depending on your lifestyle and occupation, you may need to take measures to ensure that your spine is not placed under continual stress, since even sitting for long periods of time can raise pain levels significantly in patients with osteoarthritis.

back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Beaumont, Port Arthur

Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have great experience in treating patients with arthritis and osteoarthritis resulting in low back pain, neck pain, and pain to other portions of the spine.

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: back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal column, facet joints, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Pearland, Spring, Texas Medical Center, Conroe, Beaumont, Port Arthur

arthritis, back pain, Beaumont, Conroe, facet joints, Houston, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, osteoarthritis, Pearland, port arthur, spinal column, Spring, Sugarland, texas medical center, Woodlands

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Proper Lifting Techniques for Your Spine review by KBNI Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Katy Sugarland, Woodlands, TMC

Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, baytown, beaumont, herniated disc, houston, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, lumbar spine, physical therapy, sugarland, woodlands on March 25, 2015

Proper Lifting Techniques for Your Spine

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

Simply put, many members of the public do not know how to lift while protecting their backs. Improper lifting techniques are one of the most common reasons for damage to the spinal column, including slipped spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae), torn muscles, compressed spinal nerves and chronic low back pain. When lifting, be sure to stay balanced and hold the weight close to your body. Weight held far away from the body while lifting multiplies the pressure placed on the spinal discs and muscles and can result in extremely sharp back pain. Also, make an effort to reduce torsional (twisting) movement while lifting. When you twist your back with significant weight in your arms / hands, you place a much higher weight on each side of the spine in isolation as you twist. This increases the likelihood of compressed spinal nerves as well as the chances for injury.

When lifting, engage your hips, legs, feet, and gluteus maximus muscles (buttocks). Keep the weight close to your body, and don’t waste energy twisting: have a destination in mind before you lift the object. If you have a history of back pain, be sure to discuss your potential lifting limits with your physician prior to undertaking a project. If degeneration in your spinal discs has compromised the integrity of your spinal column, you may have to limit yourself and make multiple trips even for relatively light projects (e.g. groceries).

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,
Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

To supplement proper lifting techniques, talk to your doctor about physical therapy exercises you may be able to do at home. Physical therapy for the spine is typically focused on developing strong core muscles in the torso and along the spinal column. When strengthened, these muscles will assist the spinal discs, muscles, joints, and ligaments in managing the body’s weight distribution during routine movement. Keep in mind that your pain levels will likely fluctuate widely during physical therapy depending on the muscles engaged. Continue checking in with your physician to adjust your exercise regimen as needed. In the meantime, mediate your pain levels with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston

If, despite physical therapy and pain medication, you still cannot complete routine daily tasks without extreme back pain, back surgery may be necessary. A variety of procedures (such as spinal fusion, which fuses vertebrae together to combat spinal disc-related nerve pain) can be used to restore stability to the spinal column, reduce long-term pain levels, and ultimately maintain mobility as we age.

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

back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston

Keywords: back pain, spinal discs, proper lifting techniques, physical therapy, Houston,

Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

back pain, Beaumont, Conroe, Galleria, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, physical therapy, port arthur, proper lifting techniques, spinal discs, Spring, Sugarland, Tomball, Woodlands

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Common Spinal Deformities, Spina Bifida review KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Memorial City, TMC

Posted by admin in back pain, back surgery, beaumont, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar fusion, lumbar stenosis, spina bifida, spine health, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on March 24, 2015

Common Spinal Deformities and Spina Bifida

chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston

Most chronic back pain is the result of lifestyle. Too much sedentary activity (e.g. sitting at a computer monitor for an extended period of time) causes elevated tension in muscles along the spinal column, gradually starving them of oxygen and increasing the chances of painful muscle spasms. At the other end of the spectrum, too much physical activity or improper lifting techniques can accelerate the natural degeneration of the spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae) and other vital components of the spinal column, leading to increased pain levels.

chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston

In some cases, however, lifestyle is not the root cause of chronic back pain. There are many structural spinal deformities, often congenital, that do not respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory pain medication. Whereas pain levels from a compromised spinal disc may be reduced by a physical therapy regimen designed to relieve pressure by developing muscles along the spinal column, spinal deformities often drastically compromise the integrity of the spinal column’s structure.

Spina bifida involves an opening in the lamina, which are not fused, and may involve a protrusion of the spinal nerves outside of the spinal canal where they are normally housed. Depending on the location of the protrusion, spina bifida may place patients at a much higher risk for traumatic injuries to the spinal nerves. As these nerves provide sensation to other parts of the body, damage to them can result in a loss of sensation, severe chronic back pain, or even paralysis. Spina bifida is caused by a congenital developmental disorder, in which the embryonic neural tube does not completely close. Spina bifida most commonly occurs in the lumbar and sacral areas. Spina bifida generally falls into one of three types: 1) spina bifida occulta 2) spina bifida with meningocele, and 3) spina bifida with myelomeningocele. Spina bifida occulta is generally asymptomatic, and most people don’t even know they have it. The most symptomatic type of spina bifida is that associated with a myelomeningocele, in which the spinal cord protrudes through the opening in the spine. The spina bifida meningicele and myelomeningocele occur in 1 out of every 1000 births.

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Other spinal deformities include scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine that develops to varying degrees in patients. Most of the time its cause is unknown, but scoliosis may be triggered by muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Some patients may be able to navigate their daily routines without corrective back surgery, but many patients require it in order to restore some manner of normalcy to their motion. Severe curvature of the spine can be incredibly disabling, reducing mobility and causing extreme chronic back pain. With modern corrective back surgery, however, chances at a relatively normal life are good for most patients.

Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal can be dangerous if it occurs in the cervical spine (cervical stenosis) , and troubling with pain and weakness when it occurs in the lumbar spine (lumbar stenosis) , because it places vital spinal nerves at a higher risk for injury, especially compression, which often in turn causes chronic back pain and symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness to the lower extremities. Prolonged nerve compression can damage the spinal nerves, impeding long-term sensation and mobility. Corrective back surgery is sometimes needed to relieve pressure on the spinal canal and expand the space at its narrowest point to reduce the chances of injury.

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

Keywords: chronic back pain, back surgery, spinal deformities, spina bifida, spinal nerves, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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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

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

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, car accident, houston, injury, low back pain, physical therapy, review, spinal injury, spinal injury rehabilitation, sugarland, woodlands on November 18, 2014

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

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.

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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

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

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

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Opioid Pain Medication for the Spine: Information and Precautions review KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City

Posted by admin in back pain, beaumont, houston, katy, opioid pain medication, sugarland, woodlands on November 18, 2014

back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Galleria, Beaumont, Galleria, Galveston, Humble, Katy

OPIOID PAIN MEDICATION FOR THE SPINE; INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS

For many patients with chronic back pain, over-the-counter pain medication will be enough to mediate their pain levels and restore enough mobility for them to go about their daily lives. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen help to reduce inflammation in the body, often easing nerve-related pain by reducing inflammation at the site of the compressed spinal nerves. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication is generally powerful enough to help patients with torn muscles, herniated spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) and other mild-to-moderate structural problems within the spine.

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Occasionally, a patient’s back pain is severe enough to warrant other solutions. Physicians typically advocate more conservative treatments, such as a physical therapy regimen designed to develop muscles along the spinal column and in the torso. Core-strengthening exercises allow muscles to relieve spinal discs, facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae), and ligaments of some of the stresses of everyday movement. A strong torso through physical therapy can usually improve a patient’s mobility significantly if supplemented with over-the-counter pain medication to mediate acute pain levels during the course of treatment.

Physical therapy may not always be enough to correct the structural problems within the spine, however. Compromised spinal discs can lead to nerve damage over time, due to nearby spinal nerves bearing a higher risk for compression from everyday movement. Damaged or degenerated spinal discs are often thinner, harder, and less capable of bearing shock than normal discs. As such, physicians may be required to advocate back surgery as a possible solution to maintaining a patient’s long-term health. In the case of compromised spinal discs, sometimes a spinal fusion procedure is necessary to fuse vertebrae and stabilize the spinal column against future

In the first few weeks (or even months) of post-operative care, back surgery patients can expect elevated pain levels as their bodies attempt to heal and adjust to a new lifestyle. During this period, doctors may prescribe opioid pain medication (also known as narcotic pain medication) to help patients go about their daily lives without excessive back pain.

back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston

Some common narcotic pain medicines are

Codeine
Fentanyl (Duragesic) — available as a patch
Hydrocodone ( Vicodin) (Norco)
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Meperidine (Demerol)
Morphine (MS Contin)
Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet, Percodan)
Tramadol (Ultram)

Essentially, these medications work by reducing the number of pain signals sent to the brain, allowing back pain patients to re-gain mobility even in the face of high pain levels. Unfortunately, many types of opioid pain medication are addictive and can inhibit endorphin (the body’s natural painkillers) production if used over the long-term. Back pain patients utilizing opioid pain medication should see their physicians frequently to minimize the risk for addiction and long-term complications.

back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston

Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience in diagnosing and treating spinal facet joint pain. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX cares for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Tomball, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.

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: back pain, opioid pain medication, pain levels, physical therapy, Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Galleria, Beaumont, Galleria, Galveston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, Woodlands, Sugarland

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Multiple Sclerosis and Neurological Conditions that Affect the Spine review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Kingwood, TMC Texas Medical Center

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, houston, katy, multiple sclerosis, sugarland, Uncategorized, woodlands on October 27, 2014

multiple sclerosis neurological disorder , houston, texas

Multiple Sclerosis and Neurological Conditions that Affect the Spine review by KBNI Houston

There are several serious neurological disorders that adversely affect the human spine. Perhaps the best-known of these is multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease in which the patient’s immune system is compromised and breaks down the myelin sheath that protects our nerves. This breakdown diminishes the brain’s ability to communicate with other areas of your body, including your spinal cord. Due to the fact that myelin sheaths are essential for normal nerve operation, multiple sclerosis can result in the actual destruction of the nerves themselves. At present, the disease has no cure.

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While certainly a serious neurological disorder, symptoms may vary widely from patient to patient depending on the severity to which the nerves are compromised. A confirmed multiple sclerosis diagnosis is often extremely difficult, given that these symptoms may disappear for months at a time, leaving doctors puzzled. Symptoms include slurred speech, fatigue, numbness or weakness in limbs, double vision, an unsteady gait, and partial or complete loss of vision. MS patients are also sometimes heat-sensitive, with differences in temperature triggering certain symptoms. Most patients experience partial or complete remission of symptoms in between episodes of the disease.

Doctors do not yet understand the cause of multiple sclerosis, or why the disease affects some patients more severely than others. What is known is that myelin sheaths (the fatty substance that acts as insulation for the nerves) help facilitate effective communication between the brain and the rest of the body. As these myelin sheaths are consumed, the body in effect “short-circuits,” with a number of negative consequences.

While multiple sclerosis can’t presently be cured, symptoms can be alleviated and managed to some degree, depending on their severity. Treatment focuses on reducing the disease’s progress while simultaneously helping patients deal with symptoms in their daily lives. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation that occurs during symptom episodes. This inflammation may compress spinal nerves, causing excruciating pain and decreasing mobility. A plasma exchange, a procedure that mechanically separates a portion of your blood cells from your blood plasma, may be performed if multiple sclerosis patients are not responding to other intravenous treatments.

There are also a wide variety of pharmaceutical drugs to treat multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. Many of these drugs perform very specific functions (e.g. Fingolimod trapping immune cells in the body’s lymph nodes to reduce the frequency of MS attacks) and as such will need to be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis according to the patient’s needs and the doctor’s evaluation of MS’s progress. While the spinal nerves and other major nerve groups will likely not be spared manifestations of symptoms, these pharmaceutical drugs can give multiple sclerosis patients a higher quality of life and a better chance at more long-term mobility.

multiple sclerosis neurological disorder , houston, texas

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

Baytown, Beaumont, Conroe, Galleria, galveston, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, multiple sclerosis, myelin sheath, neurological disorder, Pearland, port arthur, Sealy, spinal nerves, Spring, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball, Woodlands

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Spinal Nerve Compression: When to Seek Medical Consultation review by KBNI Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial City, Tomball

Posted by admin in back injury prevention, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, discectomy, epidural steroid injection, ESI, herniated disc surgery, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar fusion, pain, physical therapy, spinal fusion, sugarland, woodlands on September 29, 2014

Spinal Nerve Compression: When to Seek Medical Consultation

Spinal Nerve Compression: When to Seek Medical Consultation review by KBNI Houston

Housed within the spinal canal, the spinal nerves provide sensation to most of the body. Generally, compressed spinal nerves happen as a result of age-related degeneration of the spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae). As we grow older, spinal discs become thinner, harder, and less pliable, reducing their ability to absorb the stresses of everyday movement. Spinal nerves may also be compressed through serious trauma, such as improper lifting techniques or accidents.

Back pain related to spinal nerve compression is generally quite sharp and significantly reduces mobility in patients. Immediate treatment options include over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which often reduce pain levels enough for the patient to explore other options for treatment. Physical therapy or treatment by a chiropractor represent both a short-term and long-term solution, as strong muscles in the torso and along the spinal column will assist spinal discs in bearing the body’s stresses. This in turn will reduce the incidence of compressed spinal nerves.

spinal nerves, spinal discs, physical therapy, back pain, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

Occasionally, more conservative treatments like physical therapy or treatment by a chiropractor and pain medication aren’t enough to treat a patient’s nerve-related back pain. When a patient experiences muscle weakness along with nerve pain, it’s time to explore other treatment options. Physicians will likely order imaging exams (magnetic resonance imaging, x-rays) to confirm that spinal nerves are being compressed, as well as what the offending structure (e.g. bone spur) might be. After thorough analysis, physicians can then make recommendations on augmenting physical therapy or treatment by a chiropractor to better suit the patient’s pain levels or explore other options entirely. Major back surgery may be necessary to mechanically decompress the offending nerves or to remove the obstruction responsible for compression.

If patients are regularly experiencing compressed spinal nerves outside the context of heavy lifting, see your doctor. Provide detailed, truthful information regarding your work history, lifestyle, and exercise habits. Be sure to account for any recreational activities that may also have been responsible, as the physician can only make an accurate prescription for course of treatment if he or she has all the relevant information. Combined with the results of your imaging exams, physicians will then direct your course of treatment according to the severity of the nerve compression. Back surgery or surgery for herniated disc may be an option, but it is possible that more conservative treatments will mediate your back pain to the point where more extensive treatment will not be needed. It is advised that you immediately contact your physician if your pain becomes sharper and more constant, or if you experience muscle weakness or loss of bladder control. All of these issues can indicate impending nerve damage.

Neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX have significant experiencing treating pain and nerve compression. When conservative measures fail, or if otherwise indicated, the latest techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery are used to help relieve pain.

spinal nerves, spinal discs, physical therapy, back pain, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

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 nerves, spinal discs, physical therapy, back pain, Houston,

Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Spring, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur, Conroe

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Mobility during Recovery from Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Memorial City

Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, exercise, fusion, houston, katy, lumbar fusion, neck pain, physical therapy, post-operative care, recover, sciatica exercises, spinal fusion, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine mobility, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on September 27, 2014

MOBILITY DURING RECOVERY FROM BACK SURGERY

back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston

Normally, back surgery is treated as a last resort if more conservative treatments (i.e., physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, facet joint injections, etc.) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels and restore mobility. Physicians and patients alike should approach back surgery as a calculated risk, one taken to maximize long-term health and mobility while giving the patient the best chance at consistently low-to-moderate pain levels during recovery. Post-operative care is a different matter entirely, however, as many patients aren’t prepared for the loss in mobility that comes after major back surgery. Large incisions, which in many back procedures are necessary to give the surgeon vision of the damaged portion of the spine, also can severely damage muscles and other soft tissue along the spinal column. This trauma greatly reduces patient mobility during post-operative care, as the muscles have essentially been rendered unable to do their jobs.

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For patients, compromised mobility can present maddening challenges during post-operative care, not to mention complications. For example, surgical site infection (SSI) occurs from contamination of the surgical site, either during the operation itself or at some point during recovery. SSI is particularly dangerous if the contamination is internal, such as a contaminated plate or screw that has been implanted to stabilize the spinal column (lumbar fusion) . Patients will most likely be unable to adequately check their own incision sites for signs of infection, so family members and friends may be needed for not only this task, but to change the patient’s dressing as well.

Physical therapy / chiropractic therapy during post-operative care for back surgery is generally focused on preserving long-term mobility. If the muscles along the spinal column that were damaged by the surgeon’s incisions are not adequately worked during recovery, patients may soon find themselves incapable of bending and twisting beyond the physician’s weight-related restrictions. In other words, avoiding physical therapy can potentially result in a permanent reduction in range of motion. On the other hand, too much activity can de-stabilize implanted devices and re-tear healing muscles, prolonging the healing process and increasing the likelihood for additional corrective surgeries.

Physicians will likely recommend several checkup visits during post-operative care in order to accurately gauge your progress and make necessary adjustments to your physical therapy regimen. Some back pain is normal and expected, but if your pain changes suddenly or begins to radiate through your ribs, legs, or arms, seek medical attention. Radiating back pain and muscle weakness often signals spinal nerve compression, which over the long-term may cause nerve damage and permanent loss of sensation. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help mediate pain levels, though during the initial healing process, physicians may authorize stronger prescription pain medication.

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. They frequently see patients who are suffering from the symptom of neck pain, low back pain, and mid back pain, and have never received imaging studies of the spine. Physicians at the KBNI will order the appropriate spinal imaging studies of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine as needed, and review the results with the patient.

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.

Keywords: back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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Cervical Disc Replacement, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas

Posted by admin in artificial disc, baytown, beaumont, cervical disc replacement, cervical fusion, cervical laminectomy, cervical spine, cervical stenosis, disc degeneration, fusion, herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, houston, katy, neck pain, pain, sugarland, woodlands on September 27, 2014

CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT

cervical disc, spinal disc, pain levels, neck pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble

The spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) help us manage the shocks and stresses of daily movement. Our spines are heavily involved in most kinds of motion (sitting, standing, bending, lifting, twisting, etc.). As such, the facet joints that link our vertebrae as well as the spinal discs between them need to be extremely durable and operate with low back and neck pain levels during normal motion. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Spinal structural deformities, trauma, heavy lifting, and inactivity can all play their part in compromising parts of the spinal column. The natural aging process compounds these factors due to the fact that spinal discs naturally degenerate over time. Spinal and cervical discs become thinner, harder, and less pliable as we age, and as a result they are far less capable of managing the stresses of daily life. We are also more likely to experience back and neck pain as a result of these changes.

All of these problems may create problems in the cervical discs in our necks. Since the neck is routinely engaged in movement, compromised cervical discs can severely affect mobility by causing pain during routine motion. Fortunately, there are a variety of strategies patients can use to mediate pain levels. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help mediate pain levels while restoring enough mobility for patients to explore other treatment options. Physical therapy focuses on developing muscles along the spinal column and surrounding the neck to offer support to cervical discs and relieve some of the weight they would otherwise have to bear during routine movement.

For more serious cases, such as severe structural deformity, trauma, or extreme neck pain not resolved by more conservative treatments, cervical disc replacement or cervical fusion may be the best option, depending upon the specific findings, recommendations of the surgeon, and desires of the patient. Since this surgery may be both serious and financially costly, physicians typically do not recommend it unless the compromised cervical disc is threatening other functions in the body (causing a loss of sensation, impinging on nearby spinal nerves, causing muscle weakness, etc.). Bone spurs and compromised cervical discs are the most common causes and physicians operate primarily to maintain the patient’s long-term health, as opposed to simply seeking to reduce pain levels. Of course, indications for surgery may vary from patient to patient.

Recovery for cervical disc replacement, like many types of spinal surgery, can be brief to more prolonged . Rest, a healthy diet, and regimens of physical therapy are necessary to re-develop damaged muscles and relieve some of the pressure on cervical discs. Your physician will likely order several checkups to maintain a sense of your progress and to readjust your course of treatment as needed.

Keywords: cervical disc, spinal disc, pain levels, neck pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

Posted by admin in arthritis, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, exercise, facet joint, fusion, houston, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar fusion, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, rhizotomy, spinal fusion, sugarland, woodlands on September 23, 2014

SPINAL FACET JOINT PAIN

spinal facet joint pain

A facet joint is a link between our vertebrae within our spinal column, and can be the cause of pain within the spine. Regarding spinal anatomy, their ends are covered in cartilage, which allows for the relatively pain-free articulation of the spine during routine motion (sitting, standing, twisting, bending, lifting, walking, etc.). Over time, however, the cartilage covering the facet joints breaks down naturally as we age. Heavy lifting, poor weight management, improper lifting technique, and too much sedentary activity can all accelerate the breakdown of facet joint cartilage, increasing the chances of compressing nearby spinal nerves and causing extremely sharp back pain. The spinal column can be the source of mechanical pain.

In many cases, imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging) will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of a facet joint-related spinal back pain. Your doctor will have to first rule out muscle tears and muscle spasms caused by oxygen-starvation in your back muscles (often occurring as the result of too much time spent in a sitting or standing position, which keeps muscles in the back in a highly tensed state). While a compromised facet joint is certainly a cause for concern, by no means is the problem untreatable. Many patients are able to successfully mediate their pain levels at home, without having to explore the possibility of spinal back surgery.

spinal facet joint pain

In order to treat back pain caused by degenerating facet joints, most patients effectively mediate their pain levels using over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pain medication usually restores enough temporary mobility to explore other long-term treatments, such as physical therapy. Patients may use a physical therapy or chiropractor / chiropractic regimen to develop muscles along the spinal column, which in turn will relieve load stress from compromised spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) and facet joints alike. During your physical therapy or chiropractor / chiropractic regimen, several checkups will likely be necessary in order for your physician to accurately gauge your progress and recommend changes to your course of treatment.

If the cartilage has worn to the point where nearby spinal nerves are at risk, back surgery may be necessary to preserve a patient’s long-term health and mobility. Regular spinal nerve compression can lead to muscle weakness, sharp back pain, and eventual nerve damage and loss of sensation in other parts of the body. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine if parts of your spinal discs or facet joints are responsible. If back / spine surgery is needed, your physicians can offer excellent advice on your post-operative care period, including incremental increases in physical therapy to preserve (and in some cases improve) patient mobility.

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Generally, spinal facet joint pain can be diagnosed by having a physician (spine surgeon, neurosurgeon, pain specialist) perform a facet joint block. This procedure “numbs” the nerves (medial branch of nerves) traveling to the facet joint. If the block is successful at relieving the pain, it can be concluded that the pain is coming from the facet joint. At that point, a more permanent facet joint rhizotomy, in which the nerves to the facet are destroyed (with thermal coagulation, also known as a rhizotomy) , may be of good benefit (after undergoing two trails of a facet joint nerve block). A fusion of the spine (ALIF, TLIF, XLIF, PLIF, DLIF) can also help with pain coming from the facet joint, as the fusion will immobilize the joint.

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Keywords: facet joint, spinal, pain, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain and Disc Myths by by KBNI Houston, Katy, Spring, Kingwood, Conroe, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC

Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, disc degeneration, exercise, herniated disc, holistic, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, neck pain, pain, stretching, sugarland, woodlands on September 10, 2014

Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain and Disc Myths, Houston

lower back pain, neck pain, disc, Houston

Lower back pain and neck pain are incredibly common afflictions in the modern workplace, but many members of the public entertain harmful myths about how to treat them. For example, a large portion of the public believes that rest is the most effective way to treat chronic lower back pain or neck pain. While rest is definitely a component of the solution, long periods of sedentary activity can actually lengthen recovery time and reduce long-term mobility. Most mild to moderate lower back pain and neck pain is more effectively mediated by exercise.

lower back pain, neck pain, disc, Houston

Part of the rest myth may stem from yet another myth perpetuated about the spine: that it is weak or somehow fragile. In truth, the spine is an incredibly strong, durable part of the body that hosts a complicated system of muscles, ligaments, bones, and spinal disc (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae). Rather than be compromised by exercise, the spine thrives on it. We need regular cardiovascular exercise, stretching, and strength conditioning in order to optimally maintain our spinal column as we age, given that we undergo a number of natural degenerative processes as we grow older. The cartilage on the ends of our facet joints (the joints that link our vertebrae and allow for the articulation of the spinal column) naturally degrades in quality, and this process is accelerated by extra weight and lack of exercise. Our spinal disc become thinner, harder, drier, and less capable of bearing stress during our routine movements. Both of these changes contribute to an increased incidence of compressed spinal nerves, which can cause severe lower back pain and compromise mobility.

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Due to these natural degenerative processes, many people may feel that a decline in their mobility is inevitable and that severe lower back pain and neck pain must correlate with severe structural damage in the spinal column. Fortunately, chronic lower back pain and neck pain most often does not necessarily mean that a patient’s spine is severely damaged. Some patients may have relatively little damage within the spinal column but still suffer from debilitating pain because of higher sensitivity to pressure placed on the spinal nerve roots. For example, if the tough exterior of a spinal disc wears to the point where a bit of the soft inner material of the disc protrudes through a hole in the exterior (hernia), patients will have a wide variety of responses based on individual pain tolerance as well as sensitivity of the spinal nerves themselves. Seek a full physical examination from a medical profession to confirm the source of your back pain and begin an effective course of treatment.

Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI), located in Houston, TX, specialize in treating patients with lower back pain and neck pain. The majority of patients can be treated, and achieve significant improvement in their lower back pain and neck pain, without the need of an operation. When surgery on the disc or spine is needed, neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute offer the most current and advanced techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery.

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: lower back pain, neck pain, disc, 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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Epidural Injections, Epidural Steroid Injections, ESI by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, epidural injection, epidural steroid injection, ESI, houston, katy, sugarland, woodlands on September 9, 2014

Epidural Steroid Injections

epidural injections, epidural steroid injections, ESI, Houston

Epidural Injections, also known as epidural steroid injections or ESI injections, are often utilized in the management of low back pain, neck pain, or leg or arm pain. They may be used before or after other treatments have been tried. When conservative treatments (over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, rest) have failed to adequately mediate a patient’s back pain, physicians may then turn to other means. Epidural injections are one such measure, depending on the location, severity, duration, and root cause of a patient’s back pain. In order to perform an epidural injection, however, the presiding physician (typically a pain specialist, neurosurgeon, orthopedic spine surgeon, interventional radiologist, anesthesiologist, or physiatrist) will need to narrow the possible causes of a patient’s back pain through extensive imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, etc.). Epidural steroid injections can be used in the lumbar spine and epidural injections can also be used in the cervical spine.

epidural injections, epidural steroid injections, ESI, Houston

During the epidural injection procedure itself, the patient is face-down on a special table. Occasionally a mild sedative may be necessary, but most back pain patients do not require it. The physician then cleans and numbs the injection sites around the spine (these normally correspond to the most damaged parts of the spinal column, though not always), utilizing sterile technique. After the injection sites have been prepared, the physician utilizes a fluoroscope, which is a type of x-ray procedure that produces live video, allowing the physician to respond in real-time to the structures inside the spinal column. This reduces the incidence of physician error as well as provides the physician with visual information regarding the most effective injection sites to help preserve a patient’s long-term mobility in addition to lowering back pain levels.

Epidural injections / epidural steroid injections / ESI may be given traditionally through two different routes in the lumbar spine (understanding the spine and lumbar anatomy is important). One route of the epidural steroid injection is known as a translaminar ESI. During the translaminar epidural steroid injection, the needle is placed between the lamina (covering of the spinal canal) into the epidural space. This is typically done using what is know as a “ loss of resistance technique.” During this technique, the physician pushes air or liquid (using a low resistance syringe known as a pulsator syrings) as he / she advances the needle, under fluoroscopic guidance, between the spinal lamina, and into the epidural space. Once this space is reached, the physician will aspirate (pull back on the syringe) to make sure that no cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid is withdrawn, which would indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Assuming this is negative, the physician then injects contrast dye around the thecal sac, and it this shows a good image, he / she places the anesthetic and steroid agent around the spinal dural canal, and removes the needle.

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Another type of epidural injection / epidural steroid injection / ESI may be given through what is known as the transforaminal approach. During this approach, the physician advances a needle, under fluoroscopic guidance, past the neural foramen through which the nerve leaves the spinal canal, and into the space known as Kambin’s triangle. In Kambin’s triangle, the exiting nerve of the lumbar spine can be found. Again, after aspirating the needle, and finding no return of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), dye is instilled around the nerve to confirm proper epidural flow, and then the anesthetic agent and steroid are instilled around the nerve root.

Sometimes epidural injections are necessary given the physical changes in the spinal column as we grow older. Our spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) gradually become thinner, harder, and less capable of bearing the stresses of everyday motion. This shrinks the distance between the vertebrae in our spinal column, increasing the chances for compressed spinal nerves. Since our spinal nerves are located very near the discs and vertebrae, patients with advanced degeneration in their spinal discs often have a smaller range of motion in order to avoid repeated nerve compression, which causes extreme back pain.

Sometimes epidural injections may be supplemented with nerve block injections in order to give the physician more information about what may be causing the patient’s back pain. During a nerve block injection, specific nerves are targeted with anesthetics and steroids. If the patient experiences complete relief from their back pain, the doctor knows that the correct group of spinal nerves has been targeted. From there, physicians can make inferences about the best site for long-term anti-inflammatory drug injections. If none of these procedures provide the patient with meaningful relief from their back pain, physicians may then consider back surgery as a corrective measure.

Physicians at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) (located in Houston TX) have significant expertise at performing spinal epidural steroid injections. They incorporate a philosophy of practice which tries to treat a patient with conservative approaches whenever possible, frequently helping patients to avoid the need of surgery. When a surgery is needed to help pain, neurosurgeon experts at the KBNI have the latest skills in minimally invasive microneurosurgery of the spine.

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.

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Holistic Acupuncture and Back Pain by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center TMC

Posted by admin in acupuncture, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, holistic, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, neck pain, pain, sugarland, woodlands on September 4, 2014

acupuncture, holistic, back pain, Houston

Holistic Acupuncture and Back Pain in Houston

Acupuncture is longstanding tradition in Eastern medicine. Acupuncture is considered holistic medicine. An acupuncture expert (acupuncturist) inserts several thin needles just under the surface of the patient’s skin in various pre-determined positions. These positions correspond to the 2,000+ pressure points that acupuncturists believe correspond to 20 primary pathways (called meridians in the theory of acupuncture). The basic principle of holistic acupuncture is that the body has several natural energy pathways (meridians) and if one or more of these pathways are blocked, qi (life-force) cannot flow properly and a variety of negative conditions result. In traditional Eastern medicine, qi’s proper flow can be restored through stimulating key points on the body with acupuncture needles. Holistic acupuncture has been used to treat low back pain.

acupuncture, holistic, back pain, Houston

As one might imagine, the efficacy (ability of a treatment or drug to achieve a positive result on a consistent basis in many patients) of holistic acupuncture has not been proven in Western evidence-based medicine. Healthcare in the Western world is organized around the principle of treating specific conditions with specific treatments and / or drugs. Doctors first conduct physical exams to narrow possible causes (such as for the origin of a patient’s back pain) and then, if necessary, additional specialist opinions or additional testing confirms or reassesses the diagnosis. From that point, a patient receives a specific course of treatment designed to cure him or her of the condition.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, takes a holistic approach. Rather than focus on treating a specific condition in an exact, proven way, holistic acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system in hopes that nerve activity will have a positive effect on personal well-being. While these claims have not been proven by evidence-based medicine, acupuncture does succeed in stimulating the central nervous system. Many patients have given reports of feeling energized and relaxed as the needles stimulate activity in the brain and spinal cord. This practice may be effective for some back pain patients who suffer from increased muscle tension throughout the neck, shoulders, and spinal column. Stimulating nerves along tensed muscles can promote blood flow, which brings much-needed oxygen and nutrition as well as helps to prevent muscle spasms.

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Though the holistic claims made for acupuncture by Eastern medicine may be tempting to take at face value, patients are advised to conduct further testing to ensure they do not have a more serious condition. Back pain patients who experience relief from holistic acupuncture are not likely to have a severe structural defect within the spinal column, but it is important to confirm the diagnosis of back pain with a complete physical exam by a Western physician. Additional imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans, x rays) can reveal if there are underlying structural issues which need to be addressed with more serious treatment.

There is no question that the ability to treat back pain, neck pain, and other types of pain with a variety of modalities is beneficial to the patient. Although traditional Western Medicine is often very beneficial, a more holistic Eastern Medicine approach has a role in the health care system. At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, a variety of modality and treatment options are available to help patients suffering from low back pain, neck pain, and other pain disorders affecting the body. Expert neurosurgeons at the KBNI utilize non-surgical options when appropriate, often keeping surgical intervention as a measure of last resort, when other conservative methods fail.

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.

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

Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, houston, lifting techniques, low back pain, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, spinal injury, sports injury, sugarland, woodlands on July 19, 2014

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

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

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

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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.

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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

Austin, Baytown, Beaumont, Conroe, Dallas, Fort Worth, Galleria, galveston, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, osteopenia, osteoporosis, Pearland, port arthur, San Antonio, Sealy, Spring, Sugarland, Texas, texas medical center, Tomball, tx, Woodlands

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI and Herniated Disc by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, cervical, ct, disc degeneration, discectomy, herniated disc surgery, houston, katy, lumbar, lumbar spine, minimally invasive surgery, mri, spine surgery, sugarland, thoracic spine, woodlands on July 16, 2014

MRI, herniated disc, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland

Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI and Herniated Disc by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas

Patients often wonder what the best test is to determine whether they have a herniated disc in the spine. Without a doubt, magnetic resonance imaging MRI has revolutionized the imaging field of medicine, and allowed immense clarity and accuracy when trying to diagnose a herniated disc. There are several different primary imaging exams that physicians use to aid in making an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to the spinal column anatomy, an incredibly complex system of powerful load-bearing bones and facet joints all working in conjunction with spinal discs and nerves, making an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. Typically, physicians will begin with a series of physical exams that test a patient’s mobility and back pain levels. Based on these findings, physicians will have a much better approximation of the possible causes for the patient’s back pain. Consequently, a series of spinal imaging exams may be recommended to confirm the diagnostics. X-rays are normally used when spinal fracture is suspected, but if soft tissue damage (such as spinal nerve compression) is the main cause of a patient’s back pain, magnetic resonance imaging MRI is used to gain an accurate estimate of the damage.

MRI, herniated disc, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio wave energy to map the body’s soft tissue systems. This information is then relayed to a computer so that different systems can be studied in more detail. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI also has the advantage of remote viewing, where clinics that have access to other physicians’ MRI recordings can make recommendations based on samples that have been relayed electronically. MRI scans can be done on what is known as a closed machine or magnet, or an open machine or magnet. Typically, for patients who have difficulty with claustrophobia, an open magnet or machine may be easier to tolerate. For patients with claustrophobia, a mild oral sedative or an intravenous ( IV ) sedative may help them to tolerate the machine. Most patients are able to have their MRI scan done on a closed machine, with accommodations made, even if they have mild claustrophobia.

MRI, herniated disc, 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

Different MRI sequences on the MRI scan can help the radiologist and spine surgeon (neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon) to help determine whether the herniated disc is more acute or chronic in nature. In addition, MRI images can be taken in different planes. This means that the orientation of the images of the spine can be seen in sagittal (as if looking from the side), coronal (as if looking from the front of the body) or axial (as if looking from the feet with the patient lying on their back) views. With a high quality MRI scan, individual nerve roots can be seen in cross section, and a herniated disc which compresses the nerves can usually be easily visualized. Typically, an MRI scan of the cervical spine shows the spine from the skull base to the top of the thoracic spine. A cervical herniated disc can be easily seen in cross section or sagittal views on a cervical MRI. A thoracic spine MRI scan typically shows the spine from the bottom of the cervical spine to the top of the lumbar spine. A thoracic herniated disc can be seen on axial and sagittal MRI views. A lumbar MRI scan usually shows the spine from the bottom of the thoracic spine to the sacrum, which lies below the lumbar spine. An axial or sagittal MRI scan will usually show a lumbar herniated disc. A spine surgeon finds that an MRI scan provides critical information for a herniated disc surgery.

Within the spinal column, magnetic resource imaging MRI allows for complete renditions of the spinal discs (herniated disc) , which help in determining conditions like advanced disc degeneration, herniated disc, cartilage degeneration between the facet joints, and integrity of the spinal canal that houses the central nervous system’s spinal nerves. MRI scans can also be used as a secondary imaging exam if the results of an X-ray or CT scan (computerized tomography) are inconclusive. MRI scans are not always able to pinpoint the origin of a patient’s back pain, however, due to the fact that some patients may exhibit extreme pain while showing relatively few signs of soft tissue degeneration. Other patients may show much more degeneration in the spinal column, facet joints, or spinal disks, but have much lower levels of back pain during routine movement. As with other imaging exams, MRIs are used in conjunction with other imaging exams to ascertain whether more serious methods of treatment (such as back surgery) are necessary.

When a patient is not able to undergo an MRI scan, possibly due to an implanted pacemaker or spinal cord stimulator, they can undergo a myelogram. A myelogram is a study in which a spinal tap is performed, usually in the lumbar spine, and a water soluble iodine dye is placed into the spinal canal. This iodine dye shows up on x ray and CT scans of the spine. After the myelogram is performed, with iodine dye in the spinal canal, a CT scan of the spine is performed to show an outline of the spinal nerves, and determine whether there is pressure upon the nerves. In this manner, a herniated disc in the lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine can be seen. The CT scan will also who any hard bone spurs or calcium within the herniated disc.

Neurosurgeon spine experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have expertise in using MRI scans to evaluate the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, and diagnose a herniated disc, among other spinal disorders. With accurate scanning and imaging techniques, KBNI physician experts can help to diagnose the cause of pain or weakness in the neck, back, arms and legs, and to find a treatment strategy which will help the patient recover. In the majority of cases, patients will achieve good relief of pain without the need of a spine surgery. When surgery on the spine is needed, neurosurgeons at the KBNI utilize the latest techniques in 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, 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: MRI, herniated disc, 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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Foraminotomy vs Laminectomy vs Discectomy by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Seal, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Port Arthur

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, cervical laminectomy, cervical stenosis, discectomy, foraminotomy, herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, houston, katy, laminectomy, lumbar laminectomy, spinal stenosis, woodlands on July 15, 2014

foraminotomy, laminectomy, discectomy, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring

Foraminotomy vs Laminectomy vs Discectomy Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Spring

A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure designed to lower pressure within the spinal canal by enlarging the passageway through which a spinal nerve root branches from the spinal canal. A laminectomy is a procedure to remove a greater portion of the bone (lamina) covering the roof of the spinal canal. A discectomy is a procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disc in the spine, which is bulging and pushing on a nerve. Understanding spine anatomy is important to understanding the difference between the different procedures to relieve pain. The sensitive spinal nerve roots are responsible for transmitting signals for voluntary muscle control as well as relaying sensory information for most of the rest of the body. The spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) give the spinal nerve roots enough room to exit the spinal canal. Sometimes, however, impact trauma, daily stress on the spinal discs, bone growths, or tumors may create an obstruction for the spinal nerve roots. Patients may experience extreme low back pain and / or decreased mobility if the pathways for the spinal nerve roots are compromised, or if the nerves themselves become compressed due to trauma and disk degeneration. A foraminotomy focuses more on removing a smaller portion of bone where the nerve root leaves the spinal canal. The opening in the spine through which the nerve root leaves is known as the neural foramen, and opening of this area is thus known as a foraminotomy. A laminectomy is a more extensive removal of a greater portion of bone covering the spinal canal. Of note, the neural foramen is an opening created by a roof of the superior articular facet of the vertebral body below, and the inferior articular facet of the vertebral body above. A discectomy is performed by making an opening in the lamina, in order for the spine surgeon to gain access to the disc space, where the herniated or bulging disc is situated, in order to perform a discectomy, free up the nerve root, and alleviate the pain resulting from nerve compression.

foraminotomy, laminectomy, discectomy, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring

There are several different spinal conditions that may prompt a physician to consider a foraminotomy. Degenerative disc disease, a condition in which the natural degeneration of spinal discs is accelerated by other factors, is a possible cause. Herniated (displaced or ruptured) spinal discs, bone spurs, spondylosis / spinal stenosis are all also conditions that may necessitate larger passageways for spinal nerve roots. When there is a more diffuse narrowing of the spinal canal, as is the case with spinal stenosis, a foraminotomy may not be sufficient to decompress the nerves, and a laminectomy may be required. When the source of compression is located centrall within the spinal canal, and is caused by a focal disc bulge or herniation, rather than a diffuse central canal compression, then a discectomy may be a good option. In summary, back surgeries that may be effective for relieving pressure on the spinal nerves are foraminotomies, laminotomies and discectomies, as well as laminectomies.

foraminotomy, laminectomy, discectomy, Houston

Since back surgery is often a costly procedure with a lengthy period of post-operative care, patients are advised to seek thorough medical consultation prior to any procedure that may have implications for the spinal canal. If patients are experiencing muscle weakness, sharp or shooting pains down one or both legs, numbness in the extremities, or if their low back pain is not resolved by core strengthening exercises and weight management, physicians will typically recommend a series of spinal imaging tests. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and CT scans may all be used to determine whether the integrity of the spinal canal is at risk. Post-imaging, physicians will be much better equipped to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment. Post-operative care will normally include physical therapy that focuses on core strengthening exercise, building the muscles in the torso to assist in managing the stresses of everyday movement.

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, arm and leg pain. They frequently see patients who are suffering from the symptom of neck pain, low back pain, and mid back pain, and have never received imaging studies of the spine. The physicians have expertise on spine surgery including foraminotomy and laminectomy and discectomy. Physicians at the KBNI will order the appropriate spinal imaging studies of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine as needed, and review the results with the patient.

REFERENCE SITES

www.SpinePain.com

www.SpineSurgery.com

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

……. 281-713-6296

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

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

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

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Spinal Imaging Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Spine with MRI and CT by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, cervical, cervical spine, ct, disc degeneration, fracture, fusion, houston, katy, lumbar, lumbar fusion, lumbar laminectomy, lumbar spine, lumbar stenosis, mri, sciatica, spinal fusion, sugarland, thoracic spine, woodlands on July 10, 2014

Spinal, Imaging, Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Spine, MRI, CT, KBNI,Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

Spinal Imaging Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Spine with MRI and CT by KBNI Houston

Spinal imaging tests of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine are essential for correctly diagnosing spinal deformities, injuries, and other related problems. Physicians normally start with a patient history and a physical exam to test the patient’s mobility, range of motion, and look for points of tenderness. Based on the findings, physicians can then make recommendations for the best course of treatment. Minor injuries such as muscle pulls may be treated with pain relievers, anti inflammatory medications and rest, and core strengthening exercises. If the patient’s neck or back (cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine) pain is not mediated by these measures, however, then a physician may recommend a series of spinal imaging tests to determine whether the problem is structural. Spine imaging can consist of X ray,MRI or CT scans of the anatomy of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine.

Spinal, Imaging, Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Spine, MRI, CT, KBNI,Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center

X ray, CT scans and MRI scans of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine show the physician different information about the body. X ray of the spine shows alignment very well, as well as fractures of the vertebral bodies. They can show collapse of the disc spaces (disc degeneration), and slippage of the bones (vertebral bodies) upon each other, known as spondylolisthesis. X rays do not show herniated discs pushing into the spinal canal, unless the disc is calcified, in which case the calcium in the bone spur may show up on x ray. X ray is good for showing the placement of hardware for spinal fusion (such as pedicle screws in the lumbar spine, and anterior cervical plates in the cervical spine) in the spine. Bone growing between vertebral bodies and between transverse processes of a spinal fusion are also well seen on X ray and CT scans.

myelogram, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring

CT scans of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine anatomy show very detailed views of the cross sectional anatomy of the spine. The images are taken as cross sections of the body, and these thin slices of information can be processed by the imaging computer, and reconstructed to show the spine as seen in the sagittal plane (from the side) or coronal plane (as seen from the front). A CT scan of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine can show fractures very well. They also show the placement of screws into the spine, after surgery, very well. CT scans of the spine do not show great detail of the soft tissues of the spine, such as the nerve roots passing through the spine, of the spinal cord running through the spine. If a CT scan of the spine is performed after the patient undergoes a myelogram, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can be better visualized. A myelogram is performed when a radiologist performs a spinal tap on a patient, by placing a spinal needle into the lumbar spine. Even though this sounds like a difficult procedure, it is generally accompanied with minimal pain. After the needle is in the spinal sac, or dural sac, the next step is to place a dye (which can be seen on CT scan) or contrast agent within the thecal sac. Once this is completed, a CT scan is done through the appropriate portions of the spine (cervical, thoracic or lumbar), and the contrast dye shows up as white on the CT scan, while the nerve roots or spinal cord show up as dark shadows against the bright spinal fluid. The myelogram procedure can accurately show disc herniations into the nerve roots or spinal cord.

MRI, scan, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring

MRI scan of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine shows soft tissue, such as disc bulges (which may cause sciatica), spinal stenosis, spinal cord and nerve roots, very well. It can also be used to see areas of contusion within the spinal cord. It shows images in the axial plane (cross sections through the spine or body), as well as the coronal and sagittal planes.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for example, is often used when the physician suspects damage to the soft tissues around the spinal cord. The spinal cord runs most of the length of the spinal column and houses the central nervous system’s spinal nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensory information to the brain in addition to signals for voluntary muscle control. Physicians can use magnetic resonance imaging to see if these nerves or other soft tissues have been damaged by spinal fracture, impact trauma, or otherwise compromised by spinal deformities. CT scans (computerized tomography) and X-rays do not produce detailed images of soft tissue, so physicians typically do not require them to analyze soft tissue damage in the spine—unless that damage is suspected to be the result of a damaged vertebra. Magnetic resonance imaging can also reveal spinal abscesses and spinal tumors before they have a chance to compress spinal nerves, which often causes extreme pain.

If spinal fracture is suspected, physicians may require CT scans and X-rays to determine the extent of the fracture’s damage, as well as a magnetic resonance imaging exam to ensure the integrity of the spinal cord. Patients may think that these tests are excessive given that many spinal fractures occur during everyday motion (such as picking up a bag of groceries), but physicians must be absolutely certain that the soft tissues of the spinal cord are not compromised. Spinal column integrity greatly reduces the chances of the spinal nerves becoming compressed by nearby vertebrae, though the spinal disks (shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae) can still degenerate to the point where compressed spinal nerves are a significant problem. All of these imaging exams serve to ensure that patients make safe recoveries.

Summary of Uses of Various Spinal Imaging Modalities:

X Ray: useful for evaluating curvature of spine, such as scoliosis; fractures; spinal alignment; instrumentation placed in the spine (pedicle screws, rods, plates); fusion between adjacent vertebral levels

CT scan of cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine: useful for evaluating fractures of spine; alignment of spine; bone spurs in cervical thoracic and lumbar spine

CT with myelogram: useful for evaluating nerve roots in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine; spinal stenosis; fusion between adjacent vertebral levels (often used instead of MRI if patient has a pacemaker or implanted spinal cord stimulator)

MRI scan of cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine: useful for evaluating herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis

REFERENCE SITES

www.SpinePain.com

www.NeckPain.com

www.SurgerySpine.com

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

……. 281-713-6296

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

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

Keywords: spinal, imaging, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, spine, MRI , CT, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Memorial City, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin

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

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.

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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.

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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.

REFERENCE SITES

www.SpinePain.com

www.NeckPain.com

www.SurgerySpine.com

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

……. 281-713-6296

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

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

spine health, core strengthening, spinal health, Houston

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

Austin, Baytown, Beaumont, Conroe, core strengthening, Dallas, Fort Worth, Galleria, galveston, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, Pearland, port arthur, San Antonio, Sealy, spinal health, spine health, Spring, Sugarland, Texas, texas medical center, TMC, tx, Woodlands

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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

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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.

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To recover, patients must also be certain to follow guidelines regarding physical therapy, exercise, and motion during their post-operative care period. Core strengthening exercises can be guided by a chiropractor or physical therapy. Physical therapy or chiropractic guidance and education can also help to teach about how to prevent future spine injuries. Spinal fusion is one of the more intensive varieties of back surgery, and physicians must document the recovery process accurately to ensure that the patient’s spinal column is stable enough for everyday motion. This requires subsequent visits for imaging tests (typically X-rays, in the case of spinal fusion) to monitor bone growth. There may be strict guidelines for the amount a patient can lift or the length of time in which the patient may stand, sit, or walk during the course of their daily routines. The amount of time needed to recover may vary widely depending on how old the patient is (younger patients generally re-grow bone more quickly than older patients) as well as the physical requirements of their occupation.

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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.

REFERENCE SITES

www.SpinePain.com

www.NeckPain.com

www.SurgerySpine.com

Patients suffering from a cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, or who have been told they may require a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

……. 281-713-6296

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

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

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

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

Posted by admin in arthritis, back injury prevention, baytown, beaumont, cervical, cervical spine, cervical stenosis, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, fracture, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar spine, lumbar stenosis, neck pain, nutritional supplements, pain, spinal stenosis, sugarland, woodlands on June 21, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFERENCE SITES

www.SpinePain.com

Patients suffering from a cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, or who have been told they may require a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

……. 281-713-6296

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

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

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

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

Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, cervical laminectomy, cervical stenosis, chiropractic, chiropractor, fusion, houston, katy, laminectomy, low back pain, lumbar laminectomy, lumbar stenosis, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, spinal injury, spinal stenosis, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on June 21, 2014

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 Anatomy, Lumbar Spine, Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine discussion KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Texas Medical Center TMC

Posted by admin in back pain, car accident, cervical spine, houston, katy, low back pain, lumbar spine, neck pain, pain, sugarland, thoracic spine, truck accident, woodlands on June 19, 2014

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The anatomy of the spine is varied and complex, with strong bones working in tandem with discs (shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae), as well as flexible ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The lumbar spine, cervical spine and thoracic spine each have their own very unique structure, allowing for different stresses and strains to be supported, and allowing for very different ranges of motion. A large collection of very sensitive nerves also dwells in the spinal column, transferring sensory information and motor control from the central nervous system to other parts of the body. There are eight different nerves associated with the cervical spine, twelve with the thoracic spine, and five with the lumbar spine. The nerves from the cervical spine generally supply movement and sensation to the arms. The nerves from the thoracic spine are mainly sensory, and supply sensation to the chest and back. The nerves from the lumbar spine mainly supply motor and sensory function to the legs.

As described above, when talking about the spine, it is generally divided into three primary regions: the lumbar spine (lower back), thoracic spine (middle back), and cervical spine (neck), while the base of the spine sits on a triangular bone called the sacrum. Each vertebra in the spine also has several parts. For example, vertebrae are divided into the body, which supports the weight of the spinal column, as well as the lamina, which covers the opening that would otherwise allow direct access to the spinal cord. Facet joints (one pair facing upward and one facing downward) link each vertebra in the spinal column and provide articulation points for movement. Repetitive load-bearing stress, poor weight management, and physical trauma can degrade the cartilage on the facet joints to the point where vertebrae are at risk for compressing nearby spinal nerves.

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At times, generally from trauma or degenerative changes (wear and tear on the body), intervertebral discs located between the vertebral bodies, may herniated, and may push against the nerves leaving the cervical spine, lumbar spine, or thoracic spine. Disc herniations causing symptoms are much more frequent in the cervical spine and lumbar spine than they are in the thoracic spine. This is because the cervical and lumbar spine are subject to much movement, while the thoracic spine is held in a more rigid position as it is supported by the rib cage. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine may cause pain in the leg, and weakness of the leg. A herniated disc in the cervical spine may cause pain in the arm, or weakness of the arm. When a herniated disc in the cervical spine compresses the cervical spinal cord, it may result in a spinal cord injury and possibly partial or complete paralysis, from the level of the spinal cord compression and below. For example, if there is severe pressure on the spinal cord at the level of C5/6, a patient may have good strength in the deltoid muscles at the shoulders, but be otherwise paralyzed in the more distal arms and legs. A herniated disc in the thoracic spine may cause pain around the chest and rib cage, but when pressing on the thoracic spinal cord, may also cause partial or complete paralysis from the level of the compression and down.

Spinal nerves are particularly susceptible to injury, given that they do not regenerate once they have endured sufficient physical trauma. This is why conditions that threaten the integrity of the spinal cord—such as spinal tumors, bone spurs, and spinal fractures—must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Physicians often require several imaging exams, such as CT scans, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging, to determine whether there are any structural problems within the spinal column that may compromise the spinal cord.

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From an anatomical perspective, many patients who suffer from low back pain and strains and sprains often simply need to develop their torso through a series of core strengthening low back strengthening exercises. Increased blood flow will help aid the network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that assist the spinal column of the lumbar spine in distributing the body’s weight. Back pain, when understood and treated, can be improved without surgery. As such, core strengthening is often a hallmark of physical therapy regimens for patients who have undergone spinal procedures. The same can be said for neck pain. Strengthening of the neck and paraspinal muscles adjacent to the cervical spine may help with neck pain. Strengthening of the muscles surrounding the thoracic spine may also help with mid back thoracic pain.

Spine experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX treat disorders of the cervical spine, thoracic spine and lumbar spine. Many patients are seen after experiencing years of spine pain, or after having suffered a car or truck accident. Regardless of the cause or duration of pain, physicians at the KBNI obtain the appropriate imaging studies and nerve studies to look for the source of the pain. After the source of pain is localized, treatment can begin to attempt to treat and improve the pain. Neurosurgeons at the KBNI have found that the majority of patients suffering from pain do not need an operation on the spine, but when surgery is needed, they have the ability to perform the spine surgery using the latest techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery when appropriate.

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

……. 281-713-6296

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

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

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

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

Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, herniated disc, herniated disc surgery, houston, katy, low back pain, neck pain, physical therapy, sciatica, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on June 18, 2014

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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.

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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.

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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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Chiropractor Near Me and Sciatica Exercises with Chiropractor Houston, Sciatica Treatment discussion by KBNI Houston

Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, cervical, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, disc degeneration, herniated disc, houston, injury, katy, low back pain, lumbar, neck pain, sciatica, sciatica exercises, sciatica treatment, sports injury, stretching, sugarland, whiplash, woodlands on June 11, 2014

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A chiropractor near me is often requested by many patients suffering from low back pain or neck pain. Chiropractic care is a branch of alternative medicine that specializes in the prevention and treatment of mechanical problems in the musculoskeletal system (particularly the spine). A chiropractor Houston may be well versed in sciatica treatment, and be able to prescribe the appropriate sciatica exercises to treat low back pain and radicular symptoms known as sciatica.

Radicular symptoms refers the condition where a herniated disc in the neck or low back is pressing upon a nerve in the spinal column. This causes the body to think that pain is coming from the extremity which is supplied by that nerve. For example, if a herniated disc is pressing upon a nerve which goes to the leg, in the lumbar spine, the patient will feel pain in that leg. This sensation of radiating pain, or radicular pain, is known as sciatica. A chiropractor Houston or a chiropractor near me may be able to help this with sciatica exercises. Patients may have suffered an injury such as a car accident (possible whiplash injury or other), or a sports injury, or no injury at all, and simply having awakened one morning with pain.

Chiropractors believe that a compromised musculoskeletal system adversely affects the nervous system and overall physical health. While some physicians may debate the efficacy of chiropractic care as a form of evidence-based medicine, our spines are most certainly involved in every kind of motion: sitting, standing, lifting, bending, twisting, walking, running, etc. Our spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) and facet joints (cartilage-covered joints that link our vertebrae) normally allow for pain-free articulation of the spinal column within a normal range of motion. However, both the spinal discs and facet joints naturally degenerate over time, becoming less capable of managing the body’s movements without producing back pain. Spinal discs become thinner, harder, and less pliable, while the cartilage on the end of facet joints degrades. Finding a chiropractor near me or a chiropractor Houston may help with improvement of some of the symptoms of spinal disc degeneration, and help with sciatica exercises and other forms of sciatica treatment in Houston.

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Compounding all of these natural processes is the risk for physical trauma and structural deformity. If the curve of the spine deviates too far from the norm, severe back pain may result and the patient will likely lose mobility. Chiropractic care can, over several sessions, help to re-align the spine if the patient is suffering from certain structural problems. Physicians will still likely order imaging tests to examine the musculoskeletal system more closely, given that a misdiagnosis can cause serious complications. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will help to see the spinal discs and nerves in high detail. This information will help physicians determine if the patient may experience benefits from chiropractic care (or if, on the other hand, their long-term mobility may be threatened by it).

If a chiropractor near me for chiropractic care is being considered, many physicians recommend supplementing it with a core-strengthening physical therapy regimen. Keeping muscles along the spinal column and throughout the torso strong will allow them to assist the spinal discs and facet joints in bearing the body’s weight during routine movement. Many physical therapy exercises are able to be completed at home, giving patients a continual, long-term option to maximize mobility and mediate pain levels. Sciatica exercises can be performed throughout life, not only for sciatica treatment, but for prevention of sciatica. A chiropractor Houston may be able to provide excellent guidance.

Your physicians will most likely request frequent checkups during your course of treatment. Be sure to tell your doctors all relevant information regarding your mobility and strength, as well as any information regarding changes in your pain levels during physical activity. Honesty will help you minimize back pain and maximize long-term mobility by keeping a healthy spinal column as you age.

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The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX, treats patients with lower back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal fractures, osteoporosis of the spine, and other spinal disorders. Experts at the KBNI believe that most patients experiencing these symptoms can be treated without the need of an operation, but when surgery is necessary, the KBNI can provide the most advanced spine surgery using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. The KBNI philosophy is that a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of low back pain, neck pain, and other spinal disorders, is the best. Chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, pain management, epidural injections, SI joint injections, and other conservative measures play a very significant role in the treatment of spine pain, in addition to the role spine surgery plays.

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 on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain

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

Posted by admin in fracture, injury, review, spinal injury on June 4, 2014

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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.

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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

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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

Posted by admin in back injury, chiropractic, review, spinal injury, sports injury on June 4, 2014

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.

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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

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SPINE PAIN, SCIATICA and LASER TREATMENT review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, Beaumont, Memorial City, TMC (Texas Medical Center)

Posted by admin in laser, pain, sciatica on May 31, 2014

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There is much discussion about the use of the laser for treatment of pain in the spine, or for treatment of pain radiating down the leg, known as sciatica. In order to understand more about this, it is necessary to have a better understanding of what is causing the pain, and what the laser actually does.

The laser is a device which delivers a high amount of focused energy into a small spot. The word LASER stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” When used in the operating room, the laser allows the surgeon the ability to cut or vaporize tissue.

Pain in the lower back, and pain traveling down the lower extremities, is a very common problem facing society. The daily impact which the spine encounters as it keeps us erect and wrlking, constantly battling the forces of gravity, do take their toll upon the spine.

Next, let’s discuss what actually causes pain in the spine, or radiating pain in the lower extremity, known as sciatica. Pain in the spine can come from muscle or ligament strain and sprain, from pressure on nerves, from intervertebral disc injury or tears, or from injury to the facet joints (located between the different vertebral body levels). Pain in the lower extremities (sciatica) may result from pressure on the nerves, from a herniated disc or from arthritis. In order to relieve the pain, the pressure must be removed from the nerve. This can be achieved by removing the portion of the disc which is pressing on the nerve, or drilling away or otherwise removing the bone spur pushing on the nerve. In the event of removing the disc bulge, this can be done by cutting the disc, or pulling the fragment out, or burning or vaporizing this fragment with a laser.

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When we are dealing with pain in the spine (low back pain), the pain can be coming from several sources, as indicated above. When the pain is coming from the facet joint, a procedure can be done to disable the sensory nerves going to the facet joint. This can be done by heating the nerves, either by a heated probe known as a rhizotomy, or by the use of a laser. The nerves which are targeted are known as the medial branches of the spinal nerves which leave the spine.

To summarize, treating back pain or spine pain requires understanding what the source of the pain is. Once this is determined, treatment of the problem can begin. The laser functions as a focused source of heat which can destroy or vaporize tissue. Other methods such as cutting or coagulating can provide a similar result. The laser serves among other tools in the armamentarium of a spine surgeon or pain specialist, but in itself, is still merely a tool. The critical role in treating pain of the spine or sciatica is diagnosing what is causing the pain. The source of the pain can be chronic, or sudden (such as whiplash from a motor vehicle injury).

Experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston focus on discovering what the source and cause of the pain is. They believe that it is only after the cause has been located, that the actual treatment can truly begin. Simply treating the symptom of pain, without trying to find the cause, is not a good long term solution.

The KBNI, in Houston, TX treats patients from Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, Beaumont, Memorial City, and TMC (Texas Medical Center). Patients who are suffering from low back pain, neck pain, and sciatica are welcome to call for an appointment.

They can also visit the website www.spinehealth.com and schedule online.

No testing or imaging studies are needed to make an appointment. Experts at the KBNI will arrange for appropriate studies.

Tags: spine, pain, sciatica, laser, Houston, katy, woodlands, sugarland, kingwood, Beaumont, Memorial City, TMC (Texas Medical Center)

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Spinal Stenosis or Lumbar Stenosis Causes Low Back Pain and Leg Pain, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Humble, Kingwood, Memorial City, Beaumont, Port Arthur

Posted by admin in cervical stenosis, lumbar stenosis, spinal stenosis on May 21, 2014

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Gary Kraus, MD and Masaki Oishi, MD PhD of Kraus Back and Neck Institute, Houtson, TX VIDEO

Depending on where in the spinal column it manifests, spinal stenosis can be an extremely serious condition. Lumbar (low back) spinal stenosis involves the compression of spinal nerves that run along the spinal column. Spinal nerve compression typically causes decreased mobility accompanied by very sharp lower back pain. This type of spinal nerve compression also produces sciatica, which is normally a radiating or shooting pain down one or both of the legs. Lumbar spinal stenosis is normally less serious, given that the spinal cord is not at risk for compression. Cervical spinal stenosis, however, is potentially far more dangerous. The cervical spinal cord can be compressed, causing nerve damage and, if left untreated, paralysis. When a patient experiences lumbar spinal stenosis, symptoms of pain in the lower extremities typically increases when standing or walking, but improves when sitting. This is because the ligamentum flavum, which is the “yellow” ligament which lies behind the nerves, buckles when standing, but stretches and therefore thins when bending or sitting, thus thinning out and relieving pressure on the nerves in the lumbar spine. The pain which a patient experiences in the legs when standing is different than the pain of “vascular claudication” which is pain in the lower extremities which occurs when a patient is walking. This vascular claudication or leg pain results from increases activity of the muscles of the legs, without adequate blood supply to the muscles, because of narrowing of the arteries feeding the muscles in the leg.

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There are several different possible causes for spinal stenosis, and physicians will normally need to conduct imaging tests (CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging MRI , and X-rays) to determine the best course of treatment. Excessive bone growth, herniated (slipped) spinal discs, tumors, overly thick spinal ligaments, and physical trauma can all potentially cause spinal stenosis. Since these problems may need corrective surgery, physicians may require several tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis. In the case of spinal tumors, this will often include a biopsy to determine whether the mass is malignant, as well as if the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Surgery to correct lumbar spinal stenosis is typically called a decompressive lumbar laminectomy, which is a surgery of the lumbar spine to remove the back of the spine, the lamina and spinous processes, and remove the ligamentum flavum, to give the nerves more room, and take away pressure on the nerves.

Several medications, such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers, will often be administered during post-operative care. Physical therapy will also form a cornerstone of a patient’s recovery from spinal stenosis. Physicians typically prescribe a regimen of core strengthening exercises to build up the network of ligaments, muscles, and tendons around the spinal column in order to maximize their ability to assist the spine in bearing the stresses of movement. Increased blood flow and nutrition from aerobic activity will also help in maintaining optimal core strength. Patients should complete their entire physical therapy regimen, as well as adopting long-term core strengthening exercises to lower pain levels and reduce the possibility of subsequent back surgeries.

Spine experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute have significant experience treating patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical spinal stenosis. Patients are treated from Houston and the surrounding areas, including Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Humble, Kingwood, Memorial City, Beaumont and Port Arthur.

“So don’t live in fear and pain.” Come see the experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX.
KRAUS BACK AND NECK INSTITUTE VIDEO, DR GARY KRAUS AND DR MASAKI OISHI

Keywords: spinal stenosis, lumbar stenosis, spinal nerve, physical therapy, core strength, low back pain, leg pain, Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Humble, Kingwood, Memorial City, Beaumont, Port Arthur

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Healthy Diets for Minimizing Low Back Pain and Neck Pain, from KBNI Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Pearland, Katy, Beaumont, Humble, Kingwood, Texas Medical Center, TMC

Posted by admin in healthy diet, low back pain, neck pain, nutritional supplements on May 21, 2014

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Normally, is not the first thing patients think about when considering how to address their low back pain or neck pain. Yet, proper nutrition can have profoundly positive effects on a patient’s lifestyle, including reducing their overall neck and back pain levels. While anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers help to temporarily reduce a patient’s chronic back pain, these medications actually do not address the underlying causes of the pain, some of which may be related to the patient’s diet.

First, proper hydration is crucial in preventing muscle spasms and cramping. Many people do not consume enough water (typically an ounce per pound of body weight, varying according to physical activity) in the course of their daily routines. Severe cramping or muscle spasms can have adverse effects on the spinal column, causing compression in the spinal nerves that in turn produces severe pain. Proper hydration also helps maintain the cartilage between the spinal column’s joints—a dehydrated joint degrades more quickly as a result of the load-bearing stress of daily movement.

Protein—particularly from lean meats and fish—will help maintain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the spinal column. Along with physical therapy and core strengthening exercises, protein is a key component in ensuring the muscles of the spinal column can properly assist the spinal joints in load-bearing activities. Healthy fats from coconuts, beef, and fish will help maintain the cartilage in the spinal column’s joints, as well as the joints in other regions of the body. This significantly lowers the chances that a joint will degrade to the point of compressing nearby spinal nerves.

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Calcium, vitamin D, and many trace nutrients will help maintain proper bone density. This is particularly important in older patients, as osteoporosis (low bone density) can cause weak regions in the bones. When subjected to the normal stresses of daily movement, spinal or hip fractures can lead to dangerous falls in elderly patients. Proper nutrition and nutritional supplements reduces incidence of spinal and hip fractures, in addition to keeping bone density at near-optimal levels.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, believes that proper nutrition and a healthy diet is important for preventing low back pain and neck pain, but additionally, if one already has these conditions, it will help to improve healing and reduce the pain. Proper nutritional counseling may be very important for the healing process. The KBNI treats patients, from the Houston TX area and surrounding areas including Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Pearland, Katy, Beaumont, Humble, Kingwood, and the Texas Medical Center (TMC). Any patients suffering from low back pain or neck pain, in Houston or other areas of the county, are welcome to call for an office appointment. They may also schedule online at www.spinehealth.com

Video for Kraus Back and Neck Instiute and Low Back Pain / Neck Pain

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Sacroiliac Joint Injections SI Joint and Lower Back Pain Treatment in Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Memorial City, Humble, Conroe, Beaumont, College Station, Galleria

Posted by admin in low back pain, nutritional supplements, physical therapy, sacroiliac joint / SI joint, stretching on May 19, 2014

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The sacroiliac joints ( SI joint )are formed between the sacrum (a triangular bone that forms the base of the spinal column) and the ilium (hip bone). A thin layer of cartilage helps the joints articulate, as is the case with the intervertebral joints. Due to their fundamental role in load-bearing and motion, the sacroiliac joints are susceptible to degeneration resulting from repetitive motion, stress, lifting, and excessive use. Patients who suffer from chronic lower back pain may be candidates for sacroiliac joint injections, but accurate diagnosis is essential, given that sacroiliac joint injections administered to a patient with a different condition may be completely ineffective in addressing a patient’s back pain. Diagnosis is very important in the treatment of lower back pain. It is not sufficient to treat the symptoms of lower back pain, but it is best to make the best efforts at finding the cause of the lower back pain, and then treat that casue.

Lower back pain experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston TX, have significant experience in helping patients who have been suffering from lower back pain for a short or long period of time. They treat patients throughout the Houston area, as well as areas neighboring Houston such as the Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Memorial City, Humble, Conroe, Beaumont, College Station, and Galleria. Patients also travel from Austin, Dallas / Ft Worth, and San Antonio.

Physicians typically administer several different physical exams to help them reach an accurate diagnosis: the Gillette test, the Faber maneuver, the Fortin finger test, and the Gaenslen test may all be used, depending on where a patient reports pain in the spinal column. All of these physical exams deal with the sacroiliac joints performing a specific kind of motion—if the patient’s mobility is compromised, he or she may be a candidate for sacroiliac joint ( SI joint ) injections. Further consensus is reached by specific imaging tests: CT scans, X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging, which also help to rule out other causes of lower back pain.

sacroiliac joint injection, SI Joint, lower back pain, physical therapy, corticosteroid, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Memorial City, Humble, Conroe, Beaumont, College Station, Galleria

The procedure itself typically involves the injection of a corticosteroid into the sacroiliac joint ( SI joint ). A local anesthetic numbs the injection site, while dye accompanies the injection to ensure coverage of the sacroiliac joint injection (SI joint ). Corticosteroids act as an anti-inflammatory agent within the joint, ideally reducing pain from load-bearing stress for up to a year. A regimen of physical therapy, proper weight management, and healthy dieting with proper nutrition and nutritional supplements will further help to maximize the positive effects of the procedure. If a patient does not engage in physical therapy to strengthen the support network of muscles around the spinal column, further degeneration of the sacroiliac joint will occur at an accelerated pace. This could lead to worsening or more chronic lower back pain. Core strengthening is very important to preventing and improving lower back pain. If one would eventually require a lower back surgery which involves a fusion, it is important to stop smoking before the spinal fusion surgery, as smoking will decrease likelihood of a successful fusion of bone occurring.

Since the corticosteroid’s effectiveness will eventually wear off, sacroiliac joint injections are viewed as a short-term solution to reducing a patient’s back pain. Long-term focus must be placed on living a healthy, preventative lifestyle designed to maximize the life of the joint and minimize pain. Physical therapy may include instruction on new ways of lifting, standing, walking, and load-bearing. If lower back pain is persistent, and the SI joint injections improve the pain, then one can consider rhizotomies (burning of the nerves to the SI joint) of nerves to the SI joint, or SI joint fusion.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) has vast experience in treating patients with lower back pain. Patients suffering from lower back pain can call the KBNI to arrange for an evaluation. Patients do not need to have had any types of imaging or other studies. Lower back pain experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute will order the appropriate studies. In the majority of cases, lower back pain can be treated without the need for surgery. If surgery is needed, neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute have tremendous experience in utilizing the appropriate surgery on the lower back, to get patients back to their normal life as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Patients in the Houston and surrounding areas (Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Memorial City, Humble, Conroe, Beaumont, College Station, Galleria) are welcome to be evaluated, or come in for questions.

Keywords: sacroiliac joint injection, SI Joint, lower back pain, physical therapy, corticosteroid, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Memorial City, Humble, Conroe, Beaumont, College Station, Galleria

sacroiliac joint injection, SI joint, lower back pain, Houston, Katy, Woodlands

Beaumont, College Station, Conroe, corticosteroid, Galleria, Houston, Humble, Katy, lower back pain, Memorial City, physical therapy, sacroiliac joint injection, SI Joint, Sugarland, Woodlands

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Spinal Fusion including Lumbar Fusion and Cervical Fusion for Pain and Nerve Compression in Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Humble, Kingwood, Conroe and Beaumont

Posted by admin in cervical fusion, fusion, low back pain, lumbar fusion, neck pain, pain, spinal fusion on May 18, 2014

spinal fusion, lumbar fusion, cervical fusion, nerve compression, pain, Houston, katy, woodlands, sugarland, memorial city, texas medical center, TMC, humble, kingwood, Conroe, beaumont

Bone fusion (also called arthrodesis) (when performed in the low back spine is called lumbar fusion, when performed in the neck is called cervical fusion) is the procedure by which bones are joined at specific joints, most often to alleviate pain. The new fused bones are allowed to grow together. This lowers pain levels because at common bone fusion sites (lumbar or lower spine, wrists, ankles, or thumbs, neck or cervical spine) there are often nerves nearby that are responsible for sensation, as well as recognition of joint position and movement. Bones on either side of the deteriorating joint can compress these nerves and cause extreme pain. Fusing these bones significantly lowers the incidence of nerve irritation, and when bone spurs are removed, can reduce nerve compression.

Causes for a patient desiring bone fusion surgery, or spinal fusion surgery can include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as severe back pain due to tumors or herniated (slipped) discs. Like other joints in the body, the discs (shock-absorbing pads) between our spinal vertebrae, can wear out. Nerve compression in the spine occurs much more frequently when these spinal discs have been thinned or ruptured by age and activity. The arthritis, as well as the chronic herniated discs, can compress nerves passing next to them. As in other regions of the body, bone fusion is a possible solution for reducing pain, but it will eliminate mobility at that particular joint.

Neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, in Houston, have a significant experience with utilizing spinal fusion (lumbar fusion, cervical fusion) to treat neck pain and low back pain in patients. They have offices located in Houston and surrounding areas of Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Humble, Kingwood, Conroe, and Beaumont.

Bone fusion is somewhat unique in that in many cases, it seeks to mimic the body’s natural healing response. In one version, bone is taken from another region in the body and inserted between the two or more bones that are being fused together. This “foreign” bone stimulates bone growth during post-operative care, as it is placed under pressure and adjacent to other bone, which has been prepared to grow into the new bone graft. Other versions of bone fusion or spinal fusion may include implantation of wires, metal plates, screws, and other devices to accurately position the new joint, and keep it immobile, while the new bone is trying to grow into the bone graft. Adequate rest and physical therapy during post-operative care are absolutely essential to ensure that a proper bone fusion takes place. If the new joint is displaced by excessive movement, subsequent corrective surgeries may be necessary to re-set the bone.

spinal fusion, lumbar fusion, cervical fusion, nerve compression, pain, Houston, katy, woodlands, sugarland, memorial city, texas medical center, TMC, humble, kingwood, Conroe, beaumont

The technique of lumbar fusion or cervical fusion (spinal fusion) can be performed in several ways. The general principle is to have bone grow across the currently mobile disc space. A number of techniques are possible. One approach is to try to achieve this fusion on the sides of the spine, between what are known as transverse processes, which project outward from the vertebral bodies. In doing so, the surgeon exposes these transverse processes during the operation, and removes the outer coating of the bone, known as the cortex, thus exposing the inner cancellous bone, which is the honeycomb type of bone seen when one breaks open a chicken bone. With the outer hard cortex removed, the inner cancellous bone will attempt to grow into the bone graft which it is in contact with. This bone graft can be placed on the side of the spine, which is known as a lumbar posterolateral fusion. It can also be placed between the vertebral bodies, which is known as an interbody fusion. When this type of lumbar fusion is performed, it is called a lumbar intervertebral body fusion. When this type of cervical fusion is performed, it is called a an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). In the cervical spine, this type of fusion is generally performed through an anterior approach, which means going in through the front of the neck. When this interbody fusion is performed in the lumbar spine, it can be performed from the back of the spine (known as a PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) or a TLIF (transverse lumber interbody fusion), the front of the spine (known as an ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion). It can also be performed from the side of the spine, known as an XLIF (extreme lateral interbody fusion) or a DLIF (direct lateral interbody fusion) (these different names utilized basically the same lateral approach, but were given different names by two different manufacturers of the spinal hardware equipment (Nuvasive and Medtronic). It can also be performed through an approach going straight up the spine, through an incision made next to the tail bone, known as an AXIALIF (axial lumbar interbody fusion), the instruments of which are manufactured by TranS1.

There are also a number of different grafts which can be used for promoting the bone growth in a spinal fusion. Cadaver bone can be used, which is harvested from cadavers. This is known as allograft. Bone can be taken from the patient undergoing surgery, either from a different site or from the same site. This is known as autograft. Substances known as bone morphogenic protein (BMP) ( Medtronic manufactures Infuse) can be used locally to promote bone growth. Stem cells, taken from the patient’s own blood which has been spun down in a centrifuge, can be placed over the graft to help promote bone growth.

Candidates for bone fusion / spinal fusion also need to be aware of the effects of smoking on the procedure. Osteoblasts (bone-growing cells) are needed in droves to ensure a speedy recovery. One of the addictive chemicals in cigarettes, nicotine, is toxic to osteoblasts and can substantially lengthen the time necessary for a complete bone fusion, or even make it impossible to achieve. Smokers are advised to abstain before and after the procedure.

Patients suffering pain in the neck, low back, or other portions of the spine, can call the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX. They will be evaluated and appropriate tests will be ordered. No imaging studies are required for patients to be seen.

http://www.spinepain.com/anterior-cervical-discectomy-with-fusion-kraus-back-neck-institute.html

http://www.neurosurgery.com

http://www.neurosurgeryhouston.com/services/spine-conditions

spinal fusion, cervical fusion, lumbar fusion for nerve compression and pain in Houston

Key Words: spinal fusion, lumbar fusion, cervical fusion, nerve compression, pain, Houston, katy, woodlands, sugarland, memorial city, texas medical center, TMC, humble, kingwood, Conroe, beaumont

Beaumont, cervical fusion, Conroe, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, lumbar fusion, Memorial City, nerve compression, pain, spinal fusion, Sugarland, texas medical center, TMC, Woodlands

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Nutritional Supplements for Bone Growth from KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Sugarland

Posted by admin in bone growth, low bone density, nutritional supplements, osteoporosis on May 17, 2014

nutritional supplements, bone growth, low bone density, osteoporosis, Houston, Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Sugarland

Proper bone growth during physical development and maintenance of bone mass in the adult years are both extremely important in preventing osteoporosis (low bone density). Osteoporosis can produce many different varieties of hollowness in the bone, lowering overall bone density and increasing the likelihood of fracture. Bones that bear a lot of stress in everyday movement are particularly susceptible to fracture in a patient with osteoporosis. Older persons with osteoporosis are at risk for fractured hips, which may cause dangerous and even life-threatening falls. Regular nutritional supplements for bone growth can minimize the possibility of fracture while also granting patients increased mobility and decreased levels of bone pain. Bones will be stronger and hence more stable and capable of evenly distributing and supporting the body’s weight.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, recognizes that in order for the body to heal, proper nutrition is important. Nutrition can improved with supplements. This is critical when the body is healing from injury or from surgery. Increases in body metabolism after an injury or surgery make it important for the body to have the proper nutrients, or building blocks, so that it can begin the process of repair. It is also important to try to curtail smoking, as this will decrease the likelihood of a successful fusion healing. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) is located in Houston, TX. The philosophy of the KBNI is to use conservative treatments for low back pain and neck pain when possible, but utilizing surgery when necessary. The KBNI treats patients throughout the Houston area, as well as the surrounding communities of the Woodlands, Katy, Kingwood, Katy, Sugarland, Spring, Humble and Memorial City. Patients are also seen form areas throughout Texas, including Austin, Dallas / Ft. Worth, and San Antonio.

nutritional supplements, bone growth, low bone density, osteoporosis, Houston, Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Sugarland

A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is a good place to begin. Calcium and vitamin D have been shown to aid in bone growth, as have a number of trace nutrients like boron, magnesium, strontium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Many of these trace nutrients also have several other helpful uses within the body. Due to the fact that most of the bone mass (approximately 90%) is developed before a person turns twenty years of age, it is never too early to begin a healthy diet further enriched by nutritional supplements. Continuing this trend into adulthood can help maintain bone density and promote bone growth at near-peak levels. This will also minimize the chances that young and middle-aged persons do not develop low bone density.

Healthy dieting, proper weight management, and nutritional supplements can all be aided by regular exercise. Aerobic activity, yoga, Tai Chi, and other activities that emphasize strength, flexibility, and endurance help to develop the supporting network of ligaments, muscles, and tendons. These tissues, when properly maintained, help the bones in distributing and managing the body’s weight during physical activities. Following a total regimen—diet, weight management, and exercise—will maximize bone health and regeneration for patients of any age.

Keywords: nutritional supplements, bone growth, low bone density, osteoporosis, Houston, Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Memorial City, Kingwood, Humble, Sugarland

bone growth, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, low bone density, Memorial City, nutritional supplements, osteoporosis, Spring, Sugarland, Woodlands

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How Smoking Affects Spinal Fusion and Surgeries – Back and Neck Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio

Posted by admin in low back pain, neck pain, spine surgery on May 15, 2014

smoking, spinal fusion, physical therapy, osteoblasts, back surgery, Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio

Spinal fusion is a procedure which fuses two or more vertebrae in the spinal column together. This surgical procedure can compensate for spinal discs (shock-absorbing pads between each vertebra) that have degenerated to the point where the spinal nerves are at risk for compression. The stress of major back surgery is such that smokers will often be tempted to smoke more in the aftermath and during recovery. Dr. Gary Kraus and Dr. Masaki Oishi at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston TX, have extensive history of performing fusion of the spine, including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. They have several offices around Houston serving patients in Houston, Kingwood, Humble, Katy, Woodlands, Pearland, Memorial City, Quite simply, it is absolutely preferable that patients cease smoking for at least two months prior to spinal fusion and for at least six months after any major bone alteration within the spinal column. Better still if patients are able to quit smoking indefinitely. Nicotine, one of the primary addictive chemicals in cigarettes, is toxic to bone growth. The balance of the body’s osteoblasts (bone-growing cells) and osteoclasts (bone-eating cells) is severely compromised by smoking during both the pre- and post-operative periods. Large decreases in the number of osteoblasts means that bone generative capacity is vastly reduced, signaling a long (and possibly ineffective) spinal fusion process. Normally, patients decide on spinal fusion and similar back surgery due to increases in back pain and a corresponding decrease in mobility. If patients continue to smoke during the post-operative period, bone fusion—if it even takes place—will take much longer. This means that patients will face many more months of decreased mobility and elevated levels of back pain. Though a nicotine addiction may be strong, abstinence from smoking during the pre- and post-operative period will shorten recovery time significantly. Non-smoking patients will also be more capable of participating in aerobic portions of physical therapy, which stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to areas around the spinal column. This extra nutrition will further speed the process of recovery. Though the precise method of physical rehabilitation may depend on the complexity of the spinal surgery and the patient’s overall health, the absence of nicotine from the patient’s daily life will optimize his or her chances at an effective spinal fusion. Patients suffering from low back pain and neck pain can easily make an appointment and be seen at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston and surrounding areas. No imaging or other studies are needed to be seen. The doctors at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute will order the appropriate testing.

smoking, spinal fusion, physical therapy, osteoblasts, back surgery, Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio

http://www.spinepain.com/

http://www.neurosurgery.com

http://lowback-pain.com

http://spinehealth.com

Keywords: smoking, spinal fusion, physical therapy, osteoblasts, back surgery, Houston, Katy, Humble, Woodlands, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Memorial City, Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth, San Antonio

Austin, back surgery, Dallas, Ft Worth, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, osteoblasts, physical therapy, San Antonio, smoking, spinal fusion, Sugar Land, Woodlands

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Reducing Neck Pain…… Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial City, Galleria…. 281-713-6296

Posted by admin in cervical, neck pain, physical therapy, stretching on May 15, 2014

Reducing Neck Pain

neck pain, stretching, physical therapy, muscle tension, spinal column, Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial City, Galleria

Along with low back pain, neck pain is one of the most prolific afflictions of the modern workplace. Millions of workers across the globe work in positions that are mainly sedentary, many of which requiring long hours in the sitting position. This translates into increased stress on the cervical vertebrae (upper spine) and the intervertebral discs (shock-absorbing pads between each vertebra), as well as elevated levels of muscle tension in the upper spinal column. As the duration of muscle tension increases, the muscles themselves are deprived of blood and oxygen. They can eventually begin to spasm, which leads to sharp pain and a chance of compressing spinal nerves that run through the vertebrae.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute located in Houston, TX, has vast experience treating patients with neck pain. Conveniently located with offices through the Houston area, patients are seen from Katy, Galleria, Memorial City, Sugar Land, Pearland, Inner Loop, the Woodlands, Kingwood, Humble, Splendora, Conroe and Magnolia. For those patients traveling from Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, or other cities across the United States, travel accommodations can be arranged.

Fortunately, due to most incidence of neck pain being the result of sedentary work, there are many ways in which to reduce most patients’ pain levels. First, patients are advised to be conscious of their daily activity. If you find yourself staring at your computer monitor or desk for extended periods of time, give your body frequent breaks. Take five to ten minutes of every hour and get up, walk around, and rotate the neck and shoulder blades. Light aerobic activity and muscle movement will increase blood circulation, bringing nutrition and oxygen to your muscles. This will help prevent cramping and muscle spasms in addition to reducing neck pain.

Other common neck strengthening exercises include slow, deliberate stretches, head rotations / neck rolls, and shoulder shrugs. This will help develop the network of supporting muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the upper spinal column. Some patients, however, may suffer from more than simple hypomobility (low mobility). If a regimen of physical therapy does not significantly improve a patient’s range of motion and decrease pain levels, a structural deformity, disease, or spinal fracture may be the cause. Physicians typically employ imaging exams—CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-rays—to determine whether structural problems are the problem. Neck surgery may be necessary, in addition to a lengthy post-operative period of physical therapy and rest.

neck pain, stretching, physical therapy, muscle tension, spinal column, Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial City, Galleria

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute sees patients who have neck pain, arm pain, and other disorders of the spine. Patients do not need any imaging studies or other tests. Appropriate testing can be ordered after patients are evaluated. Most patients suffering from neck pain can be treated successfully without the need for surgery.

Keywords: neck pain, physical therapy, muscle tension, spinal column, Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Memorial City, Galleria,

Galleria, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, muscle tension, neck pain, physical therapy, spinal column, Spring, Woodlands

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

Posted by admin in back injury prevention, core strengthening exercise, low back pain, neck pain on May 15, 2014

Core Strengthening Exercises help Low Back Pain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Herniated Disc Injury (Motor Vehicle Injury, Truck Injury) : Review of Treatment in Houston Katy Woodlands Spring Humble Baytown Beaumont Port Arthur

Posted by admin in herniated disc, review, sciatica on May 11, 2014

Herniated Disc Injury (Motor Vehicle Injury, Truck Injury)

herniated disc, physical therapy, back pain, spinal nerve, Houston, Galleria, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Memorial City, motor vehicle injury, truck injury

Spinal discs are the pads between each vertebra of the spinal column. They act as shock absorbers for the body, compensating for the stresses of everyday movement: running, jumping, sitting, standing, walking, etc. Each disc has a tough, durable exterior but is filled with a soft, jelly-like material. Herniated discs occur when stress (usually from natural wear and tear as we age, but occasionally from improper lifting or other kinds of physical trauma) (motor vehicle injury, truck injury) pushes some of the softer material through a rupture in the exterior portion of the disc. This can aggravate or compress nearby spinal nerves, causing extreme pain. Depending on the seriousness of the spinal nerve compression, back pain may be accompanied by numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, and a shooting or radiating pain in any of the extremities. If any of these symptoms accompany a patient’s back pain, immediate medical consultation is advised. Continual compression of spinal nerves can lead to permanent damage, which may include a loss of sensation. Experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, have significant experience treating thousands of patients suffering from the low back pain, leg pain and sciatica of herniated discs in the lumbar spine. Dr. Gary Kraus and Dr. Masaki Oishi take a very conservative approach to treating patients suffering from these disorders, and in most cases find that patients can be effectively treated, with significant pain reduction, without the need of an operation. Dr Kraus and Dr Oishi have extensive experience taking care of patients who have been in automobile injuries, truck injuries, or suffered other types of motor vehicle injuries.

Physical therapy in combination with anti-inflammatories and rest may significantly reduce the back pain associated with a herniated disc. A licensed medical professional will, through a specialized regimen of physical therapy, show patients new techniques that minimize the possibility of re-injury. In particular, torsional or lateral movement while lifting should be minimized, as these methods can significantly raise pressure within the spinal column, leading to an increased likelihood of a herniated disc.

For seriously herniated discs, surgical procedures may be necessary. Spinal fusion, a procedure in which the vertebrae are fused together, can eliminate the pain caused by worn intervertebral discs. Artificial discs are also an option—these discs can now match a natural disc in durability. Surgery should be considered only as a last resort, however. The costliness and lengthy rehabilitation periods during post-operative care for most spinal surgeries mean that physicians typically recommend surgery only after physical therapy, healthy dieting, exercise, and weight management have failed to improve a patient’s quality of life or lower levels of back pain.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, treats and will review patients from Houston, Katy, Inner Loop, Memorial City, Galleria, the Woodlands, Sugar Land, Humble and Spring. Many patients may have been in automobile injuries or truck injuries. Patients are welcome to call the Kraus Back and Neck Institute. No films or other studies are needed. Appropriate imaging studies and other tests may be ordered if indicated and needed.

http://www.spinepain.com/surgical-procedures-kraus-back-neck-institute.html

http://www.neckpain.com/spinal-surgery-kraus-back-neck-institute.html

http://www.surgeryspine.com/lower-back-lumbar-surgery-kraus-neck-institute.html

Keywords: herniated disc, physical therapy, back pain, spinal nerve, Houston, Galleria, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Memorial City, motor vehicle injury, truck injury

back pain, Galleria, herniated disc, Houston, Humble, Katy, Memorial City, physical therapy, review, spinal nerve, Spring, the Woodlands

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Spinal Acupuncture (Houston, Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Humble, Kingwood)

Posted by admin in acupuncture, back pain, neck pain, sciatica on May 3, 2014

Spinal Acupuncture

acupuncture houston low back pain neck pain, sciatica, katy, woodlands, river oaks, memorial city

While spinal acupuncture is not a typical option for treating neck and back pain, there are many patients who will testify to its beneficial effects. While the end results can vary widely depending on the severity of the patient’s back pain, Western physicians generally agree that spinal acupuncture is capable of stimulating a patient’s central nervous system. Patients may experience low back pain, neck pain, herniated dics, spinal stenosis, as well as sciatica. They may have suffered injury to the spine. A series of FDA-approved needles—different gauges are used at the physician’s discretion—are inserted to varying depths and at varying locations depending on the patient’s condition. The needles are extremely thin, usually around twenty times thinner than most hypodermic needles used in typical procedures. Many patients may not consider spinal acupuncture due to a fear of these needles, but acupuncture needles are also solid, which means that they do not remove tissue, whereas a hypodermic needle does. A thin, solid acupuncture needle, then, typically causes less pain than a hypodermic needle of equivalent size.

At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, Dr. Kraus and Dr. Oishi are extremely experienced at treating spinal injuries with conservative as well as surgical measures. There is a significant role for many types of conservative treatments, including the role of acupuncture in the treatment of spinal disorders and pain. The Kraus Back and Neck Institute treats patients from Houston and the surrounding areas, including Tomball, Katy, Memorial City, Spring, the Woodlands, Humble, Atascocita, Conroe, Kingwood, Galleria, the inner loop area, River Oaks, Sugar Land, Pearland, Galveston, Beaumont and Port Arthur, and other cities in Texas including Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth and San Antonio.

Spinal acupuncture patients most often report tingling sensations around the spine, an increase in sensation that can be the result of increased blood flow. This blood flow can offer relief for patients diagnosed with hypomobility (low mobility) of the spinal joints, as it brings oxygen and nutrition to the affected areas, especially when employed in conjunction with a regimen of physical therapy. It should also be noted that spinal acupuncture seems to be at least partially dependent on patient psychology—meaning that its effectiveness may be increased (or decreased) by the way the patient chooses to engage mentally with the treatment.

In some medical circles, acupuncture is also thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the body’s naturally manufactured means of reducing pain. Though it may be tempting for patients to rely solely on the endorphins released during acupuncture sessions, other medical consultation is strongly advised. A regimen of physical therapy, healthy dieting, and proper weight management can all do their part in reducing low back pain over the long term.

For more information about conservative care of the spine, for the treatment of low back pain, neck pain, herniated disc in the low back or neck, sciatics, degenerative disc disease as well as spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, in Houston TX. Call 281-713-6296 to schedule an appointment.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute treats patients from Houston and the surrounding areas of the Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Sugarland and Humble. They also treat patients from Austin, Dallas, Ft Worth and San Antonio, among other cities in Texas. They see patients who have not had any imaging studies, and will order the appropriate testing.

Keywords: spinal acupuncture, acupuncture, hypodermic needle, low back pain, physical therapy, sciatica, low back pain, neck pain, Houston, Woodlands, Tomball, Katy, Memorial City, River Oaks

www.spinepain.com

www.neckpain.com

www.spinehealth.com

acupuncture, Houston, hypodermic needle, Katy, low back pain, Memorial City, neck pain, physical therapy, River Oaks, sciatica, spinal acupuncture, Tomball, Woodlands

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Spinal Cord Injuries

OPIOID PAIN MEDICATION FOR THE SPINE; INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS

Multiple Sclerosis and Neurological Conditions that Affect the Spine review by KBNI Houston

Spinal Nerve Compression: When to Seek Medical Consultation

MOBILITY DURING RECOVERY FROM BACK SURGERY

CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT

Infections, Pain and Back Surgery Review

SPINAL FACET JOINT PAIN

Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain and Disc Myths, Houston

Epidural Steroid Injections

Holistic Acupuncture and Back Pain in Houston

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

Osteoporosis vs Osteopenia review KBNI Houston

Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI and Herniated Disc by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Memorial City, Texas

Foraminotomy vs Laminectomy vs Discectomy Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, Spring

Spinal Imaging Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Spine with MRI and CT by KBNI Houston

SPINE HEALTH CORE STRENGTHENING HOUSTON

Reducing Neck Pain

Core Strengthening Exercises help Low Back Pain

Herniated Disc Injury (Motor Vehicle Injury, Truck Injury)

Spinal Acupuncture

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