Posts Tagged spine
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
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
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.
REFERENCE SITES
Patients suffering from neck pain or back pain, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
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
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
spine, lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring
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.
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
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.
cervical spine, 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
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.
lumbar spine, 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
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Patients suffering from a herniated disc can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
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
thoracic spine, 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
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
spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood
A spine injury fracture is typically a serious injury that occurs when the integrity of the vertebrae (bones of the spine) is compromised, either by physical trauma or by a medical condition like osteoporosis (low bone density). Physicians use three main classifications for spine injury fractures in order to document the pattern of injury: 1) flexion fracture pattern (when one side of the vertebra loses height, usually from a fall from height), 2) extension fracture pattern (when the vertebra is pulled apart, such as in a car accident), and 3) rotation fracture pattern (severe rotation of the vertebra and surrounding soft tissues). A spinal injury fracture may also be further classified based on whether it ishas affected the integrity of the spinal cord.
If a spine injury fracture is suspected, immediate medical attention is advised. The spine serves as the seat of almost all everyday movement, and if its structure is compromised, the injury can have long-term effects on a patient’s mobility. The situation is particularly dangerous if the displacement of vertebral bone shards have compressed or otherwise injured the spinal cord, which is a structure that houses the central spinal nerves that run the length of the spinal column. These spinal nerves control sensation and voluntary muscle control for much of the body. If the spinal cord suffers sufficient physical trauma from a fracture pattern, the patient may be paralyzed in all the regions of the body that received information from the spinal nerves below the injury site.
spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood
Spine injury fracture may involve several types of fracture, described as compression fracture, osteoporotic compression fracture, burst fracture, vertebral compression fracture, pathologic fracture, spinous process fracture, or facet fracture. Some fractures may be stable, and will heal on their own, while other spine injury fractures will require surgery to stabilize them. Some fractures will create a kyphosis deformity of the spine, in which the patient leans forward.
Unfortunately, physical trauma need not be serious in order for a spine injury fracture to occur. Such an injury often occurs in the course of everyday movement, such as when a patient bends to pick something up or lifts a bag of groceries. Sudden sharp pain may even be accompanied by a loss in height, which can indicate the simultaneous collapse of multiple vertebrae. Compression and distortion of the spinal column can compress the stomach, causing stomach pain and digestive problems. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture pattern, patients may also need surgery. Most efforts to surgically repair spinal fractures also result in lengthy periods of post-operative care, supplemented by physical therapy, rest, and subsequent medical examinations to maximize the chances of a positive recovery.
At the Kraus Back and Neck Instiute (KBNI) in Houston TX, patients are treated for spine injury fractures, whether they are acute or chronic. Doctors at the KBNI will order the appropriate imaging studies, and guide patients to a path of fracture healing and pain improvement.
The KBNI serves patients throughout the Houston and surrounding areas, including Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Memorial City and Kingwood.
To schedule a visit, patients can
…. Schedule an office visit online at www.SpineHealth.com
…. Call 281-713-6296 to arrange an appointment
Keywords: spine, injury, fracture, Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Memorial City, Kingwood
SPINE PAIN, SCIATICA and LASER TREATMENT review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Kingwood, Beaumont, Memorial City, TMC (Texas Medical Center)
spine, pain, sciatica, laser, Houston, katy, woodlands, sugarland, kingwood, Beaumont, Memorial City, TMC (Texas Medical Center)
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.
laser treatment for spine pain sciatica Houston
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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