Posts Tagged the Woodlands

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

Cervical Sprain and Cervical Strain

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

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

 

A high quality of life is dependent on many things, one of which is the pain-free operation of our joints over a normal range of motion. When a cervical sprain or strain occurs, however, patients typically experience headaches, neck pain that grows worse over time, and moderate-to-severe muscle tension in the neck. All of these symptoms reduce mobility and range of motion, things that can substantially lower one’s quality of life given how frequently we need to move our necks and rotate our heads.

 

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

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

 

There is a difference between cervical sprain and cervical strain.  Cervical sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, which is a band of connective tissue which connects one bone to another.  A cervical strain is an injury to a muscle and/or a tendon, which is a fibrous cord of tissue which attaches muscles to a bone.

 

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

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

 

Most commonly, cervical sprains and / or strains occur during an acceleration-deceleration injury (usually called whiplash, as these injuries frequently occur as a result of an automobile accident). Portions of the neck may be temporarily extended beyond their normal range of motion and patients experience inflammation along the spinal column and corresponding headaches. Damage to the spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) may also occur, placing nearby spinal nerves at risk for compression. If the spinal discs become herniated (slipped, or ruptured) as a result of the accident, patients may find it necessary to implement a long-term physical therapy regimen or chiropractic treatment in order to preserve mobility.

 

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

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

 

Generally, cervical sprain or cervical strain is treatable in the same ways that common muscle strains, sprains, and pulls are: rest, hydration, and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen all help to mediate acute pain levels and restore some degree of the patient’s prior mobility. If the whiplash injury was severe or if the patient’s range of motion has declined considerably (along with acute neck pain), doctors will likely advocate for imaging exams to determine the extent of the damage within the neck. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help doctors examine the soft tissues in the neck (spinal nerves, muscles, ligaments, spinal discs) to narrow the possible root causes for patients’ neck pain.

 

When it comes to preserving-long-term mobility, most physicians will recommend physical therapy or chiropractic therapy that emphasizes core strength training. Strong muscles along the spinal column, throughout the torso, and including the shoulders and neck will allow these muscles to assist in managing the weight of the skull. Strong muscles will relieve pressure from spinal discs, lowering the incidence of compressed spinal nerves and ultimately lowering a patient’s pain levels. Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy will also help maintain a patient’s general quality of life as they age by building flexibility and maintaining optimal muscle mass. Finally, physical therapy or chiropractic treatment will allow patients the best chance at re-gaining a relatively pain-free range of motion.

 

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Pearland, Galleria, Beaumont, Baytown, Clear Lake, Port Arthur, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Memorial City, Humble, Kingwood, Conroe, Tomball, Missouri City, Texas City, and Texas Medical Center (TMC)

 

Patients suffering from a low back pain or neck pain, or who have been told they may require a low back surgery or neck sugery, can

contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

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

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

 

Keywords: cervical sprain, cervical strain, neck pain, range of motion, physical therapy, chiropractic, spinal, injury, Houston, Kingwood, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont

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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

facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal

facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal

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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.

facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal

facet joint, low back pain, back pain, physical therapy, spinal column, spondylolisthesis, spinal

 

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.

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

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

 

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.

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

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

 

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

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                         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

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

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

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Disc Degeneration

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                          Disc Degeneration

 

 

Between each vertebra of the spinal column there is a semi-flexible disc that acts as a shock absorber for the body. The intervertebral discs help in load-bearing work, as well as any activity requiring movement or flexion of the spine. Over time, these discs naturally degrade (disc degeneration), but injuries, poor diet, weight gain, repetitive stress, or structural deformities can all accelerate the degenerative process. Sufficient trauma may cause the disc to rupture—a serious condition that can cause the two surrounding vertebrae to compress spinal nerves, causing extreme pain and possible muscle weakness and loss of sensation.  Expert doctors / neurosurgeons / spine surgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX have a vast amount of experience in treating patients with pain related to disc degeneration, degenerative disc disease , neck pain, low back pain, and sciatica.

If the progression of disc degeneration is significantly faster than normal, the patient may have a structural deformity that is contributing to the problem. A thorough medical exam is advised, during which the attending physician may advise several imaging tests to accurately diagnose the cause of the accelerated degeneration. Typically, the most advanced degeneration occurs in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine (low on the spinal column), due to the constant load-bearing stress placed on these intervertebral discs in the standing and sitting positions.  Dr. Gary Kraus and Dr. Masaki Oishi, neurosurgeons at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, find that most patients suffering from herniated disc of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, can be treated without the need for an operation.  Very often, the pain of the low back or neck pain, and any associated radicular symptoms such as sciatica, often improve without surgical treatment.

Patients who are extremely active in sports or manual labor may find that drastic changes to their daily lifestyle are necessary. A regimen of physical therapy will offer instruction in new lifting techniques, as well as core strengthening exercises that will help develop the muscles of the torso. As core strengthening improves, the network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the torso will begin to relieve some of the load-bearing stress from the spine.

More severe cases of disc degeneration may necessitate surgical procedures. Modern advancements in medical technology have improved the artificial disc to the point that it can mimic a natural disc both in function and durability. Other surgical procedures—such as spinal fusion—may be used in severe cases of disc degeneration to reduce the possibility of compressed spinal nerves. Many of these procedures are quite costly and have lengthy rehabilitation periods, however, so they are often advised only when absolutely necessary to improve the quality of a patient’s daily life.

Patients in Houston, as well as other parts of Texas and the United States, are welcome to contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute, for treatment of their degenerative disc disease, or any other low back pain, neck pain, or sciatica.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute is very convenient to, and routinely treats patients in Houston, Katy, Memorial, Westchase, Inner Loop, Galleria, the Woodlands, Sugar Land, Conroe, Beaumont, Tomball, and Galveston.

http://www.spinehealth.com/degenerated-disc-disease.php

http://www.neckpain.com/cervical-degenerative-disc-disease-houston.html

http://www.spinesurgery.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease

Keywords: Houston, physical therapy, disc degeneration, spinal column, core strengthening, sciatica, Katy, Memorial, Westchase, Inner Loop, Galleria, the Woodlands, Sugar Land, Conroe, Beaumont, Tomball, and Galveston

degenerative disc disease houston sciatica low back pain

 

disc degeneration houston neck pain back pain sciatica Katy, Memorial, Westchase, Inner Loop, Galleria, the Woodlands, Sugar Land, Conroe, Beaumont, Tomball, and Galveston


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