Posts Tagged the Woodlands
Cervical Sprain and Cervical Strain: Review by KBNI Houston, Kingwood, Katy, the Woodlands, Spring, Sugarland, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont
Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, cervical sprain, cervical strain, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, Clear Lake, conroe, Galleria, Galveston, houston, katy, Kingwood, Memorial City, Missouri City, neck pain, physical therapy, Port Arthur, range of motion, Sealy, spinal injury, Spring, sugarland, Texas City, Tomball, woodlands on April 21, 2016
Cervical Sprain and Cervical Strain

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
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
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
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
High Deductible Health Plans, Health Savings Accounts and Future of Healthcare review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Spring, Pearland, Conroe, Kingwood, Humble, Sealy, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Port Arthur
Posted by admin in baytown, beaumont, conroe, deductible, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, Galveston, HDHP, health, health insurance, health reimbursement arrangement, health savings account, high deductible, high deductible health plan, houston, HRA, HSA, Humble, insurance, insurance agent, katy, Kingwood, medical bills, medical debt, out of pocket, Pearland, Port Arthur, Sealy, Spring, sugarland, Tomball, woodlands on January 17, 2016
High Deductible Health Plans, Health Savings Accounts and Future of Healthcare

high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket
As we enter the changing world of healthcare insurance and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), it is critical for patients to understand policies which the United States Government has implemented to help protect employees. At the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI), the commitment to help patients remains the highest priority. As deductibles and maximum out of pocket expenses are increasing with high deductible health plans (HDHP), it is important for patients to understand Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). Without the full and proper understanding of these, patients might not be aware of how to continue to receive excellent healthcare, at an affordable price. In order for patients to receive the best healthcare possible, they must be well versed in the arrangements which the government has set in place to help them.
Patients who are enrolled in insurance plans with high deductibles, are undergoing fewer imaging studies, according to research performed by Kimberley Geissler, assistant professor of health policy and managementat the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/patients-high-health-insurance-deductibles In fact, according to the study, patients in these health plans undergo about 7.5 percent fewer diagnostic procedures including MRI, X-ray, and CT scans than patients with lower deductible plans. In this study, insurance plans with an annual deductible of at least $1,000 for individuals and $2,400 for families were considered high deductible.

high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket
High deductible plans are increasing in popularity due to the appeal of lower premium costs. Initially, the high deductible plans were felt to have lower costs, as far as patient premiums were concerned. The reality of these coverages occurred when it came time for patients to use the plans. Then, significant costs were incurred, as patients had to often meet high deductibles, before the benefits of the plans kicked in. Patients must understand how to utilize the opportunities of HSA, FSA and HRA accounts, to counteract this, and make the high deductibles and high maximum out of pocket expenses affordable.

high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket, Houston, Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston
The good news is that the Federal Government has implemented several programs to help protect patients, and shield them from some of the rising costs of healthcare. The three programs which will be discussed are 1) health savings accounts (HAS) , 2) health reimbursement accounts (HRA), and 3) flexible spending accounts. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf
- Health savings account (HRA) : According to the Federal Government, a health savings account (HAS) is a tax-exempt trust or custodial account which an employee can set up with a qualified HAS trustee to pay or reimburse certain medical expenses which they incur. The contributions remain in the employee’s account until they are used, and the interest or other earnings on the assets in the account are tax free. The HSA is “portable,” and remains with the employee if they change employers, or leave the workforce. To quality for an HSA, and employee must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2015, the definition for an individual was a minimum annual deductible of $1,300 up to a maximum annual deductible and out of pocket expenses of $6,450. For a family, these numbers increase to $2,600 and $12,900, respectively. In 2015, the maximum contribution for individuals was $3,350, and $12,900 for families. Employees can receive tax-free distributions from their HSA to pay or be reimbursed for qualified medical expenses. It is not necessary to make distributions from the HSA each year, and the money which is in the HSA of the employee remain with that employee. Qualified medical expenses which are covered by the HSA are those expenses which would generally qualify for medical and dental expenses deduction. Medications are considered a qualified medical expense if it requires a prescription, or, in the case of an over the counter medicine, the employee receives a prescription for it.
- Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA): A health flexible spending arrangement (FSA) is a program which allows employees to be reimbursed for medical expenses. They are typically funded through voluntary salary reductions, which are arranged with the employer. Contributions made to an FSA by an employer can be excluded from the employee’s gross income. There are no employment or federal income taxes deducted from the contributions. Employees can withdraw funds from the account to pay qualified medical expanses even if funds have not yet been placed in the account. Health FSA’s are employer established benefit plans, and may be offered with other employer-provided benefits as part of a cafeteria plan. For plans beginning after December 31, 2012, salary reductions contributions to an FSA cannot exceed $2,500 per year, or a lower amount if set by the plan. Money in the FSA which is not used by the end of the plan year is forfeited. Distributions from an FSA must be paid to reimburse for qualified medical expenses. An employee is entitled to receive the maximum amount of reimbursement at any time during a coverage period, regardless of the amount which had been already contributed. Payment might be made with debit cards, credit cards, and stored value cards given by the employer.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) : A health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is funded solely by an employer, and cannot be paid through a voluntary salary reduction agreement on the part of the employee. With an HRA, employees are reimbursed tax free for qualified medical expenses, up to a maximum amount for the coverage period. Any unused amounts in the HRA can be carried forward to reimbursement in future years. There is no limit on the amount of money an employer may contribute to the HRA. Payment for qualified medical expenses are often made with debit cards, credit cards, and stored value cards.
The physicians and team at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute in Houston, TX, are committed to helping patients with their care. They have significant experience with helping patients protect themselves, and curb expenses, through the utilization of their Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). They understand that difficulty with finances can cause significant emotional stress on patients, and this effect is compounded when patients are already trying to heal recover from pain or other illnesses. Health insurance agents may also advise patients about HSA, FSA and HRA accounts.
The Kraus Back and Neck Institute treats patients in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, including Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, and neighboring cities of Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin and San Antonio.
Patients suffering from neck pain or lower back pain, and who seek expert advice, or a second opinion, or who have been told they may require a spine surgery, are welcome to schedule an appointment at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute:
……. 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

high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket, Houston, Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston
Keywords: high deductible health plan, HDHP, health savings account, HSA, flexible spending arrangement, FSA, health reimbursement arrangement, HRA, high deductible, deductible, health, out of pocket, Houston, Pearland, Tomball, Katy, Sugarland, the Woodlands, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Sealy, Conroe, Baytown, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston
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
Disc Degeneration
Posted by admin in back pain, disc degeneration, neck pain on May 11, 2014
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