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Jun 4, 2018

These 4 Outdoor Activities Are Great for Your Back!

Summer is upon us, and it’s a great time to be active outside. For those who experience back pain, outdoor activities may seem more like a burden than a fun way to get active this summer. As a leading name in pain management, Houston Physicians’ Hospital believes that no one should be held back from enjoying fun outdoor activities, so we’ve listed some back-friendly options to try:

Yoga

Many people enjoy doing some outdoor yoga on a beautiful summer morning, and it just so happens to be a wonderful way to help with chronic back pain. In fact, the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that not only does yoga reduce the intensity of back pain, but it also helps restore function and movement in the back (1). Some great poses to try are Seated Spinal Twist, Sphinx Pose, and Lower Back Clasp, as these poses focus primarily on the muscles that help support the spine.

Swimming

Swimming is the perfect warm weather activity. It can help your back and provide the extra benefit of keeping you cool. The National Center for Biotechnical Information cites water-based cardio activities, like swimming, as one of the most useful methods of exercise for those suffering from back pain (2). Whether you’re playing pool games or swimming laps, your pool will help keep your back pain-free in the warm weather.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a low-impact activity that can help build strength in the core and improve balance. A study published in The Journal of Sports Sciences also associates paddle boarding with improved static and dynamic postural control (3). This increase in postural control is directly related to the amount of back pain present, according to the National Center for Biotechnical Medicine (4). Get out on the lake and try some paddle boarding for the perfect warm weather, back-friendly activity.

Walking

NHS England, a public body of the Department of Health and Social Care, suggests walking as a way to help relieve back pain (5). A morning stroll is a great option to help back pain, as there is no equipment needed, and it can easily be done in your own neighborhood. Keep in mind that you will need supportive shoes to help absorb the shock as your feet hit the ground.

Back pain often appears at inconvenient times, but these four outdoor activities will keep you pain-free as summer arrives. For expert back pain management treatments in Clear Lake, Texas, and the surrounding areas, give The Spine Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at 832-340-2134.

May 24, 2018

Use These Tips to Protect Your Back While Traveling

Summer is getting closer and closer, and many people in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas are ready for a vacation. However, your travel plans can easily be hindered by back pain without the proper pain management techniques. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that everyone wants a pain-free vacation, so we’ve listed some tips to help you protect your back while traveling:

Divide Your Luggage

Instead of packing all of your vacation items into one bag, try dividing your items into 2 or 3 smaller, lighter bags. According to the Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, heavy lifting was one of the most commonly stated causes of lower back pain (1). Packing separate bags allows you to pack whatever you may need for a trip, without causing one bag to become too heavy and increase your risk for back pain.

Avoid Twisting When Lifting Luggage

According to the medical journal Spine, twisting motions are significantly related to back pain (2). When lifting heavy luggage, replace a twisting motion with a pivot. This allows your whole body to move, reducing the amount of strain placed on your back and reducing the risk for injury.

Bring an OTC Medication as a Backup

If you’re prescription medication runs out, you don’t want to be stuck with pain during your trip. Bring an Over-the-Counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain in the event you are left without your prescription. However, be sure to speak with your local pain management doctor to ensure these medications are safe for you to use.

Get Up and Stretch

If you are traveling by plane, get up and stretch once the pilot has stated it is safe to move around. Plane rides often involve long periods of sitting still, which can mean bad news for your back. According to the medical journal Spine, prolonged sitting in a constrained posture increases the risk for back pain (3). Getting up and moving around can help relieve the back from being confined to one posture for extended periods of time.

Wear Slip-On Shoes

According to the medical journal Occupational Medicine, frequently bending over shows significant potential for contributing to back pain (4). Avoid this by wearing slip on shoes. These shoes can be easily taken off after a long day of walking without the need to bend over and potentially make your back pain worse.

Vacation is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, not deal with back pain. These simple tips can help keep your back pain-free when traveling. For expert back pain treatment in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, give the Spine Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at 832-340-2134.

May 10, 2018

The Causes of a Bad Back and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

For many patients in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, back pain is an irritating problem that can have an impact on their daily routine. However, there are certain measures that can be taken to prevent painful symptoms from occurring. As a leading name in pain management, Houston Physicians’ Hospital believes that no one should experience a reduced quality of life due to back pain. Here, we’ve laid out some causes that contribute to back pain, and what you can do to prevent them:

Slouching

According to the journal Manual Therapy, those with pain disorders affecting the lumbar spine often sit in a flexed spinal posture, essentially meaning they often sit in a slouched position (1). This is a larger problem for those who sit for long periods of time as part of their occupation. To avoid back pain resulting from slouched posture, periodically check to ensure your ears are in line with your shoulders. Additionally, you can purchase a lumbar support pillow to help support and position your spine to help you sit properly.

Back Spasms

According to the journal Clinical Biomechanics, muscles spasms within the back contribute to a substantial proportion of those affected by back pain (2). These spams can occur when the tendons or muscles within the lower back are injured or torn, usually as a result of athletic activity or weight lifting. Strengthening and stretching the back muscles are key in preventing these painful spasms. Incorporate stretching into your workout routine to loosen the muscle fibers and focus on strengthening the muscles within the back to prevent injury and muscular imbalances.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become brittle and weak. While some factors, such as genetics, can make the development of osteoporosis unavoidable in some individuals, there are some measures you can take to delay the onset and reduce the severity. According to the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, there is evidence to suggest that certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, exercise, and calcium consumption can affect bone density (3). To prevent severe osteoporosis-related back pain, quitting smoking, increasing calcium intake, and regular exercise are key.

Anxiety

While many people think back pain is the result of only physical factors, mental factors are a common contributor as well. In fact, the medical journal Spine states that a study indicated a high degree of worry is directly correlated with lower back pain (4). While anxiety can be difficult to overcome, steps can be taken to prevent it, such as deep breathing and exercise. To prevent back pain caused by excess worry, find a method to control anxiety that works best for you.

Being Overweight

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, individuals who are overweight have a higher prevalence of back pain than those who are not overweight (5). Excess body weight can place increased strain on the spine and contribute to painful symptoms. To reduce body weight, both diet and activity level changes are recommended. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity into your day, along with eliminating processed foods with high amounts of saturated fat can reduce overall body weight along with the risk for experiencing back pain.

Those looking to avoid back pain in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas may benefit from these tips. However, back pain has many causes, and symptoms can range from mildly irritating to severe. For expert pain management for your back problems, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center a call at 832-340-2134.

Apr 24, 2018

Is Back Surgery the Best Treatment Option? Here’s How to Find Out

If you suffer from severe back pain, you may wonder what the best pain management method is. Surgery is a viable treatment for many people in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, but is it right for you? At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that it can be difficult to determine whether surgery is the best option to help reduce your back pain, so we’ve listed some signs that back surgery may be the best treatment option for you:

Non-Surgical Treatment Options Have Not Helped

According to The Maine Lumbar Spine Study, Part 3, 28% of patients treated with non-surgical methods continued to experience reduced back pain for at least one year after treatment (1). Typically, non-surgical treatments are primarily recommended by orthopedic specialists before surgical procedures to avoid unnecessary invasive treatment. However, not every patient has success with non-surgical options. If these options have not helped decrease your back pain, it may be time for surgical treatment.

Your Quality of Life is Reduced

While any kind of back pain can be irritating, it should not impact the overall quality of life. However, both the frequency and severity of your back pain can impact your quality of life and determine if surgery is needed. In fact, a study published in Spine medical journal states that those who suffer from daily back pain reported a significantly lower quality of life, along with physical mobility (2). If your back pain has reached a point where both your life and ability to move are severely affected, it is time to seek the help of a back surgeon.

You Experience Symptoms Associated with Compressed Nerves

If your back pain is accompanied by symptoms like a loss of sensation in the feet, a burning pain that spreads to your lower extremities, or problems with hand coordination, it may be due to spinal cord compression or other compressed nerves. Surgery may be the best option to reduce these symptoms and alleviate associated pain. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, surgical decompression of nerves can significantly reduce unpleasant, painful symptoms of compressed nerves within the back.

You Have a Progressed Spinal Condition

Some spinal conditions, such as scoliosis or spinal stenosis, cause a change in the normal alignment of the spine. If addressed in the early stages, the resulting pain can be reduced with braces or physical therapy. However, if the condition has progressed significantly, surgery may be the best option to help treat pain. The medical journal, Spine, cites surgery to correct spinal deformities as an effective method to help reduce associated pain (4).

If your back pain is interfering with your life, it may be time to seek the help of Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center. We are committed to revolutionizing the world of spine care. Give us a call at 832-340-2134.

Mar 27, 2018

Protect Your Back When Doing These Spring Activities

Spring has arrived, and many Houston, Texas, residents are excited to begin their favorite seasonal activity. However, with many spring activities, the risk for back pain increases. As a leading name in pain management in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, Houston Physicians’ Hospital understands that no one wants to be held back from their favorite spring activities due to back pain. We’ve listed some easy ways you can protect your back when doing some popular spring activities:

Running

If your spring exercise routine involves hitting the pavement for a run, you’ll want to add a viscoelastic insert into your running shoes to protect your back. These inserts redistribute the pressure beneath your feet and can reduce back pain by absorbing some of the shock as your feet hit the ground. In fact, according to the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, adding these inserts into your shoes can help cushion the spine and reduce spinal damage (1) during activity.

Golfing

Many residents in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas enjoy spending their season on the golf course. However, your favorite pastime can potentially contribute to back pain. To avoid back problems and spend more time golfing, the journal Clinics in Sports Medicine states that proper swinging mechanics are imperative (2). A hunched posture when swinging can place strain on the back, leading to an increase in back pain. When swinging, make sure to engage your core muscles to help ensure your back remains straight.

Tennis

With the weather warming up, many people are excited to get to their favorite outdoor activities, such as tennis games. When it comes to orthopedic injuries associated with tennis, most people think of “tennis elbow.” However, tennis can also negatively impact the back. According to The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, sports that involve repetitive hyperextension movements are associated with higher rates of spondylolysis (3), or a stress fracture occurring in one of the vertebrae. To keep your back pain-free and avoid the need to see your local orthopedic hospital, avoid arching your back too much when serving. Instead, bend your knees and raise your heels to support and balance the weight from your upper body.

Gardening

A popular springtime activity is spending the day planting beautiful flowers in a garden. However, hours of bending over to tend to your flowers can quickly lead to pain in the back. According to Occupational Medicine, repetitive bending movements actually increase the risk for back pain significantly (4). To avoid any problems that lead to the need for a pain management doctor, consider using raised flower beds. This will allow you to enjoy gardening without the pain associated with frequently bending over.

Back pain can make your favorite spring activities seem like a hassle. Protecting your back when doing these activities can help you reduce pain and do the things you love. For an effective pain management plan to help you enjoy your favorite activities, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center a call at 832-340-2134.

Mar 12, 2018

Hassle-Free Spring Cleaning: How to Clean Without Back Problems

As the new season approaches, many people in Webster, Texas, are getting ready to begin their yearly spring cleaning tasks. However, a simple spring cleaning becomes much more difficult for those dealing with back pain. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we know that back pain can be extremely frustrating when it holds you back from important tasks, so we’ve laid out some tips that will help you get your cleaning done while leaving your back pain-free:

Enlist the Help of a Friend

You don’t have to take on major cleaning jobs alone. Enlist a friend to help share the work. Not only does this make the work go by faster, it can also prove helpful when it comes time to clean any hard-to-reach areas that require a ladder. According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, climbing ladders is one of the highest-risk activities that can cause back pain (1), so ask a friend for help with the ladder to avoid a trip to your nearest hospital in Webster.

Stretch Before Cleaning

Although we may not view it as its own workout, cleaning is still a form of physical activity, and our orthopedic hospital recommends stretching beforehand to help alleviate back pain. According to the Group Health Research Institute, stretching has shown to be effective in reducing chronic low back pain (2). Begin stretching at the head and neck, and slowly work down through the spine and legs.

Practice Proper Lifting Techniques

Sometimes, spring cleaning requires moving heavy objects from one part of the house to another. Before you begin lifting, make sure you are using proper techniques to avoid any potential back problems. To place the least amount of stress on your back, The Official Journal of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors recommends lifting heavy weight with the strength of your legs (3).

Be Aware of Your Body

Be sure to remain aware of how your body is feeling during your spring cleaning. If you notice any pain during your task, immediately stop what you are doing and take a rest. Continuing to “push through” the pain will only lead to further back problems down the road. In fact, the medical journal Annals of Medicine cites that 60% of back pain patients point to overexertion as the cause of their injury (4). Taking a break when you first notice pain can help debilitating injuries from occurring. If your pain persists for a few days, you may want to head to Webster’s leading orthopedic hospital, Houston Physicians’ Hospital to rule out any serious issues.

Divide Up the Work

Your spring cleaning may be a bit more work than your back can handle in one day. Break up any major tasks so they are completed over the course of a few days to avoid overworking your spine. According to the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, the prevalence of back pain increases as the number of working hours increased (5), so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra days on spring cleaning for the sake of your spine.

Spring cleaning is a much-needed task for many Webster, Texas, residents and can feel like an overwhelming challenge for those with back pain. These tips can help you get your cleaning done without the worry of irritating your back pain. If your back pain is routinely interfering with your everyday life, it’s time to seek the help of a leading orthopedic hospital in the Webster area. Give Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center a call at 832-340-2134.