Neck Pain
The neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. The cervical spine supports the full weight of your head which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.
The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the joints. Although it can present itself at any age, arthritis is primarily found in those over 50. Each foot has 33 joints, making them easy targets for arthritis. In some cases, arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating.
There are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis (also called “wear and tear” arthritis,) is the most common, typically brought on by the aging of joints. Cartilage breaks down over time, creating painful sensations and difficulty moving and articulating the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious form and can be majorly crippling. In the foot, it is a chronic inflammatory problem affecting the feet and ankles.
Scoliosis
When detected early, scoliosis can be managed and treated to prevent the problem from getting worse. With scoliosis, the spine has abnormal curvatures to the side or even twists. Most cases of scoliosis appear for unknown reasons as scoliosis tends to develop before puberty in adolescence, in children who previously had no spine issues.
Many cases of scoliosis do not require surgery or extensive treatment, but if the curvature becomes more severe, medical intervention may be needed. Scoliosis appears equally in boys and girls, but typically girls are more likely to develop significant curvature that warrants treatment.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is one of the most common conditions to affect the spine. While it can occur anywhere along your spine, it most frequently occurs in the neck or lower back. Discs are essentially small cushions that sit between each of the vertebrae in your spine. When a disc herniates or slips, the disc ruptures, allowing the nerve center to move and become pinched between the vertebrae.
You may have a herniated disc if you’re experiencing back pain, numbness or a tingling sensation in either of your arms or legs or even shooting pains when you make sudden movements, like coughing or sneezing.
Spinal Fusion
Surgery of any kind is usually the last resort for treating back pain. However, if your back pain doesn’t improve with conservative measures and the exact source of your pain has been identified, you may need a spinal fusion. Jose E. Rodriguez-Cordova, MD, FACS, and the surgical experts at Orthopaedic Institute For Spinal Disorders in Houston use advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive spinal fusions, to ensure the best outcome for their patients. For a consultation to see if you would benefit from spinal fusion, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Sports Medicine
Below are some of the most common sports and sports-related injuries we see in our office.
- Martial Arts and Kickboxing: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching is vital to injury prevention, specifically, a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning exercise.
- Aerobics: With impact forces reaching up to six times the force of gravity and 26 bones in the foot, proper shoes are extremely important when participating in aerobics. Shoes must provide shock absorption and proper cushioning, as well as stability.
- Team Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are recipes for disaster. Make sure to wear proper shoes and stretch for at least 15 minutes before playing sports.
Laminotomy & Laminectomy
If medication and exercise fail to improve your back pain, you may need a surgical procedure such as a laminectomy. Jose E. Rodriguez-Cordova, MD, FACS, and the surgical experts at Orthopaedic Institute For Spinal Disorders in Houston can determine if you would benefit from a laminectomy, and perform the procedure with care and precision so you can get back to doing the things you love as quickly as possible. Call the office or request an appointment online today to learn more.
Lower Back Pain
Since back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, it is vital to know how to prevent the cause of back pain. By maintaining a healthy diet and weight, remaining active and avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest are all important ways to avoid back pain. Before doing exercises or any physical activity, it is recommended to warm up and/or stretch.