Tag Archives: Degenerative Disc Disease
A commonly used supplement acetyl-L-carritine or ALC, a derivative of essential amino acids is likely to improve recovery for patients who sustain a spinal cord injury, spine surgery or back pain. Following a spinal cord injury, the energy generation components of cells are overwhelmed by chemical stresses and lose their ability to produce energy. This leads to cell death at the injury site. ALC can preserve the vitality by acting as an alternative biofuel and provide energy to the cells. Systemic administration of ALC soon after a paralyzing injury promotes a milestone recovery of the ability to walk.
There is good news in Osteoporosis treatment, drugs called bisphophohates work by building bone and preventing fragile bones that happen in osteoporosis. This treatment is safe, effective and inexpensive. If a patient comes in with a fracture, a bone scan or bone density test should be done to identify if osteoporosis is present. Early osteoporosis treatment can prevent the disabling effects of this disease.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is an endoscopic procedure which uses specialized video cameras. Instruments are used that can be passed through a small incision under 2 cm in the back. Continue reading
The spine is a complex and wonderful structural support system for the body. It is made up of the vertebra and lamina that provide protection for the spinal cord and support for the body, the vertebral discs that cushion the area between the bones, the ligaments 
which allow movement and provide flexibility, and the spinal cord which houses the nerves and lies in the spinal canal. As miraculous as this arrangement is, there are times when things go wrong, resulting in neck, low back pain, or leg pain, and loss of range of motion.
The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and ends at the top of the thoracic spine. It contains seven vertebrae and eight pairs of cervical nerves. These vertebrae are smaller than other spinal vertebrae, but have a more complex system of ligaments, tendons, and muscles in order to both support the skull and allow for a much more diverse range of movement for the head. This complex anatomy and large range of motion makes the cervical spine particularly to degenerative problems and can lead to chronic pain. Continue reading
Recent studies indicate that about 127 million Americans qualify as overweight or obese, according to the American Obesity Association (AOA), a trend that has been rising steadily since the mid-1980’s. And obesity is not exclus
ive to America, says the World Health Organization (WHO); once considered a health issue affecting only wealthy countries, obesity is now increasing dramatically in “third world” countries, especially in urban environments.
While the more serious health risks associated with obesity include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, another serious side-effect is chronic back pain. In one report, the AOA states that women who are obese are especially prone to lower back pain. Continue reading
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a procedure in which vertebrae are fused together to prevent a painful movement at the joint. Inserting a piece of bone between the vertebrae and encouraging the bone to grow accomplish this process, fusing the vertebrae together, preventing movement between them and eliminating the pain. To eliminate movement, this process is repeated in the spaces above and below the target vertebra, isolating it from moving entirely.
Who Would Be A Good Candidate?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a method of treating several problems with the spinal column. Some of those problems include (but are not limited to):
· Degenerative Disc Disease
· A Weak or Unstable Spine
· Scoliosis
· When a Vertebra Slips Out of Place in the Spinal Column
· Deformities
These are some of the most common conditions under which a patient should talk to a doctor regarding their options on spinal fusion surgery. If a patient is experiencing severe back pain, s/he should immediately talk to a doctor to determine the cause and location of the pain to know how to best take care of the problem.
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Millions of people suffer from back pain every day and seek out Houston back pain treatment. For some it is simply from straining themselves too hard at work or during a sporting event, others have been involved in accidents and some may have Spinal Stenosis, Disc Herniation or Degenerative Disc Disease.
Your first step towards relief should always to be to consult a physician for a thorough exam, but before you embark on any solution you should be aware of all of your Houston back pain treatment choices. Let’s take a look at a few of the common options.
Physical Therapy
For many, Houston back pain treatment can be as simple as physical therapy. Often this is the first course of action many take in their search for Houston back pain treatment. However, while physical therapy may be all some patients need, there are many others who need a more lasting solution. Continue reading
