Blog Archive

Back pain is the main symptom of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of arthritis that affects the spine. The pain typically affects the lower back or hips, where the spine and pelvis join up.

Acute low back pain is a common cause of disability. An analysis in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research examined which non-opioid drugs are best for treating this condition.

A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of brain injury that causes tears in the brain's long connecting nerve fibers, called axons. This injury occurs due to a blunt injury that causes the brain to rotate and shift rapidly inside the skull.

Exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants is associated with bone damage in postmenopausal women, according to a new study that said the effects were most evident on the lumbar spine.

Winter weather can be treacherous for your back. Whether it's a lumbar strain from shoveling wet, heavy snow or taking a spill on a slick sidewalk, winter conditions can seriously affect your back health.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the fatty layer that’s known as the myelin sheath surrounding nerves. This, in turn, reducesTrusted Source the ability of nerves to carry signals.

Researchers have largely focused on the accumulation of abnormal aggregates of the beta-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain as causal factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease,...

Usually, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) starts in the lower spine, but it can also affect the upper spine and neck. For some, the neck is where AS symptoms begin, which may cause stiffness and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly affects peripheral joints, but can also impact the neck vertebrae, which can lead to back pain. A person can lower discomfort with medical treatment, exercise, and other home remedies.

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy is more cost-effective than open microdiscectomy for patients with sciatica, according to a new study.

AS is a chronic, debilitating disease. This means it can get progressively worse. Serious complications can arise, especially if the disease is left untreated.

Surprisingly, there is a lack of evidence for a strong relationship between "good" posture and back pain. Perceptions of "good" posture originate from a combination of social desirability and unfounded presumptions.

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced the results of a study published in Osteoporosis International that demonstrate a decrease, and in some cases elimination of oral opioids,...

While much prior research has looked at different spine structures as possible sources of pain, more attention is now being paid to the lower back muscles using MRI imaging.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes decreased bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which increases the risk of fractures. It is considered a silent disease, meaning there are no other symptoms until a fracture occurs.

But while you might think you should rest your back if it hurts, being active can actually help relieve your pain and protect you from getting back pain again in the future. This is because our spines are designed to move, bend and lift.

Todd’s paralysis, or Todd’s paresis, happens after a seizure, and it usually affects people with epilepsy. It involves being temporarily unable to move all or part of the body.

A therapeutic massage can provide relaxation, pain relief, and increased blood flow for a person with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Sciatica is a condition caused by an irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of your sciatic nerve. It can lead to moderate-to-severe pain and weakness in your lower back, buttocks, and legs.

Two thirds of all pediatric spinal fractures, especially in the adolescent population, occur in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) where seatbelts are not utilized, reports a study in Spine.

There are multiple types of brain cancer. Some examples include astrocytomas, ependymomas, and oligodendrogliomas. A doctor will select a treatment plan depending on a variety of factors, including a person’s age, type of cancer,...

No matter where it occurs in the body, arthritis can be a real pain. One type, which goes by the name cervical spondylosis, can leave you with a stiff neck or major aches.

Lower back pain can be a debilitating and painful condition. Fortunately, staying physically active may be the most effective and cost-efficient way to soothe or prevent it..Here are 8 simple stretches to relieve lower back pain.

Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes compression of the nerves in the spine.

As people start improving their posture, they may gain a greater awareness of their body. A person may begin noticing when their muscles feel tense and become more attuned to misalignments in various areas.

Occasionally having a hot back is not likely to be a cause for concern. Some people simply feel warmth more than others. However, if it is bothersome, occurs frequently, or happens alongside other symptoms, it may be due to a medical problem.

While lower back pain is a widespread symptom, some people only experience it when bending over.

Synovial cysts are small, fluid-filled lumps that tend to form on the lower spine. These cysts are not cancerous and often do not cause any symptoms. However, they can sometimes lead to problems such as sciatica.

Surgery to remove multiple herniated or degenerated discs in the neck, a procedure known as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), can be safely performed in an outpatient setting in select patients,...

Life in chairs is at least a little bit hazardous to your general health, above and beyond just a lack of physical fitness. We suspect this today thanks to some good science, from sources like British Journal of Sports Medicine (more on this below).

A new study reveals that pulsed radiofrequency may help patients with low back pain that has not responded to conservative therapy.

Upper right back pain can range from mild to debilitating. It can lead to less freedom of movement and make it hard for you to go about your day.

Lower back spasms can be annoying and painful, but they are treatable. Certain remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce the pain and frequency of back spasms.

If you hurt a joint or strain a muscle, sometimes there's comfort in knowing that at least others feel your pain. If you're dealing with back pain, many will know exactly what you're going through.

It is common for people to experience pain in the right side of the neck. In most cases, the pain occurs due to a muscle strain or another benign cause. People can often treat their pain using home remedies and medications.

Patients with low-back pain are better off seeing a physical therapist first, according to a study of 150,000 insurance claims.

Inversion therapy is where a person is suspended upside down for several minutes with the aim of relieving back pain or similar ailments. Some evidence supports the use of inversion therapy for short-term management of back pain.

TUESDAY, May 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Spine and joint surgery patients aren't taking advantage of common pain relievers like Tylenol or Motrin during their recovery, researchers say.

Researchers have reported that one-third of people 40-59 years have image-based evidence of moderate to severe degenerative disc disease and more than half had moderate to severe spinal osteoarthritis.

Researchers develop a new way to make back surgery safer, faster and more cost effective. Scientists have developed and tested a 3-dimensional, real-time optical tracking system, like a 'Google Maps' for the body.

In a multicenter database study of adults who had undergone surgery for spinal deformities, researchers say that those who had used narcotics daily on average had worse outcomes, such as longer intensive care unit stays and more severe postop disability...

Eight factors contribute to postoperative pain after spine surgery, according to a study presented at the 2018 World Congress on Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, held from April 19 to 21 in New York City.

A crick in the neck makes the neck feel stiff and less mobile than usual. Some people report that a crick also feels like something in the neck needs to pop into place.

The majority of patients were pain free after receiving a new image-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment for low back pain and sciatica, according to a new study.

Levoscoliosis is a form of scoliosis where the spine abnormally twists or curves to the left, sometimes making a 'C' shape.

Dextroscoliosis refers to an abnormal, right-leaning curvature of the spine. It is a type of scoliosis.

Incidental durotomy small tears of the outer membrane of the spinal cord are a common occurrence in spinal surgery, and may lead to litigation.

Patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion for the correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and were obese had a greater risk for postoperative infection, according to results published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Back pain is the single leading cause of disability in the world. In the US, four out of every five people experience back pain at some point in their life.

An MRI screening of the sacroiliac joints showed that a large proportion of healthy, active individuals who lack any back-pain symptoms nonetheless have bone marrow edema lesions, according to data published in Rheumatology.

Researchers from the University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology develop a high-precision, sensor-based surgical robot for spinal operations together with industry partners.

In patients with ankylosing spondylitis, low-dose CT of the whole spine delivered greater sensitivity than imaging with conventional radiographs, according to a study presented at the EULAR Annual Congress.

The results of a study presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference showed that, in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis,...

Queensland researchers are launching a world-first clinical trial aimed at improving recovery from spinal cord injuries.In the study, led by The University of Queensland and The Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital

Spinal cord patients also are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease; pneumonia; life-threatening blood clots; bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction; constipation and other gastrointestinal problems; pressure ulcers;...

A new study reports that PJK risk following lumbar spinal fusion depends on the level of the spine fused.

A new therapy to treat spinal cord injuries in people who have lost all motor and sensory function below the injury site shows additional motor function improvement at 6-months and 9-months following treatment with 10 million AST-OPC1.

Lower the Risk of Future Surgery By M. Viktor Silver, MD, FRCSC, FACS, FAANS

For patients with degenerative spinal disease, surgery is more effective in reducing pain that interferes with sexual activity, compared to nonsurgical treatment, reports a study in the November 15 issue of Spine, published by Wolters Kluwer.

Millions of people take opioids for chronic back pain, but many of them get limited relief while experiencing side effects and worrying about the stigma associated with taking them, suggests research.

For patients with severe, chronic back and leg pain, a new high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technique provides superior clinical outcomes, compared to conventional low-frequency SCS...

Researchers have developed a symmetry-recognition system for the surface of the human back that can three-dimensionally detect the early stages of idiopathic scoliosis, a type of spinal deformity, without the help of a specialist doctor.

Adults with chronic low back pain in the United States were more likely to use marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine and were also more likely to have a current prescription for pain-relieving opioid analgesics than adults without chronic low back

For patients with severe, chronic back and leg pain, a new high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technique provides superior clinical outcomes, compared to conventional low-frequency SCS, reports a clinical trial.

Tai Chi, a low-impact mind-body exercise, can be as effective as neck exercises in relieving persistent neck pain, according to results of randomized controlled trial.

For patients with degenerative spinal disease, surgery is more effective in reducing pain that interferes with sexual activity, compared to nonsurgical treatment.

A transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the spine and reduces back and leg pain by joining two or more vertebral bones by fusing them with bone forming across the disc space.

Microdiscectomy is performed for patients with a painful lumbar herniated disc often known as sciatica. Microdiscectomy is a very common surgery performed by spine surgeons. The operation consists of removing a portion of the intervertebral disc...

Your cervical spine is made up of the seven bones, called cervical vertebrae, stacked on top of each other in your neck area. The cervical disks are the cushions that lie between the cervical vertebrae and act as shock absorbers to allow your neck...

The Lateral Interbody Fusion is an approach to spinal fusion in which the surgeon accesses the intervertebral disc space and fuses the lumbar spine (low back) using a surgical approach from the side (lateral) rather than from the front (anterior)...

Do you sometimes wonder if you or a loved one might be experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

There’s good news for patients facing surgery to relieve back pain due to degenerative disc disease—back pain originating in the disc with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies.

On May 26th 2016, 66-year old female was the first to receive a Tritanium TLIF cage in the Dallas-Fort Worth region at Baylor & Scott White Hospital of McKinney, Texas, by Dr. M. Viktor Silver.

Anyone who ever experiences a troublesome headache can’t help but wonder at some point if they might have a brain tumor. Most never act on that paranoia, but there are times when you should pay a little closer attention to your pain...

Anyone who ever experiences a troublesome headache can’t help but wonder at some point if they might have a brain tumor. Most never act on that paranoia, but there are times when you should pay a little closer...

A spinal cord injury usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae.

Ever get a fuzzy-headed feeling making it hard to stay focused or concentrate on what you’re doing? If you’re finding that it’s hard to come with answers to easy questions, or you just can’t shake the fog that has enveloped your mind,...

We all know that exercise is good for us and can prevent a variety of diseases and ailments as well alleviate stress and boost our confidence by helping us look good.

Acute pain is something that you feel as a normal reaction by the nervous system to alert you to possible injury. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will experience acute pain to tell you to beware of the danger of burning.

One of the first things people recognize as a sign of aging is becoming forgetful. Our brains begin to change as we age, affecting how we store memories. It’s a common misconception that forgetfulness is an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

Who doesn’t love food? Sometimes it’s easy to snack on various foods and not think about whether or not those foods are serving any benefit to your brain and body.

The last few months of the year always seem to be the busiest. From traveling and shopping to decorating and dealing with changing weather, there are many different opportunities for you to hurt yourself if you’re not careful.

Most people who use their hands regularly, especially those who do repetitive movements like typing, experience pain and discomfort caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

One of the most common complaints and injuries experienced by both amateur and professional golfers is lower back pain. In order to repeatedly bend and twist to hit the ball, the body must generate a lot of torque and this is incredibly stressful to...

The upper back (comprised of the 12 vertebrae in the middle of the spine) allows you to stand upright and protects the organs in your chest. Upper back injuries and problems are less common than lower back problems are...

If you are a tobacco smoker, you may wonder how such a habit can cause or increase pain in the back. After all, the most common causes of back pain that we hear about the most have to do with strenuous activity, over-exercising, or a predisposed condition.

Strokes can happen at any age, and it’s important to understand what they do to the brain and the measures you can take to prevent them. Approximately 7 million Americans above the age of 20 suffer from a stroke every year.

We’ve all heard of infections happening after a surgical procedure. Do you know why these infections happen?

Traumatic brain injuries are injuries that come from the brain being struck by an outside force. These injuries have a cataclysmic effect on the rest of the body, causing muscle groups to weaken or shut down.

This week is National Sleep Awareness Week and we are encouraging patients to get the rest their bodies need. There’s a reason that we recommend at minimum of 8 hours of sleep a night.

Summer is a great time for kids get outside and be active. Regular play as well as training for fall school sports keeps kids busy and provides exercise. While fun is the main goal, safety should also be a concern.

The summer heat has a way of sending regular exercisers out of the gym and into the pool. Known for being joint friendly, swimming is a great way to cool off while being active and is beneficial for all ages.

With September being Healthy Aging Month, we wanted to focus on Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and look beyond the physical symptoms. PD is classified as a motor system disorder and generally afflicts people around the age of 60.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a blow to the head or a sudden movement of the head caused by an unexpected external force to the body. This means that you don’t have to actually hit your head to have a concussion.

Have you found it a little harder lately to remember your to-do list, or concentrate on a project at work? Or maybe you can’t seem to remember people’s names as well as you used to. It can be a sign that your brain needs some exercise.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes. This is often called a “mini stroke”. This type of stroke was recently brought to light when former Houston Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak...

When your body is tired and aching, most people assume that a good night’s sleep is the answer to finding relief. And they’re right! Rest is often exactly what your body needs to heal itself. What most people don’t realize,...

How many times were you told as a child to “stand up straight?” More than likely your parents recognized the importance of good posture and maybe even regretted that theirs wasn’t what it should be.

One way to keep your neck properly aligned is to sleep with a cervical pillow. A proper fitting cervical pillow can help you maintain the normal cervical curve while sleeping on your back, allowing your muscles and ligaments to relax...

Any health professional will tell you that maintaining a consistent weight is necessary for your general health. In particular, the function of your spine is greatly impacted weight gain. Excess weight can cause pain in both...

Anyone who ever experiences a troublesome headache can’t help but wonder at some point if they might have a brain tumor. Most never act on that paranoia, but there are times when you should pay a little closer attention to...

Your spine, commonly referred to as your backbone, contains 26 different bones called vertebra. In between each vertebrae is a soft disk that is full of a jelly-like substance that cushions the bone and keeps it in place.

When you head out to ski or snowboard this winter season, be sure to protect your most important body part – your brain!

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. The signs of a stroke are something everyone should be aware of. It could save your life or the life of a loved one!

Have you ever heard someone with arthritis or achy joints say they can predict rain or a cold snap better than the local weatherman? Or maybe their back pain increases as the temperature drops? As temperatures dip in winter...

Convenience is key for people on the go. In addition to portable packaging, brilliant advertising has the soda industry booming. Various marketing campaigns have told us for years that “it’s the real thing” and to have one and “smile”.

Aphasia is not a disease, but a symptom of brain damage. It’s a neurological disorder caused by damage to the portions of the brain that are responsible for language. Primary signs of the disorder include difficulty in expressing yourself when speaking...

Your spine consists of a complex set of nerves, ligaments, and muscles that are used to connect different parts of your body. It’s important to keep your spine healthy so that you minimize pain and discomfort in your back and overall body.

The Brain and Spine Institute of North Houston is teaming up with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the month of May...

Exercise is not only good for your heart and cardiovascular system, but it helps your bones and joints as well. In order to keep your spine healthy, it’s particularly important to keep your abdominal muscles and back strong. It’s easier than you think.

Today’s society seems to be moving faster than ever before. Between family and work obligations, do you ever just want a mental time-out? Meditation can offer you that break without taking a full-blown vacation or day off.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Along with the Brain Injury Association of America, we at The Brain and Spine Institute encourage you to get educated about TBIs, also known as Traumatic Brain Injuries, so you can stay safe!

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue.

If you're an active individual, you understand the importance of exercise and physical activity to keep your body healthy and your muscles strong. Exercise prevents other complications of being inactive including things like...

Having pain in your leg can come from many different sources, from wearing improper shoes to an accident or injury. One cause of leg pain that you may not be aware of is a herniated disc. Read on to learn more about what a herniated disc is and how...

Neurology and neurosurgery focus on the same areas of the body, and often people aren’t sure which type of doctor they need to see. Read here about the differences between the two and how to know which type of physician would be best.

Every time we bump our heads we immediately start to wonder, “Is that serious?” or “Should I be concerned?” This is probably because of media coverage and social media stories that circulate about people who seemed...

For those of us who thought Google Glass was just another fun toy that Google came up with, it’s time to reconsider. Google Glass is more than a computer – it’s a professional tool that can even be used in surgery.

Everyone experiences lower back pain from time to time whether it’s dull, stabbing or shooting pain. Even if you don’t remember doing something to jar your back you should see a doctor if your lower back pain lasts for more than...

Nearly everyone experiences a headache at least sometimes. Most often they’re caused by conditions that are treatable. If you experience headaches on a frequent basis, please contact your physician so they can be sure...

What is more enjoyable than diving into a cold swimming pool on a hot summer day? What seems like a simple and fun activity can actually lead to a traumatic injury.

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness month. SMA is a genetic disease that attacks nerve cells, called motor neurons, in your spinal cord. These neurons communicate with your voluntary muscles...

Today is National Backpack Awareness Day! Most students look forward to back to school shopping and getting a new backpack for the upcoming school year. With so many colors and styles to choose from...