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Use These Safety Tips to Protect Your Back During Summer Months

As summer continues here in Texas, many people with back problems wonder if their favorite activities can negatively affect their spine. As a leader in spine care in the Clear Lake area, Houston Physicians’ Hospital has some summer safety tips to help your back feel great all season long:

 

 

  1. Warm Up Before Playing Summer Sports

Impromptu sports games are a favorite summer activity in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, but they can result in spinal injury without proper preparation. According to the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports, stretching prior to physical activity decreases the risk of sustaining an injury (3). Spend about 10-15 minutes before playing any sports to warm up and reduce the risk of an injury that could hold you back from your favorite game.

 

  1. Pack Lightly for Vacation

When packing for your summer vacation, be sure to limit the amount of weight you’re packing into your suitcase. The Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine cites heavy lifting as one of the most commonly stated causes of lower back pain (4). To avoid over-packing that leads to back pain, search for hotels that have laundry facilities, so you can wash and re-wear clothes while traveling.

 

  1. Avoid Waterskiing

While waterskiing is a fun summer pastime, it is best avoided if you have back pain or have suffered from previous back problems. Due to the high-speed nature of waterskiing, a fall can result in a serious injury of the spine. In fact, The American Journal of Sports Medicine states that injuries sustained during waterskiing are comparable to trauma sustained during vigorous contact sports (2). To protect your spine from serious traumatic injury, it is best for those with back problems to avoid waterskiing.

 

  1. Check the Water

We all know the dangers of diving into shallow water, but it can be difficult to determine just how deep the water is at times, especially if the water is a bit murky. Unknowingly taking a dive into too-shallow water can lead to fractures in the vertebrae. According to documentation from Northwestern University-Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Unit, the most common levels of injury associated with diving were C-5 and C-6 vertebrae fractures (1). To avoid a potential spinal injury, always test the water’s depth before diving in.

 

 

These safety tips will help your back feel great throughout the season. For expert spine and pain management in the Houston Bay Area, visit the Spine Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital at www.SpineSolutionsCenter.com. The Spine Solutions Center is dedicated to helping you get back to the things you love without back pain. Appointments available within 48 hours and no referral is needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. https://www.worldneurosurgery.org/article/0090-3019(90)90064-V/fulltext
  2. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/036354658201000405
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S144024400600051X
  4. https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/6223365
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Four Ear Infection Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Ear infections can be a painful problem for children and adults alike. While some cases of ear infections can be treated at home, there are some symptoms that can indicate it’s time to see an ENT specialist before the infection turns into a severe problem. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand the importance of ENT health, so we’ve laid out some ear infection symptoms that mean it’s time to see an ear doctor:

 

  1. Sudden Onset of High Fever

Fever is often a common symptom associated with ear infections but be sure to keep an eye on your body temperature. Fever is the body’s response to an infection, but a sudden, high fever caused by your ear infection can indicate a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a medical professional. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, adults with fevers higher than 103 degrees that last for over 48 hours should seek medical attention (1).

 

  1. Swelling Under or Behind the Ear

Swelling behind or under the ear can occur in some cases of ear infections. While this swelling isn’t usually dangerous, it is still important to see an ear doctor when it occurs. It could indicate that the mastoid bone, located behind the ear, has become infected. According to the National Health Service, this condition, called mastoiditis, often occurs following an ear infection (2). If diagnosed and treated early, mastoiditis often resolves quickly with no complications. However, if left untreated, this condition can cause serious problems. As swelling is a key symptom of mastoiditis, it’s important to see an ENT specialist for ear swelling to rule out the possibility of this condition.

 

  1. Blood Coming from the Ear

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, a middle ear infection can sometimes result in a rupture of the eardrum, called an eardrum perforation (3). When this happens, built up fluid is able to drain from the ear. If you notice bloody drainage coming from your ear, you’ll need to see an ear doctor for a professional diagnosis. Some eardrum perforations may require surgery to fully heal. Even if surgery is not required, your ENT specialist can treat the perforation and help protect it from further damage caused by water or trauma.

 

  1. Inability to Move Normally

According to the National Institutes of Health, an ear infection can cause balance problems, as the vestibular system that helps control balance is affected (4). When your ear infection affects your ability to balance, the condition is called labyrinthitis. While labyrinthitis may slightly affect your sense of balance, it should not impair your overall ability to move normally. If your ear infection is accompanied by difficulty with everyday movement, you may need to see an ENT specialist. In severe cases of labyrinthitis, vestibular rehabilitation therapy is needed to help regain normal function. Your specialist will be able to determine which method of treatment is needed for your situation.

 

Ear infections usually resolve on their own with only mild symptoms. However, if you notice any of the above listed symptoms, it’s best to see your ENT specialist to rule out any severe problems. For the leading ENT treatments in the Clear Lake area give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620 or learn more at www.houstonphysicianshospital.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. https://share.upmc.com/2016/10/fever-treatment-guidelines/
  2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastoiditis/#symptoms-of-mastoiditis
  3. https://www.entnet.org/content/perforated-eardrum\
  4. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance-disorders

 

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Knee and Hip Pain Causes and Treatments

[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Details” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” style=”shadow”][vc_column_text]Houston Physicians’ Hospital is hosting a Free Community Seminar on knee and hip pain. Join our experts Monday, August 6, at 5:30 p.m. for our community seminar about knee and hip pain. If you are suffering from knee or hip pain symptoms, you have options for treatment through our Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence. Everyone in the Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City and surrounding areas are welcomed to this free event at HPH. We hope to educate and inform our neighbors of professional healthcare treatments that solve knee pain problems. Our experts on this topic are Stephanie Stinson, RN & Cody Pena, PTA.

Join Our Knee and Hip Pain Experts

Stephanie and Cody will dive further into knee and hip pain conditions and your treatment options at HPH. This community talk will take place at Houston Physicians’ Hospital 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 2500 Webster, Texas.

To RSVP for our knee pain community talk, call (281) 557-4614 or email aspeaks@hphtx.org

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302075660{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”EVENT INFORMATION” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302436586{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Date : August 6, 2018″ font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Time : 5:30 – 7:00 P.M.” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Department : Orthopedics” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Doctor : Stephanie Stinson, RN & Cody Pena, PTA” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Location : 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 2500 Webster, Texas” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Get Back To Life Without Back Or Neck Pain

[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Details” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” style=”shadow”][vc_column_text]Houston Physicians’ Hospital is hosting a Free Community Seminar on back and neck pain. Join our experts Monday, July 16, at 12:00 p.m. for our community seminar. If you are suffering from back and neck pain symptoms, you have options for treatment through our hospital. Everyone in the Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City and surrounding areas are welcomed to this free event hosted by HPH. We hope to educate and inform our neighbors of professional healthcare treatments that solve knee pain problems. Our experts on this topic are Stephanie Stinson, RN & Catherine Sickorez, PT, DPT.

Join Our Back and Neck Pain Experts

Stephanie and Catherine will dive further into back and neck pain conditions and your treatment options at HPH. This community talk will take place at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Rd., Room 221, Houston, TX 77058.

To RSVP for our knee pain community talk, call (281) 557-4614 or email aspeaks@hphtx.org

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302075660{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”EVENT INFORMATION” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302436586{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Date : July 16, 2018″ font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Time : 12:00 – 2:00 P.M.” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Department : Orthopedics” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Experts : Stephanie Stinson, RN & Catherine Sickorez, PT, DPT” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Location : 18220 Upper Bay Rd., Room 221, Houston, Texas 77058″ font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Refuse To Surrender To Parkinson’s

[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Details” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” style=”shadow”][vc_column_text]Houston Physicians’ Hospital is hosting our second Free Community Seminar of 2018. Join our experts Tuesday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m. for our community talk about Parkinson’s Disease and Tremors. If you are suffering from Parkinson’s Disease symptoms, you have options for treatment through our hospital. Everyone in the Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City and surrounding areas are welcomed to this free event at HPH. We hope to educate and inform our neighbors of professional healthcare treatments that solve knee pain problems. Our expert on this topic is Dr. Greg Bonnen, M.D..

Join Our Experts

Dr. Bonnen specializes in spine surgery and movement disorders. He is the only physician in the Clear Lake Area to perform deep brain stimulation stage 1 to treat patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other motion-related disorders. Dr. Bonnen will dive further into Parkinson’s and tremor conditions and your treatment options at HPH. This community talk will take place at Houston Physicians’ Hospital 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 2500 Webster, Texas.

To RSVP for our knee pain community talk, call (281) 557-4614 or email aspeaks@hphtx.org

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302075660{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”EVENT INFORMATION” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302436586{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Date : July 24, 2018″ font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Time : 5:30 – 7:00 P.M.” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Department : Neurosurgery” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Doctor : Greg J. Bonnen, M.D.” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Location : 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 2500 Webster, Texas” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”4528″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Move Freely Without Joint Pain

[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Details” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine” style=”shadow”][vc_column_text]Houston Physicians’ Hospital is hosting our first Free Community Seminar of 2018. Join our experts Monday, July 9, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. for our community Seminar about joint pain. If you are suffering from joint pain symptoms, you have options for treatment through our Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence. Everyone in the Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City and surrounding areas are welcomed to this free event at HPH. We hope to educate and inform our neighbors of professional healthcare treatments that solve knee pain problems. Our expert on this topic is Dr. Anthony Melillo, M.D..

Join Our Joint Pain Experts

Dr. Melillo is one of two surgeons in the Clear Lake Area performing MAKO robotic arm surgery for partial knee resurfacing and total hip replacement. He offers expertise in total joint replacement of the hip, knee and shoulder, sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, trauma and fracture care, shoulder care and industrial injuries. Dr. Melillo will dive further into joint pain conditions and your treatment options at HPH. This community talk will take place at Houston Physicians’ Hospital 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 2500 Webster, Texas.

To RSVP for our knee pain community talk, call (281) 557-4614 or email aspeaks@hphtx.ord

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302075660{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”EVENT INFORMATION” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”white” border_width=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1523302436586{background-color: #003a59 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Date : July 9, 2018″ font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Time : 5:30 – 7:00 P.M.” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Department : Orthopedics” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Doctor : Anthony Melillo, M.D.” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][vc_custom_heading text=”Location : 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 2500 Webster, Texas” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#33617a”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”4551″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]