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Every year, 1.5 million individuals suffer a fracture due to bone disease [1]. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest problems associated with bone disease, and it often becomes a chronic burden on residents in the Clear Lake, Texas, area. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we know that bone diseases can seriously limit the ability of a patient to stick to their daily routine, so we’ve laid out a few tips to help improve the health of your bones:

• Practice Healthy Nutritional Habits

Healthy nutritional habits should be encouraged in order to maintain bone health [2]. Nutrients essential for bone health that patients should add to their diet include vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Without all these nutrients, bones can become brittle, weak, and vulnerable to diseases.

If a patient’s diet lacks calcium, the body begins removing it from bones in a process called bone resorption. This, in turn, drastically weakens the bones. In fact, low calcium levels correlate with increased risk of hip fracture [3].

Similarly, vitamin D is important to absorb the calcium from your diet. Foods that can be added to improve bone health include:

• Milk and other dairy products
• Salmon
• Almonds
• Green, leafy vegetables

If you are unable to maintain an adequate supply of these nutrients through your diet, it is good to consult a Clear Lake orthopedic doctor for additional supplements that can protect your bones.

• Exercise Regularly

Modest exercise is vital for those wanting to keep their bones healthy. Just 20 minutes of modest-impact activity and resistance training three times per week can improve bone mineral density [4].

Exercises that work your bones and muscles against gravity, also called “weight-bearing exercises,” stimulate the cells that are responsible for forming bone and increasing bone strength. A regular exercise routine can greatly reduce the risk of falls and fall-related fractures by improving body’s balance, coordination, and muscle tone [5].

• Change Certain Lifestyle Factors

While you cannot control every lifestyle factor, there are some that you can change to improve the health of your bones. A good place to start is by examining your posture. Do you slouch or sit up straight? Proper posture distributes your weight evenly, keeping your back straight and pulling the shoulders back.

Additionally, you should check your mattress. Is it lumpy and uncomfortable? Choosing a proper mattress that complements the natural curvature of your spine helps keep your bones supported, thus keeping them in better shape.

Finally, one of the most important lifestyle factors you can change for your bone health is to stop smoking. This is especially important because smoking results in a reduction in bone mass, and nicotine tends to cause inflammation of chondrocytes (cells of cartilage) [6]. To avoid the negative effects of smoking on your bones, it’s best to kick the habit.

Our bone health is determined by hormonal, genetic, and nutritional factors. While not much can be done when it comes to genes, you can certainly zero-in on the modifiable factors to help keep your bones healthy. For the leading orthopedic doctors in the Clear Lake, Texas, area, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620 or visit us at https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/orthopedics/.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45515/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330619/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18065599

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14758410

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19421702/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30746895

Those in the Clear Lake, Texas, area know the effects that chronic pain or just general wear and tear can have on the body. In many cases, physical therapy is used as a treatment for patients that wish to reduce pain and increase their mobility. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we know that physical therapy can be an excellent treatment method for many patients, so we’ve laid out some signs that can help you determine if it’s time for physical therapy from a Clear Lake specialist:

1. Medication has not Worked

Prescription medication designed to reduce pain may be one of the first courses of action your physician recommends. However, medication does not work in every situation. If medication is not working, it may be time for physical therapy. In fact, physical therapy may be the first recommended treatment option for some cases, as there may be patients who are averse to or unable to take pain medication. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association showed that 59.5% of participants refused pain medication due to concerns about side effects and negative reactions (1). If medication has not worked, or you would rather not take a prescription medicine, your physician may recommend physical therapy.

2. Pain Lingers After Activity

In some cases, it’s normal to experience slight lingering pain after completing an activity, especially one that is physically strenuous. Oftentimes, rest and hot/cold therapy helps reduce this pain within a day or two. However, if lingering pain seems to be constant, it may be time to speak to a physician about physical therapy. A medical study conducted between 1994 to 1997 over the effectiveness of physical therapy reported a more than 50% improvement in study participants following physical therapy (2). While physical therapy results vary from patient to patient, it can be determined that, overall, physical therapy is an effective treatment method for those with chronic, lingering pain.

3. You Have a Strained Muscle

Sharp, sudden pain can be an indicator that a muscle strain has occurred. When a muscle strain occurs, physical therapy is often a recommended treatment method. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, physical therapy for strained muscles is typically utilized as the pain and swelling subside (3). Speak with a physician to determine the severity of your muscle strain, and whether physical therapy may be able to help increase the muscle’s range of motion.

4. You Have Recently Been Injured

Those who have recently suffered an injury may benefit from physical therapy as a treatment method. According to South University’s Physical Therapy Assisting program, physical therapy can help rebuild strength and movement following an injury (4). Treatment following an injury is crucial to avoid permanent damage and restore full mobility, so it is important to speak to a physician about the possibility of using physical therapy as a treatment method.

For many patients in Clear Lake, Texas, physical therapy can provide a variety of benefits. Houston Physicians’ Hospital offers physical therapy from industry leaders to provide patients with effective pain relief. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620 or visit us at https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/physical-therapy/.

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525861005006869
2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dee_Hartmann/publication/285865657_The_perceived_effectiveness_of_physical_therapy_treatment_on_women_complaining_of_chronic_vulvar_pain_and_diagnosed_with_either_vulvar_vestibulitis_syndrome_or_dysesthetic_vulvodynia/links/585802c208ae64cb3d47d6b3/The-perceived-effectiveness-of-physical-therapy-treatment-on-women-complaining-of-chronic-vulvar-pain-and-diagnosed-with-either-vulvar-vestibulitis-syndrome-or-dysesthetic-vulvodynia.pdf
3. https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/Citation/1999/07000/Muscle_Strain_Injury__Diagnosis_and_Treatment.6.aspx

Our spine bears quite a bit of wear and tear throughout our life. It helps us move, supports our weight, and helps us stretch and bend. Over time, the spine can become achy if it’s not properly taken care of. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we know that no one wants to deal with a stiff, sore spine, so we’ve listed some ways to show your back some love and prevent pain:

• Be Mindful of Posture

How you hold your body while you move (dynamic posture) and while stationary (static posture) is the single most important aspect you can zero-in on to help prevent spine pain. Poor standing posture is a known cause of pain within the back [1]. Proper posture is key to prevent an aching feeling within the muscles that support the spine. Improving posture often requires re-training the body to sit and stand in positions that place the muscles and ligaments under the lowest amount of stress.

For patients who must sit for long periods of time, such as office workers, being mindful of posture is especially important. To help ensure proper posture:

• Change your position every 30 minutes.
• Adjust your chair and desk height so your elbows are on the desk and your shoulders are relaxed.
• Distribute your weight uniformly on both of the hips.
• Sit up with your back straight.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor.

• Reach a Healthy Weight

Weight loss in overweight individuals has many benefits, including assuaging back pain. Overweight people tend to be at a greater risk for joint pain, back pain, and muscle strain, when compared to non-overweight individuals [2]. Excess weight places extra burden on the spine, which may cause pain, misalignment of vertebrae, or even osteoarthritis. Overall, excessive weight induces abnormal joint loads, resulting in changes in the composition, properties, and structure of the articular cartilage [3]. Weight loss dramatically reduces the compressive forces through the load-bearing joints. As a result, it reduces joint pain and improves physical function [3].

• Drink Plenty of Water

While it may sound cliché, drinking plenty of water is extremely important to maintain the fluidity and elasticity of joints. There is a particularly strong relationship between inadequate water intake and intervertebral disc pain. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and protect our back from the damage of daily wear and tear. Enclosed in each disc is a jelly-like substance, which is mainly made of water and collagen fibers. A dehydrated disc loses this jelly-like substance and is not capable of supporting the back. This leads to inflammation, soreness, pain, or even herniated discs. In simple words, the cushioning ability of your spine is greatly dependent on your water intake. Additionally, staying hydrated is especially important for those suffering from any form of arthritis. According to a study, intake of water with increased concentration of molecular hydrogen reduced oxidative stress and caused a significant improvement in the disease activity [4].

While these tips can help prevent back pain, it’s important to seek a medical professional if intense stiffness, soreness, or pain occur along your spine. For the leading spine specialists in the Clear Lake, Texas, area, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620 or visit us at https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/spine-solutions-center/.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30562374

[2] http://www.fitwize4kids.com/fp/marketing/1_Research/Statistics_Trends/AOA_FactSheets.pdf

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3623013/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5095341/

Whether it’s a seasonal cold or a bit of lightheadedness, all of us at some point have had issues related to the ear, nose, and throat. Many residents in the Clear Lake, Texas, area label it as a “stubborn cold” or “exhaustion.” But, some of these common problems can have serious consequences if not addressed. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we know how serious an ENT problem can be, so we’ve laid out some signs that let you know it’s time to visit an ENT specialist as soon as possible:

1. Sinus Pain

Hollow spaces in the facial bones that connect to the nose through narrow pathways are known as sinuses. Inflammation of these spaces can lead to sinusitis that can either be acute (lasting less than four weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks). It is characterized by cloudy nose drainage, along with any one of the following:

• Nose congestion
• Heaviness in the head or specifically face
• A headache
• Loss of smell (chronic)
• Thick drainage (chronic)

Sinus pain can spread to the face, ear, teeth, and nose. While acute cases resolve with at-home treatments, chronic ones require referral to ENT specialists [2]. Furthermore, urgent referral becomes an absolute necessity in the presence of the following complications:

• Orbital sepsis
• Intracranial sepsis

If your symptoms persist for 10 days or more or improve for a short period of time before worsening, it is time to visit an ENT specialist. They will not only identify the exact cause of sinus pain, but also create a treatment plan.

A clinical study researching the efficacy of management strategies concluded that 50% of patients with sinus-headache pain can be benefited from otolaryngic management [2].

2. Tinnitus/ Ringing in Ears

Hearing “phantom noises” like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking in the absence of any external sound is known as tinnitus. While tinnitus isn’t very serious in most cases, it requires immediate attention if it is acquired after an upper respiratory tract infection, doesn’t improve within 10 days, or is accompanied by hearing loss.

If tinnitus becomes severe, it can even lead to disability. According to The College of Family physicians of Canada, tinnitus-related disability claims form the largest fraction of claims submitted to the Workplace Safety and Insurance board [3]. Visiting a Clear Lake ENT specialist when symptoms first occur can help prevent a case of tinnitus from becoming severe.

3. Hoarseness

According to American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, bouts of hoarseness are frequently reported, and almost one-third of the population experiences them at some point in their life [4].

While hoarseness is typically seen as a consequence of common cold, one should not forget that it could be an indication of a serious underlying issue. Typically, it is recommended to manage it conservatively for 4 weeks before referring to an ENT specialist. However, if symptoms become severe, it’s important to seek medical help as quickly as possible.

It can be hard to determine whether something is just the common cold or an ENT problem. If you notice severe cases of any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appoint with one of Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s leading ENT doctors. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620, or visit us at https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/ear-nose-and-throat/.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1800997/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25216102
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6042678/

The holiday season has come to a close, and many residents in the Clear Lake, Texas, area are ready to begin the task of taking down their holiday decorations. As you begin taking the lights and decorations down, be sure to keep your spine in mind. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand the importance of avoiding a spine injury, so we’ve laid out some tips to help you keep your spine safe when taking down your holiday decorations.

Removing decorations can be physically enervating and dangerous if not done with caution in mind. According to data from CPSC, 2012 alone saw 15,000 injuries as a result of holiday decorations all over the country [1]. That is roughly about 250 injuries a day. Here’s how you can ensure your spine’s safety:

1. Keep Ladder Safety in Mind

According to a study published in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, falls from ladders account for 9% of all fall-induced spinal cord injuries. Also, vertebral injuries are more often found to be associated with falls from ladders and buildings [2].

When removing decorations that require a ladder to reach, make sure you have someone around to help keep your stability, especially if you’re outdoors. Something else to mention, always use a ladder to stand for prolonged periods of time, not a chair or desk. Avoid using damaged or worn out ladders.

Furthermore, it’s better to reposition the ladder if something’s out of reach, instead of over-extending the arms and reaching for it. This prevents falls and sprains resulting from hyperextension of the back.

2. Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Lifting heavy boxes becomes a routine when putting away holiday decorations, but an improper lifting technique can easily result in a spinal injury [3]. Remember two rules, first lift boxes one at a time, taking care to not “bite off more than you can chew.” Essentially, you should keep a check on the weight of boxes and avoid burdening your body with excessive weight.

Secondly, instead of exerting weight on the spine by bending to lift boxes, flex your knees and hips into a squat position to prevent an injury. Additionally, avoid leaning forward or backward when carrying a heavy load.

It’s always advisable to have the weight as close to the body as possible, to keep it stable. Yet another way of protecting your spine is to tighten the stomach muscles, which ensures the spine is in a safe lifting position.

3. Be Vigilant When Removing Electrical Decorations

When removing holiday decorations, make sure you’re well aware of how to handle electrical components because not only can they lead to electrocution, but loose cords can also cause falls that lead to severe spine injuries. Slipping, tripping, and stumbling are the most common causes of fall-induced spinal injuries [2]. Always check for loose wires that could lead to a potentially dangerous fall.

Extension cords should be used with great caution and should be taped to the floor with duct tape or concealed with a cord cover to avoid tripping accidents. Remember to unplug them when not in use and fix them against the wall where they’re clearly visible while you’re working on removing any additional decorations.

Spinal injuries shouldn’t be under-estimated. Whether it’s a minor fall or a trip that results in severe back pain, it’s essential to get it investigated by a physician. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our doctors are here to provide excellent, effective spinal care for residents in the Clear Lake, Texas area. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620.

[1] https://www.cpsc.gov/content/%E2%80%9Cdeck-the-halls%E2%80%9D-safely-cpsc-estimates-more-than-15000-holiday-decorating-injuries-during

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4725788/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954586/