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Jul 2, 2018

The Top 5 Tips to Increase Your Bone Health This Summer

Most people don’t think of “bone health” when they think of summer. Instead, many people think of sunny days, beach vacations, and splashing around in the pool. However, summer is actually the perfect time to focus on the health of your bones. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we know the importance of taking care of your bones, so we’ve listed some ways to increase bone health this summer:

Snack on Seasonal, Polyphenol-Rich Foods

Thanks to ample sunshine and warm weather, produce is abundant in the summer. Much of this produce is rich in polyphenols, a group of plant-based chemicals. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, polyphenols also play a role in bone health, with an association between increased polyphenol intake and decreased risk of bone fractures (1). This season try increasing your intake of blackberries, raspberries, beets, or cherries to give your bones a boost of polyphenols.

Spend Time in the Sun

Spending time in the sun is an easy way to help your bones this summer. Sunlight helps our body produce vitamin D, which allows our body to produce calcium. The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that those who do not get enough vitamin D are at a greater risk for broken bones and bones loss (2). For your daily dose of vitamin D, try spending at least 20-30 minutes a day in direct sunlight. Just remember to use sunscreen.

Take Some Time to Relax

Believe it or not, your mental health can impact the physical health of your bones. When you don’t take time to relax, stress can easily build up. This stress produces a hormone called cortisol, which the National Center for Biotechnology Information cites as a factor for bone loss (3). To keep your bones at their best, be sure to take some time to relax this summer. Spend some time in the pool, take your dog to the park, or enjoy another fun summer activity to help reduce stress levels and bone-damaging cortisol production.

Go for a Walk

While you may want to avoid going for a walk when the sun is at its brightest, it’s still important to get some movement into your day. The National Institutes of Health state that bones, like muscle, respond to exercise by becoming stronger (4). This means that daily exercise can help reverse the effects of bone loss as we age, as it makes them more resilient against breakdown. A walk is the perfect option this summer to get up and get some exercise. Aim for 30 minutes of movement a day, preferably indoors or when the sunlight is not at its brightest.

Stay Away from the Cola

Many people enjoy a daily cola during the summer, but it’s best to avoid this sugary drink for the sake of your bones. The National Center for Biotechnology Information shows an association between cola consumption and lower bone mineral density (5). To keep hydrated and support your bone health, milk or water are better options. You can even add some fresh, seasonal fruit to your water for a flavor boost.

These tips will help keep your bones at their best all year long. Houston Physicians’ Hospital is the leading orthopedic hospital for Clear Lake, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620.

Jun 25, 2018

Is It Allergies or Something More? Here’s When to See an ENT Specialist

Summer is here, and many residents in the Clear Lake and the surrounding areas are finding themselves dealing with allergy symptoms. While allergies are often a normal occurrence during the warmer months, they can become severe and need to be addressed by an ENT specialist. We know your health is important here at Houston Physicians’ Hospital, so we’ve laid out some signs that mean it’s time to visit an ENT doctor for your allergies:

You Frequently Have Sinus Problems

If you often find yourself suffering from sinus problems such as sinus infections or severe sinus pain, it may be time to speak with a medical professional about the possibility of an ENT problem. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that those who have allergies are at a greater risk for infections and other problems with the sinuses (1).

OTC Treatments Have Not Worked

Typically, it is best to try OTC (over the counter) methods to treat allergies before speaking to an ENT specialist. In fact, the American Journal of Managed Care estimates that 57% of allergy sufferers are able to treat their allergies using OTC treatment methods (2). However, if you have tried different OTC medications to treat your allergies and still suffer from persistent symptoms, it can mean you need to speak with an ENT specialist.

Breathing is Extremely Difficult

While a stuffy nose is a common symptom of normal allergies, it shouldn’t cause breathing to become extremely difficult. If you suffer from breathing difficulties along with your allergies, you may have a condition called “allergic asthma.” According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic asthma is a condition in which allergens trigger asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing (3). Speak to a medical professional as quickly as possible if breathing is extremely difficult as a result of your allergies.

Your Symptoms Interfere with Your Daily Life

The National Sleep Foundation cites that allergy symptoms can make it difficult to sleep at night (4). If your allergy symptoms are getting in the way of your regular sleep cycle, you should seek treatment from an ENT specialist. Also consider whether your allergies affect any other aspects of your life, such as your exercise routine or your appetite. Allergy symptoms can be challenging to deal with, but if they are holding you back from your daily life, it’s time to seek treatment from a medical professional.

Allergies can hinder many people’s summer plans, but they shouldn’t control your life. For professional allergy management, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620. We proudly offer expert ENT treatments in Clear Lake and the surrounding areas.

Jun 4, 2018

These 4 Outdoor Activities Are Great for Your Back!

Summer is upon us, and it’s a great time to be active outside. For those who experience back pain, outdoor activities may seem more like a burden than a fun way to get active this summer. As a leading name in pain management, Houston Physicians’ Hospital believes that no one should be held back from enjoying fun outdoor activities, so we’ve listed some back-friendly options to try:

Yoga

Many people enjoy doing some outdoor yoga on a beautiful summer morning, and it just so happens to be a wonderful way to help with chronic back pain. In fact, the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that not only does yoga reduce the intensity of back pain, but it also helps restore function and movement in the back (1). Some great poses to try are Seated Spinal Twist, Sphinx Pose, and Lower Back Clasp, as these poses focus primarily on the muscles that help support the spine.

Swimming

Swimming is the perfect warm weather activity. It can help your back and provide the extra benefit of keeping you cool. The National Center for Biotechnical Information cites water-based cardio activities, like swimming, as one of the most useful methods of exercise for those suffering from back pain (2). Whether you’re playing pool games or swimming laps, your pool will help keep your back pain-free in the warm weather.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a low-impact activity that can help build strength in the core and improve balance. A study published in The Journal of Sports Sciences also associates paddle boarding with improved static and dynamic postural control (3). This increase in postural control is directly related to the amount of back pain present, according to the National Center for Biotechnical Medicine (4). Get out on the lake and try some paddle boarding for the perfect warm weather, back-friendly activity.

Walking

NHS England, a public body of the Department of Health and Social Care, suggests walking as a way to help relieve back pain (5). A morning stroll is a great option to help back pain, as there is no equipment needed, and it can easily be done in your own neighborhood. Keep in mind that you will need supportive shoes to help absorb the shock as your feet hit the ground.

Back pain often appears at inconvenient times, but these four outdoor activities will keep you pain-free as summer arrives. For expert back pain management treatments in Clear Lake, Texas, and the surrounding areas, give The Spine Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at 832-340-2134.

May 24, 2018

Use These Tips to Protect Your Back While Traveling

Summer is getting closer and closer, and many people in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas are ready for a vacation. However, your travel plans can easily be hindered by back pain without the proper pain management techniques. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that everyone wants a pain-free vacation, so we’ve listed some tips to help you protect your back while traveling:

Divide Your Luggage

Instead of packing all of your vacation items into one bag, try dividing your items into 2 or 3 smaller, lighter bags. According to the Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, heavy lifting was one of the most commonly stated causes of lower back pain (1). Packing separate bags allows you to pack whatever you may need for a trip, without causing one bag to become too heavy and increase your risk for back pain.

Avoid Twisting When Lifting Luggage

According to the medical journal Spine, twisting motions are significantly related to back pain (2). When lifting heavy luggage, replace a twisting motion with a pivot. This allows your whole body to move, reducing the amount of strain placed on your back and reducing the risk for injury.

Bring an OTC Medication as a Backup

If you’re prescription medication runs out, you don’t want to be stuck with pain during your trip. Bring an Over-the-Counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain in the event you are left without your prescription. However, be sure to speak with your local pain management doctor to ensure these medications are safe for you to use.

Get Up and Stretch

If you are traveling by plane, get up and stretch once the pilot has stated it is safe to move around. Plane rides often involve long periods of sitting still, which can mean bad news for your back. According to the medical journal Spine, prolonged sitting in a constrained posture increases the risk for back pain (3). Getting up and moving around can help relieve the back from being confined to one posture for extended periods of time.

Wear Slip-On Shoes

According to the medical journal Occupational Medicine, frequently bending over shows significant potential for contributing to back pain (4). Avoid this by wearing slip on shoes. These shoes can be easily taken off after a long day of walking without the need to bend over and potentially make your back pain worse.

Vacation is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, not deal with back pain. These simple tips can help keep your back pain-free when traveling. For expert back pain treatment in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, give the Spine Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at 832-340-2134.

May 10, 2018

The Causes of a Bad Back and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

For many patients in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, back pain is an irritating problem that can have an impact on their daily routine. However, there are certain measures that can be taken to prevent painful symptoms from occurring. As a leading name in pain management, Houston Physicians’ Hospital believes that no one should experience a reduced quality of life due to back pain. Here, we’ve laid out some causes that contribute to back pain, and what you can do to prevent them:

Slouching

According to the journal Manual Therapy, those with pain disorders affecting the lumbar spine often sit in a flexed spinal posture, essentially meaning they often sit in a slouched position (1). This is a larger problem for those who sit for long periods of time as part of their occupation. To avoid back pain resulting from slouched posture, periodically check to ensure your ears are in line with your shoulders. Additionally, you can purchase a lumbar support pillow to help support and position your spine to help you sit properly.

Back Spasms

According to the journal Clinical Biomechanics, muscles spasms within the back contribute to a substantial proportion of those affected by back pain (2). These spams can occur when the tendons or muscles within the lower back are injured or torn, usually as a result of athletic activity or weight lifting. Strengthening and stretching the back muscles are key in preventing these painful spasms. Incorporate stretching into your workout routine to loosen the muscle fibers and focus on strengthening the muscles within the back to prevent injury and muscular imbalances.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become brittle and weak. While some factors, such as genetics, can make the development of osteoporosis unavoidable in some individuals, there are some measures you can take to delay the onset and reduce the severity. According to the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, there is evidence to suggest that certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, exercise, and calcium consumption can affect bone density (3). To prevent severe osteoporosis-related back pain, quitting smoking, increasing calcium intake, and regular exercise are key.

Anxiety

While many people think back pain is the result of only physical factors, mental factors are a common contributor as well. In fact, the medical journal Spine states that a study indicated a high degree of worry is directly correlated with lower back pain (4). While anxiety can be difficult to overcome, steps can be taken to prevent it, such as deep breathing and exercise. To prevent back pain caused by excess worry, find a method to control anxiety that works best for you.

Being Overweight

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, individuals who are overweight have a higher prevalence of back pain than those who are not overweight (5). Excess body weight can place increased strain on the spine and contribute to painful symptoms. To reduce body weight, both diet and activity level changes are recommended. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity into your day, along with eliminating processed foods with high amounts of saturated fat can reduce overall body weight along with the risk for experiencing back pain.

Those looking to avoid back pain in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas may benefit from these tips. However, back pain has many causes, and symptoms can range from mildly irritating to severe. For expert pain management for your back problems, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center a call at 832-340-2134.

Apr 24, 2018

Is Back Surgery the Best Treatment Option? Here’s How to Find Out

If you suffer from severe back pain, you may wonder what the best pain management method is. Surgery is a viable treatment for many people in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, but is it right for you? At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that it can be difficult to determine whether surgery is the best option to help reduce your back pain, so we’ve listed some signs that back surgery may be the best treatment option for you:

Non-Surgical Treatment Options Have Not Helped

According to The Maine Lumbar Spine Study, Part 3, 28% of patients treated with non-surgical methods continued to experience reduced back pain for at least one year after treatment (1). Typically, non-surgical treatments are primarily recommended by orthopedic specialists before surgical procedures to avoid unnecessary invasive treatment. However, not every patient has success with non-surgical options. If these options have not helped decrease your back pain, it may be time for surgical treatment.

Your Quality of Life is Reduced

While any kind of back pain can be irritating, it should not impact the overall quality of life. However, both the frequency and severity of your back pain can impact your quality of life and determine if surgery is needed. In fact, a study published in Spine medical journal states that those who suffer from daily back pain reported a significantly lower quality of life, along with physical mobility (2). If your back pain has reached a point where both your life and ability to move are severely affected, it is time to seek the help of a back surgeon.

You Experience Symptoms Associated with Compressed Nerves

If your back pain is accompanied by symptoms like a loss of sensation in the feet, a burning pain that spreads to your lower extremities, or problems with hand coordination, it may be due to spinal cord compression or other compressed nerves. Surgery may be the best option to reduce these symptoms and alleviate associated pain. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, surgical decompression of nerves can significantly reduce unpleasant, painful symptoms of compressed nerves within the back.

You Have a Progressed Spinal Condition

Some spinal conditions, such as scoliosis or spinal stenosis, cause a change in the normal alignment of the spine. If addressed in the early stages, the resulting pain can be reduced with braces or physical therapy. However, if the condition has progressed significantly, surgery may be the best option to help treat pain. The medical journal, Spine, cites surgery to correct spinal deformities as an effective method to help reduce associated pain (4).

If your back pain is interfering with your life, it may be time to seek the help of Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center. We are committed to revolutionizing the world of spine care. Give us a call at 832-340-2134.