Millions of Americans live with chronic, debilitating back pain, and in some cases this pain turns into  a herniated disk. In many cases, a herniated disc will also lead to neck, arm, and, leg pain in addition to back pain. Sometimes referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc can affect any part of the spine, but it most often occurs in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (low back). Those who have a herniated disc usually experience a pinching sensation or even pain and numbness in the neck, arm, low back, and leg. There are varying degrees of herniated discs, which is why it is important to see a spine doctor if you experience any of the symptoms. In some cases a herniated disc can be treated without surgery, but it is important you see a professional pain management specialist in order to determine what the best path is.

Why Do Herniated Discs Develop?

Discs are essentially soft pads that sit in between the bony vertebrae that make up the entire spinal column. They are made from a thick ring of cartilage and allow the back to bend, move, and even act as shock absorbers. Discs are incredibly important to the health and the overall movement of the back and should not be taken for granted. However, many people do not fully understand their role – that is until one ruptures or slips. Before a disc becomes herniated it often ‘bulges’, or seeps out from the spinal column, putting pressure on the nerves. Even a bulging disc can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. Here is a brief look at the most common symptoms of a herniated disc:

• Burning sensation
• Numbness in leg or foot
• Pain with certain movements, namely twisting or bending over
• Pain in both legs
• Intensified pain with prolonged sitting or bending
• Weakness in the legs

In order to be diagnosed with a herniated disc, make an appointment with a Plano spine doctor today. There are numerous other conditions and situations that may result in similar symptoms of a herniated disc, so it is important you meet with a professional before diagnosing yourself.

Treatment Options

Always consult a medical professional before starting any treatment plan for a herniated disc. There are numerous options that may be ideal for certain individuals, depending on their needs, current condition, and medical history. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the best treatment options for a herniated disc:

• Physical therapy
• Ice and heat therapy for pain relief
• Chiropractic manipulation
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Oral steroids
• Epidural injections
• Surgery

To learn more about your treatment options for a herniated disc, please contact our Plano spine center today.

Back pain is extremely common amongst American adults, but it is also very preventable. Over 80% of Americans suffer from some level of back pain, whether mild discomfort or debilitating pain that affects day-to-day life. On an annual basis, back pain affects 30 million Americans, a shocking statistic, to say the least. Many people experience back pain out of nowhere and with seemingly no rhyme or reason. There are two different classifications of back pain – acute (temporary) and chronic (persistent, long-lasting). Both chronic and acute back pain can have an impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to live comfortably. However, in many cases, making a few small changes will alleviate all signs of back pain. Unfortunately, many people turn to narcotics and over-the-counter drugs in order to manage their pain. While this may be necessary for some, the majority of back pain sufferers could see dramatic, positive changes in their pain by making a few adjustments to their everyday lives.

Figuring out what exactly is causing your back pain isn’t as straightforward as some may think, but there are tons of different actions you can take in order to alleviate the pain or keep it from escalating. The key is to protect your spine, strengthen your core, and relieve pressure to the area that is feeling it the most. Changes could be as simple as making sure you are using a supportive, ergonomic office chair or changing your shoes. Yes, your shoes. With that in mind, let’s look at a few everyday changes you can do to relieve back pain:

• Sleep on your side with a pillow in between your knees – One of the worst things you can do for back pain is sleep on your back. The best position to alleviate pain is on your side with a pillow in between your legs. Make sure you have a supportive mattress and good pillow, too.
• Sit up straight – Millions of Americans work at a computer desk for 8 hours or more every single day, which is just one of the reasons why we have seen an increase in back pain. It is important to sit up straight and maintain good posture, not slouch forward and over your computer. People don’t even realize the damage they are doing to their back and spine by slouching over as they type on their computer or text. Invest in an ergonomic workstation and really try to pay attention to your posture throughout the day. By making a few small changes in this realm, you will be amazed at what a difference it makes.
• Change your shoes – Another culprit of back pain is unsupportive shoes. More and more people are realizing the importance of wearing shoes that are supportive and mold to your foot. Women should consider shoes with less than a one-inch heel, as anything hire can cause damage to your back.
• Practice yoga – Yoga has been proven to help prevent and alleviate back pain in millions of Americans. Not only does it help with flexibility, but it will strengthen your core in order to protect your spine and back. There are tons of different yoga poses you can do specifically for back pain, too. As long as you stick to it, chances are you will see results relatively quickly.

Don’t let back pain ruin your life. By making the changes above, eating right, taking supportive and nourishing vitamins, you will have a much better chance of getting rid of your back pain altogether. If you are living with back pain because of a trauma or injury, you may want to consider physical therapy in conjunction with the above changes. Our Plano pain management clinic offers a wide range of important therapies aimed at addressing back pain and helping you achieve optimal health and wellness. Please contact NeuroSpine Surgical Consultants today for more information on physical therapy and our other services for back pain sufferers.

The brain is a fascinating and mysterious organ in the human body that is incredibly complex. In fact, many experts will be as bold to say that the brain is the single most complex creation in the universe. The brain has many roles and wears many hats, so to speak. It acts as a storage unit for your memories, it influences a person’s personality traits, behaviors, and emotions, and it is the command center for the central nervous system. Furthermore, the brain commands our physical and cognitive abilities. It’s safe to say the brain does it all and is a truly magnificent specimen. While most of us understand the basic role of the brain and the duties it performs, there are thousands of intricacies and tidbits about the brain that are unknown to most. This is understandable, as the human brain is actually one of the least explored and studied areas of science. Truth be told, we don’t know as much about the brain as we could. While our knowledge about the brain has expanded in recent, there is still a long road ahead of us – which is both exciting and daunting all at once.

Today we are going to look at five fascinating facts about the brain that you probably didn’t already know. Like we said, there is a lot we do not know and we are constantly learning new facts about the brain and its function. Here are five facts to help you better understand just how incredible the human brain is:

• Your brain activity is as unique to you as your fingerprint – New research indicates an individual’s brain activity is actually as unique as his or her fingerprints. We have begun to learn about individual connections with the brain and how the brain contributes to intelligence, personality, and our behavioral traits. The bottom line? The more we learn about the brain the better chance we have of providing individualized care and attention to each person.
• The human brain has more cell types than any other tissue in the human body – Interestingly, the brain is comprised of a wide range of different cells, unlike other organs where the cells are all the same. This helps to explain the complexity of the brain and why we still don’t know a lot.
• The human brain has the capacity to fool us – Recent studies have shown us that the brain may not be as perfect as originally thought. In fact, scientists are learning that the brain can actually fool us to perceive things different than reality. This is an eye-opening fact that should not be forgotten. Understanding this fact will help us better understand ourselves and our reactions.
• The brain is considered a “random thought generator” – This is because it is said the average brain can generate up to 50,000 unique thoughts each day. While you may not be consciously aware of all of these thoughts, your brain is certainly working in overdrive most of the time.
• Your brain is the fattiest organ in the body – That’s right, your brain actually consists of a minimum of 60 percent fat. This is why it is important to adopt a diet that is rich in healthy fats like omega-3s, as they are vital to the brain’s overall function.

The human brain is absolutely fascinating and we are constantly impressed by what we learn. If you are in need of a Plano neurologist or spine doctor, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Living with pain is never easy. Especially when the pain is in your back or in your neck, it seems to constantly affect the activities of your day to day life. Pain isn’t the only symptom that can put a damper on your life, but also, experiencing the correlating back and neck stiffness can make it even more difficult to live with. Typically, neck stiffness is accompanied by difficulty with turning of one’s head, soreness, headaches, and even shoulder or arm pain. If you are enduring neck stiffness, you may be wondering why, and what you can do about it… We’re going to talk about a few of the common reasons behind a stiff neck, and what you can do to alleviate the discomfort.

Sprain or injury

One of the most common reasons for a stiff neck is because of a tissue sprain or muscle strain. Usually, the levator scapulae muscle is most susceptible to these types of injuries. Various activities can be the culprit of this type of injury, including:

• Sleeping or sitting with your neck in an unnatural position for a long amount of time
• Sleeping with too many pillows, or too flat of a pillow
• Sudden or abrupt impact that forces the head to the side
• Turning the head to abruptly from side to side
• Whiplash
• Sport’s injuries

Stress or anxiety

Excessive levels of stress or anxiety can also lead to stiffness in the neck. Unfortunately, lowering your stress and anxiety levels is easier said than done. You can try to manage your stress by researching and trying out a few various techniques. Try to consistently practice proper breathing exercises and stretching exercises to try and relax the muscles in your neck throughout the day. Depending on the severity of your pain and stiffness you may need to find a Plano physical therapist.

Poor posture

Poor posture or even looking down for a long amount of time, for example, on your smart phone or tablet can lead to neck stiffness as well. Try to avoid poor posture and prolonged awkward positions of the neck. If you are in a position where you are required to look at computer or tablet for too long, remember to practice relaxation exercises throughout the time you are doing so.

NeuroSpine Surgical Consultants has everything you need under one roof, from diagnosticians, surgeons, to recovery experts and rehabilitation therapists, we can assist you from start to finish. Contact us today, and we’ll help you get started on the journey back to better.

What is sciatica pain?

Let’s start at the beginning… What exactly is sciatica pain? Well, it is pain that stems from the sciatic nerve. Usually this pain is felt down the leg. This type of pain can occur because of various different reasons. In most circumstances, the problem starts in the lower back or the hips. The nerve roots are located in these regions, in the lower spine, but they run down each leg to the foot. Usually, the pain is felt much worse and more prominently in the leg than the lower back or hips. Sciatica pain can be close to unbearable and extremely difficult to live with. It can truly affect one’s quality of life, and that is why we think it is so important for those who are suffering to find relief.

The first step is to visit a sciatica nerve pain doctor, who can properly diagnose the cause of your pain. Your doctor will want to diagnose the problem that is leading to this pain, so that he can better find a solution for the problem. From the diagnosis, your doctor will then be able to help you by providing ways to relieve your pain.

Why does sciatica pain occur?

The most common reason for sciatica pain, is from a slipped [herniated] disk within in the spine. Whenever the outer region of one of the disks between the vertebrae becomes weak or torn, the inner part of the disk can slip out, causing extreme pain and discomfort. This can then lead to a pinching of the sciatic nerve, leading to the symptoms of the intense pain one feels down one of their legs.

How can one relieve sciatica nerve pain?

After a proper diagnosis, your doctor will then want to come up with a plan to help you find relief from your sciatica nerve pain. While some cases will require measures such as being prescribed muscle relaxers, other cases will be able to find relief in more natural remedies such as stretches, exercises, yoga, and massage therapy. Usually, it is always best to try and fix the problem with more natural methods, but there are situations where these natural and non-invasive measures just aren’t enough.

If you are suffering from sciatic pain, you are most likely feeling quite defeated and desperate to find someone who can help you. Here at NeuroSpine Surgical Consultants, we can help. We have everything you need under one roof from start to finish. Our caring Plano spine doctors, physical therapists, and surgeons are here for you along the entire journey. Contact us today, and let’s get started on getting you back to a pain-free life.

The spinal column is a complicated entity with many different working parts that keep your body in balance, as well as help to keep you moving and alive. It is made up of multiple bones, called vertebrae, that are stacked on top of one another. Included in the column is seven bones in the cervical spine, while there are 12 in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine. In between each of the vertebrae are disks that cushion the bones. The disks protect the various bones by working like a sponge in between disks to absorb shock and impact incurred throughout daily activities and movements such as lifting, walking, etc.

There are two parts that make up each disk, including a soft inner part, and a tougher outer counterpart. When a disk breaks out of the outer tougher region, it is called either a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disk. It can be extremely painful and cause continuous discomfort for a person experiencing it. If you have heard the saying that someone or something is the “backbone” of something, you can understand how important the spinal column and all of its counterparts are, as it quite literally keeps us together.

What symptoms occur from a slipped disk?

It is possible to incur a slipped disc in any section of your spinal column, all the way from your lower back up to the top of your neck. There are multiple nerves and blood vessels that run throughout your spinal column and your spinal cord, and a slipped disk can protrude out and irritate as well as put intense strain on these nerves and vessels which can cause pain and discomfort, often expanding further than just your back and neck.

The various symptoms of a slipped disk can be:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning
• Extended pain to the arms or legs
• Extended numbness or tingling to arms or legs
• Pain often existing on one side of the body
• Pain after standing for long periods of time
• Pain after sitting for long periods of time
• Pain after walking, even for short distances
• Weakness in one’s muscles

How does a slipped disk occur?

Whenever the outer region of the area is injured or becomes torn or weak, the inner region of the disk is then susceptible to slipping out of where it is supposed to be. This can happen when your body, back or neck more specifically, is twisted or turned, or if the direct area incurs harsh impact. The older we become and the more frail and worn our bodies get with normal aging and wear down, the easier it is for this injury to happen.

How do I know if I have a slipped disk?

If you believe you may have a slipped disk, you will need to visit your Plano spine doctor. He or she will first do a physical exam to locate the area of the spine where the pain and discomfort is coming from. If your doctor suspects a possible slipped disk, they will want to do a type of imaging test. Different tests they may want to conduct would likely include X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and discograms.

What next?

If you are looking for a trusted team of neurological and spinal experts, here at NeuroSpine Surgical Consultants, we can help. Our practice has everything you need under one roof, from diagnosticians, surgeons, to recovery experts and rehabilitation therapists, we can assist you from start to finish. Contact us today so we can help you start feeling back to normal.

Anyone who has ever experienced heel pain knows just how uncomfortable and debilitating it can be. Heel pain can hit at anytime and completely change your day, mood, and level of productivity. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 40 percent of Americans complain of heel pain every single year. There are many different causes of heel pain, from wearing the wrong shoes to repetitive strain and the natural aging process. Similarly, there is also a wide range of conditions that could be the culprit of heel pain.

The first step (no pun intended) to knowing what to do about heel pain is determining what is causing it. In some cases the sufferer experienced pain under the heel (usually a sign of plantar fasciitis) or just behind the heel (typically Achilles tendinitis), but there are other symptoms of heel pain that may not be quite as straightforward as a diagnosis. The good news about heel pain is that, even though it can be severe and even disabling at times, it is very rarely a health threat. The majority of heel pain cases we treat here at our Dallas foot therapy clinic are mild and disappear either on their own or with a bit of physical therapy.

About the Foot

The foot has 26 bones, of which the heel is the largest. This sturdy bone is designed to provide support for the rest of the body, which is a pretty hefty task if you think about it. Most of us don’t give our feet or heels much thought, until they start hurting, of course. The heel takes the brunt of action as we walk, run, partake in sporting activities, and so much more. According to experts, the stress placed on a foot when walking is likely 1.25 times our body weight, and nearly 3 times our weight when running. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise the heel is susceptible to damage and is plagued by pain for many of us.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Now that we have a better understanding of what the heel’s job is and how much force it must withstand, let’s look at the most common causes of heel pain:

• Plantar Fasciitis – The number one cause of heel pain for most adults is plantar fasciitis. A shocking 2 million people are faced with this condition every single year. Plantar fasciitis usually affects the bottom of the heel and maybe even the outer side of the arch. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs alongside the arch of the foot, connecting a person’s toes to the heel. Repeated motion and pressure can cause the fascia to become inflamed, resulting in mild to severe pain.
• Achilles Tendonitis – The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf with the heel bone. Wear and tear on the calf, repetitive motion, standing for a prolonged period of time, and certain activities can cause inflammation in the tendon, resulting in pain in the heel. It should be noted that Achilles pain and injuries are some of the hardest to recover from.
• Stress Fracture – People who suddenly pick up jogging or increase the amount the walk may put excess stress on the heel, which can result in bruising or a small crack in the heel bone, also referred to as a stress fracture.
• Arthritis – Arthritis is a common condition of aging that causes inflammation of the joints, including your feet. Individuals with flat feet are at a higher risk than others of developing arthritis. Even though most people experience inflammation in the middle of the foot, it can affect the heel bone and surrounding joints.

If you are experiencing heel pain, please contact NeuroSpine Surgical Consultants today and schedule a consultation. Our experienced therapists will sit down with you and take a look at your feet and structure, working to determine what the underlying cause of your pain is and how to treat it effectively.

A shocking 31 million Americans deal with back pain – specifically low back pain – at one time or another during their lifetime. In fact, low back pain is the leading cause of disability throughout the world. As anyone who has ever experienced back pain can attest to, it can range from mildly uncomfortable to absolutely debilitating. With 8 out of every 10 Americans experiencing back problems or pain at some point, there is no question it is a huge problem in our country. We see patients – both young and old – that complain of back pain at our Dallas pain management clinic on a regular basis, and one of the most frequent questions we hear is, “do I have to undergo surgery?” Unfortunately, the answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. There are many instances in which surgery is the only real viable option for back pain, but in other circumstances we can suggest alternative therapies that are extremely effective.

In fact, the majority of back problems can be treated non surgically. Options for treating back pain without surgery include:

● Anti-inflammatory medications
● Ice and/or heat
● Osteopathic manipulation
● Spinal injections
● Chiropractic treatment
● Acupuncture
● Yoga
● Physical therapy

The type of treatment required will depend on a host of factors, including the type of back pain you are experiencing and the integrity of your bone structure. In the event these more conservative treatment options do not provide relief, back surgery may be an option. It should be noted that surgery is typically viewed as a last resort. We strive to find ways to treat our patients back pain in ways other than surgery, and we are often quite successful in doing so. While many of these alternative treatments do not provide relief for every type of back pain, surgery is only needed in a small percentage of cases. That being said, surgery may be necessary to treat the following:

● Some instances of bulging or herniated discs
● Compression of the spinal nerves
● Vertebral fractures
● Conditions related to osteoporosis

These are just a few of the most common reasons we perform back surgery here at our Dallas pain management clinic. If we believe surgery is the best option for your particular case, we will discuss what you can expect before, during, and after in detail. We encourage you to ask any questions and want to make sure you feel comfortable before the date of your surgery arrives. Back pain can have a major impact on daily tasks, exercise, sleep, and your quality of life in general. Here at NeuroSpine, we will do everything we can to get you back on your feet and achieve optimal health and wellness. To learn more about some of the alternative options to back surgery or to schedule an appointment with one of our spine surgeons, please contact our Dallas back pain therapy clinic today.

Scoliosis is a common condition that affects 3 out of every 100 people in the United States. Scoliosis is defined as a condition where the spine curves sideways, appearing more like an “S” or a “C” than the straight line it should be. While every individual has some sort of curvature to their spine, those with scoliosis feel these effects more seriously. Many cases of scoliosis can be determined by simply looking at a person’s spine, whereas others require an x-ray with a front and/or rear view of the body. In some instances, a person with scoliosis may appear to have uneven shoulders or waist, causing them to look hunched over. Unfortunately, these curves cannot be corrected simply by asking the person to stand up straight.

Scoliosis is something a person is born with or develops over time because of changes in the body. This condition cannot be caused by something like carrying a backpack, poor posture, or a sports injury. Thankfully, there are numerous effective treatment options to help those suffering from scoliosis. And believe it or not, surgery isn’t the only viable option. Many people diagnosed with scoliosis worry that an invasive surgery is the only way to correct it, however, only a small percentage of people require this type of reconstructive surgery. Here at NeuroSpine Surgical Consultants, we will go over your options with you and ensure the right treatment for your particular case of scoliosis is discussed. We offer minimally-invasive surgeries, spinal fusion, and scoliosis correction to help our patients live a long, comfortable life.

The Impact of Scoliosis

Approximately 4 percent of the population has scoliosis, ranging from mild to severe cases. This spinal disorder can have a lasting impact on a wide range of health concerns, including:

● Chronic back pain
● Muscle imbalance
● Difficulty breathing
● Prominent bones

There are numerous known causes of scoliosis, but the vast majority (80 percent) of scoliosis cases that we treat are idiopathic. This means that scoliosis develops when the patient is between the ages of 10 and 15 years old, which is roughly the time period a child goes through puberty. Experts believe this type of scoliosis occurs because of genetic reasons, however, there is still ongoing research as to the exact cause of idiopathic scoliosis to this day.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

When a patient comes into NeuroSpine because they think they have scoliosis, we typically look for the following symptoms:

● Leaning to one side
● Uneven shoulders
● One shoulder blade is more prominent than the other
● Uneven hips, waist, legs, and/or rib cage

Many patients also complain of back pain, but it is important to keep in mind back pain alone is not a sole sign you may have scoliosis. To learn more about how we treat scoliosis at our Dallas pain management clinic, please do not hesitate to contact NeuroSpine today.