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Weather & Joint Pain: What’s the Connection?

Weather and joint pain has long been studied and is now scientifically confirmed to cause certain conditions to be much more noticeable if the weather changes rapidly through the week or month. In this post, we’ll be discussing how certain weather patterns may exacerbate your specific joint pain related condition and what you can do about it to best resolve discomfort and pain.

Have You Noticed Joint Pain During Specific Weather Patterns? You’re Not Alone

Weather-induced joint pain is much more common than you think. You may have heard from an elderly relative: “I can feel the rain coming soon in my joints…”, and you may have thought that was a crazy assertion from grandma, yet it was most likely true. So what is the likely cause of joint pain induced by weather patterns? Barometric pressure.

Barometric Pressure: The Likely Cause

Barometric pressure, the measurement of air pressure in the atmosphere, often dictates how our bodies feel throughout the day. When you live in an area of the world where there’s rapidly fluctuating barometric pressure, you may find yourself experiencing greater discomfort and pain when said barometric pressure rapidly increases or decreases. This is in large part due to the following: Less air pressure surrounding the body can allow muscles, tendons, and other tissues around joints to expand. This can place pressure on joints, possibly leading to pain. 

What’s the Ideal Barometric Pressure?

The ideal barometric pressure typically falls between 29 and 31 inHg. This barometric pressure is comfortable for most people and will possibly allow them to live with less joint pain, especially if the area they reside in does not fluctuate rapidly throughout the day or week with barometric pressure readings.

How to Avoid Pain & Discomfort On Rainy, Colder Days

Let’s explore how to best avoid pain and discomfort on the rainier, colder days if you happen to reside in an area which receives inclement weather throughout the year.

Warm Up & Decompress with a Warm Shower

Warming up after a restful night of sleep in a cooler temperature home is a great way to start the day. The act of utilizing warm water to help the body gently wake up and relax from its slumber and promote greater circulation to various areas of the body will typically do some good for most. Starting your day with a nice, warm shower may greatly improve your joint pain and discomfort for a temporary period of time.

Stretch

Stretching is great for promoting circulation throughout the body, opening up the joints, and starting your day off at the right foot. Stretching promotes greater flexibility as well. You certainly do not want to be stiff and achy when you start your day, right? We thought so. Starting your day off with twenty minutes of light stretching may be just what you need to reduce some of the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing on those colder, wetter days.

Exercise

Exercise, even if performed indoors, is still better than no exercise at all. If there’s a colder, rainy day approaching; maybe schedule some time at the gym to ensure you’re able to move around and break a sweat to help your body’s joints and muscles not feel so stiff, tight, and uncomfortable.

Stay Active

Staying active, and not just hibernating when it happens to rain or be on the colder side, is a great way to maintain circulation, flexibility, and better health. The last thing you’ll want to do if you have joint pain and discomfort brought on by bad weather is lay in bed all day. This may inevitably cause your joint pain and discomfort to worsen.

Contact Us if You’re Experiencing Chronic Pain & Discomfort

If you’re noticing chronic joint pain and discomfort, especially when the weather is less than enjoyable, you’ll want to contact us using the form below. We’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Dangers of Tubing Behind a Boat: Our Guide

The dangers of tubing behind a boat can add up quickly. While it may be fun in the moment to be towed behind a speedboat, bouncing along the crest of the wake, it can ultimately be a high-risk activity. In this post we’ll discuss various aspects of what can go wrong when tubing behind a boat.

Summer Fun, or Maybe Not So Fun?

This question is most likely asked every summer before a group of people set foot on a tubing apparatus behind a boat. While you’re most likely going to enjoy the tubing activity relatively unscathed, you may run into some mild to moderate injuries which you may not even realize until the following day after your body has had time to process what’s happened. 

How Often are Individuals Injured While Tubing Behind a Boat?

According to statistics, quite often. Tubing accidents are up 250% year-over-year, according to The Center for Injury Research & Policy. This statistic is quite worrying, and should be accounted for when weighing the decision on to tube or not to tube. 

Potential Tubing Injuries

Below is a list of potential tubing injuries which may occur if your driver of the boat you’re being towed behind is not careful.

Concussion

Colliding with a fellow tuber on the tube itself or with an object while traveling at high speeds could certainly lead to a concussion. Even if you’re wearing a helmet while tubing, you may still run the risk of colliding at high speeds with an object or another person and experiencing a concussion. This may result in serious issues which may require hospitalization.

Strains

The act of tubing has a “ripcord” effect which can cause you to be slung around through tight corners and waves. This style of abrupt motion may cause strains of the neck, back, wrist, leg, etc… Always communicate with the driver of the boat if you feel as though the speeds and movements are too rough. You may end up thanking yourself later on.

Sprains

Sprains may occur when you’re being towed with another person who happens to collide with you and causes your limbs to bend in an unnatural fashion, thus resulting in a potential sprain. This is not ideal and typically occurs in the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.

Whiplash

If you happen to be launched off of a rather large wave and you’re not prepared for the sheer height of said wave, you may come down from a freefall at a high velocity. This could result in a quite severe case of whiplash if you’re not prepared for the rise and fall of the tube itself over the crest of the wave.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs could occur through a number of injury styles. Collision, whiplash, strong jerking movements, etc… If you’re already vulnerable from past injuries, it would not be a good idea to go tubing, as it may reopen or exacerbate a past injured or herniated disc. 

Fractured Neck

A fractured neck can lead to paralysis or even death. This is a rare occurrence with tubing, yet it can happen if the operator of the boat is operating in a reckless fashion and causes you to collide with another vessel or even hit a random object, log, or barrier in the water causing you to be flung from the tube itself.

Drowning

All of the above listed incidents may lead to being knocked unconscious and drowning. This is not an ideal situation and could be life-altering or life-ending. Always ensure someone on the boat is CPR-certified. Thai could make a great deal of difference in life or death outcomes.

Death

Death is a rare, yet possible outcome from the act of tubing. Always be careful and cautious if you choose to partake in the act of tubing behind a boat. Whether it’s a lake or the ocean, the dangers of tubing exist everywhere. Always be sure to establish clear communication from the beginning and if in doubt, don’t go out.

Contact Us at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

If you’ve experienced an injury from tubing and you’d like to have it evaluated by our expert team of neurosurgeons, physical therapists, pain management specialists, etc…; you’ll want to contact us using the form below. We’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our medical experts as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Best Pools & Swimming Holes in Texas: Our Guide

Searching for the best pools and swimming holes in Texas? If so, you’ll want to read our latest guide on which areas of Texas you should travel to in order to experience the best pools and swimming holes throughout the great state of Texas!

Where are the Best Pools & Swimming Holes in Texas?

So where are the best swimming holes and pools throughout Texas? In this post, we’ve assembled a list of what we believe are some of the best swimming hotels and pools in the state of Texas. Let us know if you agree after visiting!

Barton Springs (Austin, TX)

Barton Springs is  a must-visit, classic tourist and local spot alike in Austin, Texas. Yes, it can be very crowded some days, particularly on the weekends during the summer months, yet it’s well worth visiting. The refreshing, cold spring water which rapidly runs through the river will surely exhilarate you on warm summer days.

Deep Eddy (Austin, TX)

Deep Eddy is a great option for those looking to swim in a freshwater pool which is very well maintained and a true local spot. Deep Eddy is the oldest swimming pool in Texas! It’s often overshadowed by its larger brother, Barton Springs, when tourists come to visit; so you’re most likely going to notice a more relaxed, local crowd. Deep Eddy may be smaller, yet it’s much more relaxed than Barton Springs and you’ll most likely find the lap pool fantastic for swimming and the communal pool great for the whole family!

Blanco State Park (Blanco, TX)

Blanco State Park has a ton of stuff to do aside from swimming. Kayaking, camping, BBQ-ing, picnicking, hiking, etc… If you’re looking for a family fun-filled weekend, Blanco State Park is great!

Balmorhea State Park Pool (Toyahvale, TX)

Fed from a natural spring water aquifer, this pool is one to check out if you’re out in West Texas! It is considered to be one of the largest pools in the country as well. All in all, a fantastic place to cool off during the warmer months.

Badu Park (Llano, TX)

Badu Park is a great place to swim and hang out with friends and family. The atmosphere is very local-oriented and inviting. This is a space where you can easily spend the whole day swimming, kayaking, and frolicking in the sun. 

Swimming is Great for the Neck, Back, & Spine

Swimming is beneficial for strengthening the neck, back, and spine. If you find yourself in the above listed areas, you’ll most certainly want to check out the swimming holes and pools for your next swim session!

Contact Us at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

If you’ve been experiencing pain, discomfort, or just not feeling as well as you used to; you’ll want to contact us to see how we can help. We’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing medical team members and start determining the next best steps going forward. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Supplements for Optimal Spine Health

Supplements for spine health may improve your overall health as well. After all, the spine is connected with the rest of the body via a series of intricate nerves and impulses. If you can improve how you feel internally, you’ll most likely improve how your spine feels as well. Let’s explore the potential positive effects of supplements for spine health and which supplements may be best to improve spine health and overall health.

How Do Supplements Potentially Help the Spine?

Supplements may help the spine through reducing inflammation, promoting a healing environment, and fostering a bone, muscle, nerve, and tissue regrowth production pattern over time.

Calcium

Calcium is extremely important for bones, and without it, you may run the risk of having very fragile, vulnerable bones which are susceptible to fractures. You have vertebrae in the spine which may benefit from calcium supplementation, especially as you age.

Vitamin D3 & K2

Vitamin D3 & K2 supplements are great for potentially assisting your body’s immune system and helping to rebuild bone via osteoprotective effects in bone metabolisms. 

Magnesium

Magnesium may help with chronic back pain, as it helps relax muscles and allows ease of tension and stress in the neck, back, and spine. This in turn may help your spine health, as you may be able to move in a more flexible fashion. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the best anti-inflammatory supplements you can consume for your body. You’ll want to ensure they’re coming from a high quality, wild caught source to maximize potential benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids may be able to help reduce inflammation in the neck, back, and spine area; which in turn could reduce pain and discomfort. 

Collagen

Collagen holds tissue together and forms vital parts of the bones, cartilage, and ligaments. Collagen is present in our spinal discs. For these reasons, it may be beneficial to supplement with collagen for neck, back, and spine issues.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

One study did show a statistical and clinically significant reduction in pain scores (chronic low back pain) for those taking glucosamine. You may want to incorporate glucosamine & chondroitin into your supplement stack and see how it works for you.

Contact Us if You’d Like to Learn More About How We Can Help Your Spine Health

If you’d like to learn more about how we may be able to help you, feel free to contact us using the form below and we’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Is Walking Good for Back Pain?

If you’re searching for an answer to this question you’re in the right place! Throughout this post, we’ll be discussing the benefits of walking for back pain and how you yourself can incorporate walking into your daily routine for health benefits, pain relief, and an overall upgraded lifestyle. Enjoy!

Yes, It Certainly Can Be!

Yes, walking can certainly be good for back pain. We’re mobile creatures. We’re meant to move in many different ways. If you’re feeling stiff or tight in your back region, it may be time to do some light movement in the form of walking.

The Importance of Movement

As humans, we’re designed to move, to sit all day. The human body is a beautiful thing and it would be a pity to simply not walk if you’re able-bodied and healthy enough to do so. The importance of movement is vital, especially in today’s day and age where we are essentially tethered to a desk and screen of some sort.

Promoting Circulation Through Walking

Our body needs movement to promote circulation and healthy blood flow. If we don’t have the right levels of circulation and blood flow, we may develop muscle atrophy. This results in a vicious cycle where we feel too weak to even walk for short distances due to deteriorating muscle mass. The old phrase “if you don’t use it, you lose it” rings true here. 

Recalibrating Your Neck, Back, & Spine Through Walking

Again, our bodies are made to move, and the simple act of walking for ten minutes will help recalibrate your neck, back, and spine over time and promote a greater balance within. Your body is constantly trying to heal and regulate itself. Walking helps promote inner healing and balance in more ways than one.

Strengthening Your Muscles Through Walking

Your feet, ankles, calves, hips, and core all develop strength and stamina through the simple act of walking every day. This is such a crucial area for overall health, especially as we age. Many will notice their core strength diminishes over time as they age. It does not have to be this way. If you embark on a healthy walk each day, you’ll be better off than a large percentage of Americans who haven’t taken a dedicated walk in weeks.

Improved Flexibility Within Your Whole Body

A good walk will help improve flexibility through movement and circulation. You can’t expect to be limber, agile, and flexible after sitting around on the couch or in an office chair all day, right? Walking allows your body to do what it was meant to do: move. 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Walking for longer distances over longer periods of time is  a great way to burn calories and maintain a healthier weight. You’d be amazed at how many people have found incorporating daily, hour-long walks into their routine has helped them lose and keep off some weight. 

Strengthening Bones

As we maintain movement and activity, our muscles aren’t the only ones strengthening; it’s also our bones. Movement helps maintain bone strength, as when we’re sedentary, we tend to lose bone density over time. Walking stimulates the cells which build bone density over time.

Promoting Better Mental Health

There’s nothing quite like a long walk on the beach, in the forest, or even in your own quiet neighborhood. Being outside in nature, living in the present, and appreciating life can be a fantastic way to improve your mental health. Our mental health greatly influences how we physically feel on a daily basis, so if we can do one simple activity such as walking; you’re most likely going to feel better after the walk and you’ll thank yourself for choosing to do so.

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Help with Your Back Pain

If you’re experiencing back pain and you’ve yet to experience relief, we may be able to help. Feel free to message us using the form below and we’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Neck Pain from Golf: Our Guide

Neck pain from golf can be truly debilitating, especially when you’re simply trying to enjoy a nice day out on the course. Let’s explore some of the nuanced aspects of neck pain from golf and how we may be able to help you recover from your neck pain in due time and have you back on the course swinging away. Enjoy!

Is It Normal to Have Neck Pain from Golf?

After a particularly long day of playing golf, especially after not playing for a few months, it can be “normal” to have mild neck pain from golf. If you’re experiencing neck pain on a consistent basis after playing golf, there may be something else going on.

Can Golf Cause a Neck Injury?

Yes, golf cna cause neck injuries. Some of the greatest golfers in the PGA have experienced neck injuries from playing golf. The motion of swinging a golf club requires a whole lot of torque throughout your entire body from head to toe. It only makes sense after years of golfing that something may inevitably end up giving out over time.

How to Prevent Neck Pain from Golf?

The best way to prevent neck pain from golf is to not overdo it out on the course. If you haven’t played for a while, maybe play 9 holes instead of 18. You’ll also want to ensure you’re swinging with the right form. A golf instructor will be able to inform you if you’re swinging incorrectly just after a few minutes of observation. If your form is off, it will most likely cause aggravation in various parts of your body, neck included.

Practice a Natural Golf Swing with a Golf Instructor

You’ll want to enlist the help of a golf instructor to best advise you on how to have a natural swing for your unique body type, frame, height, weight, etc… Everyone swings a little differently, yet there are core principles every great golfer cna adhere to where they’re able to ensure they’re swinging their best.

Warm Up & Stretch Prior to Playing

Warming up with practice swings and putts can prepare your body for what’s about to occur. Additionally, you’ll want to stretch prior to playing to ensure your body is limbered up and ready for a day out on the course. Nothing is worse than feeling extremely stiff prior to playing and realizing it’s affecting your game.

Seek Out Physical Therapy for Your Neck Pain from Golf

If you’re experiencing chronic pain after playing golf, it may be time to seek out physical therapy. Our team of in-house physical therapists is ready to help you overcome your challenges and have you golfing, pain-free, once again.

Contact Us if You’ve Been Experiencing Neck Pain After Golfing

If you’ve been experiencing neck pain after golfing, and it doesn’t see it be resolving on its own, you’ll want to contact us so we can help determine what exactly is going on. We’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Dangers of Bumper Cars for the Neck, Back, & Spine

Bumper cars may seem to be a fun-filled amusement park ride where everyone steps into a journey where they can bump into each other without any consequences, or is it? Bumper cars may actually end up causing you harm in more ways than one. Now, we’re not trying to rain on anyone’s parade when it comes to enjoying summertime festivals and fairs, yet you’ll want to think twice about jumping in a bumper car after reading this post.

Bumper Cars: Mini Car Accidents

Essentially what bumper cars replicate is the act of a car accident. Anyone can tell you being in a car accident, even a mild car accident is not good for the neck, back, or spine. The most common injury from being in a mild car accident and riding in bumper cars at a fair is whiplash. However, there can be many more injuries associated with bumper cars if you’re not careful.

Potential Injuries from Bumper Cars

Below is a list of potential injuries from riding in a bumper car:

Whiplash

Whiplash, as stated above, is the most common injury associated with riding in bumper cars. This is primarily due to the forceful nature of one bumper car colliding into another when you least expect it. Thai action of force causes your neck to potentially experience a whiplash effect, resulting in a whole host of potential injuries if severe enough.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc may occur from riding in a bumper car if you’re particularly vulnerable or the bumper car itself hits you at a faster than normal pace. Herniated discs are no laughing matter. Herniated discs, while usually able to resolve themselves with rest, time, and healing; may end up requiring surgery in rare circumstances. 

Concussion

If you’re riding in a bumper car with a friend or family member, you may end up bonking heads with strong force if you’re t-boned by another bumper car. This t-bone style of ramming another bumper car perpendicularly into your bumper car mimics the act of an intersection traffic accident. This could result in a mild concussion.

Broken Bones

Broken bones may occur, especially in the wrist and hand area if you’re not careful. This is in large part due to the forceful nature of another bumper car striking your bumper car, and your strong grip on the steering wheel of your bumper car. If you happen to have a weakened wrist, you may end up with a wrist fracture from the resulting impact.

Muscle & Tissue Damage

Muscle and tissue damage may occur from the repeated knocking, banging, and bumping of the bumper cars; particularly in the lower to mid back region. The repeated impacts may uproot some old injuries as well if you’re prone to back injuries or muscle spasms. 

Contact Us if You’re Experiencing Pain & Discomfort After Riding in Bumper Cars

We want everyone to enjoy summer festivity and fun, yet if you’re considering riding in a bumper car and you’ve experienced an injury in your neck, back, spine, or wrists in the past; you may want to reconsider. If you’ve already ridden in a bumper car and are experiencing prolonged pain and discomfort, you’ll want to book an appointment with us to see how we can help restore your health.

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Spine Hygiene: What is It & How Can It Help?

Spine hygiene is one of the latest interesting concepts shared by the spinal health and wellness community. It basically applies the principles of hygiene” to your spine. Just as you take care of your hair, teeth, and body with good hygiene on a daily basis; you should also take care of your spine on a daily basis to prevent injury and possibly improve past injuries while promoting a more healing environment within. Read on to learn more about spine hygiene and how any message which encourages healthy habits and better spine health is a winner in our book.

Maintaining “Proper Hygiene” of Your Spine

Maintaining proper hygiene of your spine is similar to how you  maintain proper hygiene of your teeth. With dental health, we’re encouraged to brush, floss, and rinse twice daily. With spine hygiene, if you’re looking to increase your neck back, and spine strength, or simply looking to recover faster from a spine-related injury, this may be the right path for you to pursue. Spine hygiene is treating your body with the respect it deserves and focusing on treating your spine with the care and compassion it needs to be its best.

You Brush Your Teeth Daily, Why Not Treat Your Spine with a Similar Level of Care?

This is a question we all should be able to answer, yet it’s often ignored. All aspects of our body should be looked after the way we look after our teeth, yet there’s only so much time in a single day. We know this, you know this, we all know this. Yet, maybe it’s time we all step abc and begin to reevaluate what’s actually important in life. Health is the only thing which really matters when it comes down to it. If you’re not healthy, you can’t enjoy the other blessings in life: family, friends, love, sports, interests, passions, etc…

Dr. Stuart McGill: Back Mechanic

Dr. Stuart McGill, a spine scientist, researcher, and university professor wrote “The Back Mechanic” which emphasizes three primary exercises one can do on a daily basis to potentially improve their spine health through spine hygiene with a focus on strengthening the core muscle groups which surround the spine itself. Let’s explore those three primary exercises below:

The Curl Up

1. Lie down on your back. Extend one leg and bend the knee of the other leg.
2. Put your hands under the lower back to maintain the natural arch of your spine.
3. Pull your head, shoulders and chest off the floor, as though they were all locked together. Lift them up as one unit. Keep your back in a neutral position. Don’t tuck your chin or let your head tilt back. Hold for 10 seconds.
4. Slowly lower yourself down. Do half of the repetitions with your left leg bent and half with your right leg bent.

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The Side Bridge

1. Lie on your side, with your forearm on the floor and elbow underneath your shoulder. Place your hand on the opposing shoulder to stabilize your torso. Pull your feet back so the knees are at a 90-degree angle.
2. Lift the hips off of the floor and hold for 10 seconds. Try to maintain a straight line from your head down to your knees. Make sure that your hips are in line with the rest of your body. When completed, turn over to the other side.

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The Bird Dog

1. Assume a hands-and-knees position on the floor.
2. Raise the left arm forward while simultaneously extending your right leg back until both are parallel to the floor. Ensure that hips are aligned with the torso and not tilted to one side. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is key to any health initiative. We are what we eat. Make sure to consume high-quality, whole foods on a daily basis while aiming to improve your overall health.

Daily Exercise

Daily exercise is key to any healthy body. This can be as simple as going for daily walks in the sun to breathe in some fresh air and be in nature.

Contact Us for Help with Your Back Pain Issues

If you’re experiencing back pain issues and have yet to see the results you’ve been hoping for, feel free to contact us using the form below and we’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.