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Five Exercises for Upper and Middle Back Pain

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Upper and middle back pain is not as common as lower back or neck pain because the bones, disks, muscles and ligaments do not need to flex as much. Instead, these areas help the ribcage support the back, keep it stable and protect vital organs like the heart and lungs.

Common causes of upper and middle back pain

Even though lower back pain is more common, many people experience upper or middle back pain caused by:

  • Aging
  • Overuse, muscle strain or injury
  • Incorrect or poor posture
  • Excess pressure on the spinal nerves
  • Bone fracture
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Herniated disks
  • Scoliosis
  • Obesity

Five exercises to alleviate upper and middle back pain

Certain exercises will help improve your posture, decrease your risk for injury and reduce pain. Start by stretching, then try these five easy exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back, shoulders and stomach:

Upper back exercises

  • One-arm dumbbell row
    Choose a flat bench, place your right leg on top of the bench and bend your torso until it is parallel with the floor. Next, place your right hand on the other end of the bench and hold a weighted dumbbell in your left. With your torso stationary, exhale as you pull the dumbbell up to the side of your chest while keeping your arms close to your body. Breathe out as your slowly return your arm to the starting position. Complete three sets of ten, alternating sides.
  • Face pull
    Secure a resistance band to a stable surface above eye level and grasp each end of the band using an overhand grip. Next, pull the band directly toward the face while flaring your elbows out to the sides and squeezing your shoulders together. Complete three sets of ten.
  • Reverse dumbbell fly
    Using lightweight dumbbells, stand with your torso bent at a 45-degree angle and your arms hanging down. Next, keep your neck neutral and your eyes down as you lift your arms to the sides and up. At the top of the movement, squeeze your shoulders together. Complete three sets of ten.

Middle back exercises

  • Superman
    Lay on your stomach with your arms and legs fully extended. While keeping your neck neutral, lift your arms and legs off the ground at the same time using your back and glute muscles. Complete three sets of ten.
  • Cat cow
    Start on all fours with your palms directly below your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Draw your navel up toward your spine and lower your head to relax your neck. Hold this position for three to five seconds and then return to a neutral position. Next, look up while lowering your back toward the floor. Hold this position for three to five seconds and repeat the entire sequence five times.

It’s important to consult with your physician before beginning this or any exercise routine.

If you’re interested in learning more about effective exercises for upper and middle back pain, contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants at 210-255-8935. We specialize in nonsurgical pain treatments in the San Antonio communities of Medical Center, Stone Oak, Westover Hills and Southwest.

Will Surgery Make My Neck Pain Better or Worse?

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Will neck surgery make my pain better or worse?

It’s a common question. In fact, there used to be a common adage that it’s wise to avoid spine surgery at all costs. This is ill-advised, of course, as there are—and long have been—situations in which surgery is the best option for relieving debilitating spine pain. Also, spine surgery has advanced considerably, resulting in a much better risk-to-benefit profile.

Yet, the question regarding surgery for neck pain remains an important one, and we hear it frequently.

Surgery will only provide effective relief for specific kinds of problems.

Whether or not surgery will improve your neck pain depends on several factors.

First and foremost, surgery of the spine involves risks. Like any surgery, those risks have to be weighed against the potential benefits of surgery. Surgery can be very effective at relieving neck pain (including radiating pain that originates in that part of the spine), but it isn’t recommended in most cases.

That’s because surgery to relieve neck pain is only recommended for severe, debilitating pain, and then only if there is an identified, correctible problem. This means two things:

  • There must be a definitive diagnosis
  • The problem diagnosed must be something that surgery can correct

Surgery for neck pain relief is an option of last resort.

Even with a diagnosis of a surgically correctible problem, surgery for neck pain is an option of last resort. It is only recommended after all other approaches to relieving pain have failed. If rest, medications and physical rehabilitation are ineffective at resolving or reducing your neck pain, and you’re a good candidate for surgery, then surgical intervention will be considered for a correctible problem.

Generally, surgery is only appropriate for neck pain linked to spinal instability or nerve compression. This includes:

  • Pain caused by a pinched nerve root due to bone spurs or caused by a ruptured disc
  • Pain caused by pressure on the spinal cord due to spinal stenosis
  • Pain caused by pinched nerves due to vertebral grinding as a result of degenerative disc disease

Maximize your chances for pain relief with appropriate surgical expertise.

As mentioned, there is always risk associated with surgery, including risk of additional pain. The goal—the key—is to maximize your odds for effective pain relief.

So, surgery to relieve neck pain is only appropriate—and will only relieve pain—when it’s a correctible problem, after all other options have failed, and if you’re a good candidate. In addition, the outcome of spine surgery is highly dependent on the skill of the surgeon. With nerve compression and spinal stability as the problems appropriate for surgery, seriously consider that only neurosurgical spine surgeons are fully trained in nerve-related surgery and are the only surgeons able to perform the complete array of spine surgeries.

If you’re experiencing debilitating neck pain or upper-extremity pain related to the cervical spine, relief is possible, up to or including surgical solutions. Contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for expert evaluation, diagnosis and, if needed, experienced neck surgery in San Antoniowith minimal risk and optimal outcomes. Call 210-255-8953today.

Is There a Cure for Scoliosis?

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Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine that may or may not cause discomfort. It typically occurs between ages 10 and 15 during growth spurts. Boys and girls are equally diagnosed with minor idiopathic scoliosis, but spinal curves in girls are 10 times more likely to worsen and require treatment.

While there is no cure for scoliosis, the symptoms can be significantly reduced with treatment.

What are some common causes of scoliosis?

While the cause of scoliosis remains unclear in the majority of cases, some types of scoliosis do have clear causes. In nonstructural scoliosis, the spine works normally but has a curved appearance. Common causes of nonstructural scoliosis include:

  • One leg is longer than the other
  • Muscle spasms
  • Appendicitis

Once treated, nonstructural scoliosis often goes away.

In structural scoliosis, the curve of the spine is rigid and cannot be reversed. Common causes of structural scoliosis include:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Birth defects
  • Infections
  • Tumors
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Down syndrome

What treatment options are available for nonstructural scoliosis?

While scoliosis cannot be prevented, it can be treated if it’s diagnosed early. In order to diagnose scoliosis, your doctor will need to look at the alignment of your spine. If it shifts to the left or right, they will order x-rays to confirm their diagnosis. Treatment options for scoliosis include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Back bracing
  • Injections to manage pain
  • Minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery (used only as a last resort)

Some types of scoliosis are caused by an abnormality elsewhere in the body. Treating the abnormality treats this particular type of scoliosis. In these cases, no direct treatment of scoliosis is necessary because the spine is normal and will straighten once the abnormality is corrected.

If you or a loved needs expert treatment for scoliosis in or around San Antonio, contact the skilled physicians at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of structural deformities, like scoliosis, andwork together to provide the relief you need, as fast as possible, while taking a cautious approach to surgery.

Can Physical Therapy Help Spine Pain?

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When you’re struggling with acute or chronic spine pain, it can be tempting to stay in one place all day—however that’s only a prescription for more pain. The best thing to do is get up and get moving despite how unappealing it may sound. In fact, regular exercise and physical therapy is one of the best ways to help relieve spine pain.

Physical therapy is used to treat disease, injury or pain by physical methods like stretching, massage, heat treatment and exercise—rather than by medications or surgery. The goal of physical therapy is to make every day activities, like walking and climbing stairs, easier.

For those who struggle with chronic back or spine pain (e.g., pain lasting three to six months or more), physical therapy is often recommended to decrease pain, increase function and help prevent future recurrences. NSC’s in-house Physical Therapy team collaborates with your doctors to ensure that each treatment plan is individualized to meet your goals. You will be surrounded by the entire NSC team to ensure a fast and full recovery.

How does physical therapy decrease spine pain?

Physical or manual therapy is performed by a skilled physical therapist and involves slow, measured movements to twist, pull or push discs, joints and bones into position. Over time, these techniques can help lengthen your spine, stretch your muscles and improve your flexibility. Massage and manipulation are also used to help relax your muscles, increase circulation and ease pain in your soft tissues. Your physical therapist will also teach you specific stretching exercises you can do at home to help alleviate spine, back and neck pain and stiffness.

What is the best type of exercise or physical therapy to help with spine pain?

Aerobic activities like jogging, walking or using a stationary bike are all light exercises that have been shown to decrease back and spine pain. However, each person’s pain is unique so it’s important to work with an experienced physical therapist to determine which exercises are right for you.

Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants is proud to offer a brand new, state-of-the-art physical therapy department for nonsurgical spine treatment in San Antonio. Contact us today at 210-255-8935 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

How to Cope With Chronic Pain

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More than 50 million people in the United States suffer with chronic pain. It is medically defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks that affects how a person lives their daily life. Inflammation or dysfunctional nerves are often the source of chronic, long-lasting physical pain. It can also lead to symptoms of depression, anger, and frustration.

How to cope with the physical, mental, and emotional effects of chronic pain

Here are some helpful tips for coping with the negative effects of chronic pain:

• Get moving
No, really! While rest is important for acute pain, like a sprained ankle or a muscle pull, rest actually reinforces chronic pain. Inactivity leads to stiff, weak muscles, which can actually intensify your chronic pain. Talk to your doctor to find out if low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, or taking a yoga class could help alleviate your pain.

• Pace yourself
Don’t overdo it with daily activities. Once you know your limits on activities that aggravate your pain, to do those activities for less time than your limit, then take a break before your pain flares up.

• Consult a professional
If you’ve done everything you can to manage your pain and still feel overwhelmed, talk to a pain care specialist to find out what type of treatment is right for you. Neurosurgery Spine & Consultants offer several medical treatments to help you manage your pain, including:
o Prescription medications
o Physical therapy
o Steroid injections
o Advanced nerve blocks
o Back braces
o Minimally invasive radiofrequency procedures
o Surgery

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or worsening symptoms, it’s time to get the medical help you need so you can get back to enjoying life.

Contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants at 210-255-8953 for expert chronic pain treatment in San Antonio. Our experienced physicians offer the most advanced, nonsurgical treatments to help keep you active and out of pain.

Minimally Invasive Pain Management for Neck Pain

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It could hit you in the form of muscle tightness or spasms, or cause headaches so severe that concentrating at work is impossible. Whether your neck pain is a result of a recent accident, a decades-old sports injury or one of today’s most common sources: Use of our favorite tech devices, neck pain can disrupt your activities and even your life.

You may have tried over-the-counter or prescription medications, applied store-bought rubs or essential oils or even undergone physical therapy, but your neck pain never really goes away. So, what can you do?

Self-managing your neck pain

There are many ways you can relieve stress and pain in your neck, including participating in the abovementioned physical therapy, which many insurance providers cover. A physical therapist will evaluate your neck to gage your range of motion and flexibility, noting your pain points. Then he or she will work to revitalize your injured or overused muscles, ligaments or tendons through stretching and strengthening exercises. You may also receive heat, ice or electronic stimulation to help relieve your neck pain.

Other self-care remedies include massage, daily stretching and gentle exercises such as yoga and tai chi.

However, should you need a more advanced and guided method to manage your neck pain with the support of board-certified experience, Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants is here to help. Although “surgery” is in our name, and we do offer trusted, minimally invasive surgical techniques, surgery is always considered a last resort.

Trusted, minimally invasive pain management for your pain is close by

To reduce or eliminate neck pain, help you gain flexibility and get you back to doing the things you love, Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants’ nonsurgical neck pain management options could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

We are proud to be board-certified neurosurgeons and pain specialists who are also compassionate and attentive specialists. With years of specialized training and a focus on individualized treatments, we’ve helped thousands of South Texans overcome chronic neck pain and other cranial and spinal conditions.

To schedule an appointment at one of our four San Antonio locations, call 210-255-8935 or click here to use our online form.

5 Reasons Why Your Neck May Be Hurting

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Neck pain is a common health problem around the world, both in terms of personal health and overall well-being. It can be the result of stress, overuse, poor posture or a number of degenerative diseases.

5 reasons why your neck might be hurting

Common conditions that cause neck pain include:

  • Degenerative disc disease – Degenerative disc disease occurs when the rubbery discs between the vertebrae in the spine deteriorate or break down. Approximately one-third of people aged 40-59 have evidence of this disease.
  • Neck strain – Neck strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons that support and move the head and neck. Anywhere from 16-75 percent of the world population experience neck pain.
  • Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is a degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. Approximately 12 percent of people aged 21 and older have osteoarthritis.
  • Cervical spondylosis – Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs in the neck. Between 12-17 percent of people suffer from symptomatic cervical spondylosis and it is higher in females than males.
  • Spinal stenosis – Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it. It affects between 8-11 percent of the population and is most prevalent after age 50.

Other common reasons for neck pain

Neck pain can also have causes that aren’t related to an underlying disease. If you struggle with persistent neck pain it could also be the result of the following factors:

  • Prolonged stretching and straining (looking up or down)
  • Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
  • Poor posture
  • Stress
  • Chiropractic manipulation
  • Neck injury (e.g., whiplash, herniated disc, pinched nerve)
  • Wearing heavy necklaces

If you’re looking for effective solutions for either sudden or chronic neck pain, call Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants at 210-255-8935 for expert neck pain treatment in San Antonio. We offer a full spectrum of highly effective, minimally invasive and nonsurgical pain treatments.

What Causes Back Pain?

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Your back muscles are always working. They power your body and play a major role in movement. They connect the hips, buttocks, chest, shoulder and neck. Whether your daily activities require you to sit or stand for long periods of time, or if you’ve suffered an injury, your back takes the brunt of the stress. Prolonged stress due to injury, position and/or posture can lead to back pain.

Common causes of back pain

Acute back pain is pain that comes on suddenly and lasts for no more than six weeks. It can be caused by a fall or heavy lifting. Chronic back pain is pain that lasts more than three months. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:

  • Arthritis – Arthritis in the spine can lead to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves within the spine, which can lead to pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.
  • Bulging or ruptured discs – There are small discs in between each spinal vertebrae that act as cushions to absorb the shock of walking, running, jumping and twisting. The soft material inside the disc can bulge or rupture, press on a nerve, and cause significant back pain.
  • Muscle or ligament strain – Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments, which can lead to painful muscle spasms.
  • Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a condition in which a person’s bones become brittle and fragile, as a result of hormonal changes or calcium deficiency. This can cause compression fractures along the spine’s vertebrae
  • Skeletal irregularities – Scoliosis, a condition that affects the curvature of your spine, can lead to chronic back pain during middle age.

Treatment options for back pain

The back surgeons at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants offer exceptional nonsurgical, surgical, and minimally invasive procedures for spine conditions and back pain, including:

Conservative pain care treatments

  • Nonsurgical – Nonsurgical pain treatments like pain medication, applying heat or ice, therapeutic massage and exercise are often the first line of defense for back pain.
  • Advanced – Advanced pain care treatments like back braces, nerve blocks, steroid injections, radiofrequency procedures, spinal cord stimulators or vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty may be required to find relief from chronic back pain.

Surgical pain care treatments

  • Disc herniation – A discectomy is the most common surgery used for a herniated disc in the lumbar region. During this procedure, your doctor will remove the portion of the disc that is causing pressure, and therefore, the pain on your nerve root.
  • Abnormal alignment of the spine – Conditions like scoliosis or other spine alignment issues are often treated using a surgical procedure known as spinal fusion. Spinal fusion procedures fuse vertebrae together to correct deformities and prevent further misalignments.
  • Fracture – Bone fracture repair surgery is often used to repair severely damaged bones and often uses screws, pins rods or plates to hold the bone in place as it heals. This is also known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery.

NSC can provide a comprehensive consultation to determine what conservative options or surgical course is best for you. We offer advanced, minimally invasive care for back pain. If you would like to learn more about back pain treatment in San Antonio, call the expert physicians at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants at 210-255-8935.