Blog Archive

While the spine is strong, it undergoes changes as you age that make it susceptible to issues such as compression fractures, small cracks in the bones (vertebrae) that make up your spine. This happens when one of the bones collapses under pressure.  These fractures tend to occur in older adults...

Cervical spondylosis refers to a progressive degeneration of the cartilage and bone in the joints of the neck, the upper portion of your spine. It’s a wear-and-tear condition related to age that can leave you with persistent neck pain and stiffness. If you’re concerned that you may have cervical spondylosis,...

If you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you’re well aware of the pain and dysfunction it can cause. By the time you visit a spine surgeon, you’ve likely tried nonsurgical approaches to managing it but haven’t gotten adequate relief. Through his top-rated practice, The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr....

The spine consists of 33 individual vertebrae and intervertebral discs that allow for flexibility, support, and spinal cord protection. Despite its resilience, the spine is also vulnerable to wear and tear over time, leading to conditions like degenerative disc disease.  At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon...

Despite being responsible for an estimated 38% of lower back pain cases, the sacroiliac (SI) joint often goes overlooked. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, uses an evidence-based approach in evaluating and diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain.  Here’s what to expect when being...

Experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling in your neck, shoulders, and arms is understandably a cause for concern. These types of symptoms often arise when one or more spinal nerves are compressed. When it happens in the neck region — your cervical spine — it’s called cervical radiculopathy. A spine specialist...

Physical therapy is a common first-line treatment to relieve sciatica symptoms. However, when noninvasive approaches like physical therapy fail to provide adequate relief, it may be time to consider other treatment options.   Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, is part of the team at The Spine Institute of Southeast...

May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, an ideal time to address one of the most common, yet frequently overlooked, complications of osteoporosis: compression fractures. These painful spine issues tend to occur without trauma, instead resulting from loss of bone mass.  An untreated compression fracture can cause chronic pain, lead...

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is adjacent to the iliac section of the pelvic bone and the tailbone, and you have one on both sides of your spine. The joints serve as a shock absorber for the spine, transferring the force of your upper body to your hips and legs. They’re...

Aches, pains, and joint stiffness are common as you get older, and after age 40, most people have some degree of age-related spine changes. While some change is to be expected, there are things you can do to keep your spine healthy and strong as you age. At The Spine...

It’s estimated that as many as 40% of people will experience sciatica at some point in their lives. In most of these cases, it's mild and resolves on its own or with simple at-home care. However, when symptoms linger or are severe, it’s wise to discuss advanced treatment options.  At...

Kyphosis refers to an exaggerated forward curvature of the spine. It’s more than a posture issue — it often causes daily pain and discomfort. While surgery is a consideration for severe kyphosis, nonsurgical approaches can sometimes manage it effectively.  At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr....

When dealing with the pain and discomfort of a herniated disc, it becomes crucial to explore available treatment options. For most people, this starts with conservative treatments.  For patients who are good candidates for surgery, microdiscectomy is effective at treating herniated disc pain. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD,...

The spine is vulnerable to wear and tear with age, and when an issue like spinal arthritis strikes, the result is pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Depending on the severity, arthritis can drastically impact your quality of life, preventing you from doing things you once enjoyed. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones...

Spinal osteoarthritis, involving the progressive deterioration of the cartilage in the spinal joints, affects a large number of individuals, resulting in symptoms such as discomfort, inflammation, and limited mobility. Although the condition is without a definitive cure, various therapeutic approaches can help you control the symptoms and enhance your quality...

If you’re dealing with nagging pain in your lower back that never seems to go away, it might be your sacroiliac (SI) joint. This lesser-known yet crucial part of your anatomy — situated where your spine meets your pelvis — plays a pivotal role in distributing the load from your upper...

The body's ability to heal and restore itself is a fascinating aspect of human physiology. Among the different bodily tissues, cartilage — the flexible connective substance found in many areas of your body, including joints — has unique characteristics.  Cartilage doesn’t have its own blood supply, which significantly influences its...

The human spine is a complex structure, and two common conditions that can affect it are herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. While these conditions share some similarities, they have unique differences that set them apart.  At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jones II...

The health care landscape is constantly evolving, and telemedicine has emerged as a convenient and effective way for patients to access medical care remotely.  Dr. Thomas Jones II, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and the rest of the team at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, recognize the value of remote clinical services in...

Spinal arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis of the spine, is a degenerative joint condition that affects the spinal joints. It’s commonly associated with aging and wear-and-tear on the joints.  However, spinal arthritis can also be hereditary, and if you have a family history of spinal arthritis, you may be wondering...

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It’s a serious and painful condition, and while it can’t be reversed, both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options are available to ease spinal pressure to address your symptoms and improve your quality of...

Back pain from a sudden injury or chronic condition can interfere with your daily life as you try to manage your pain just so you can get through the day. Back issues are the most common cause of disability, and when your problem is severe, it can significantly impact your...

Poor posture when sitting and standing isn’t the only lifestyle contributor of back pain. If you’re waking up with pain, or if you find that your pain is worse in the morning, it’s possible that your sleeping position has something to do with it.  At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified...

Proper lifting technique is key to preventing back problems. Each year, millions of adults visit their doctor with complaints of back pain, and some of them deal with chronic pain.  While many factors cause and contribute to back pain, in many cases, improper lifting technique is to blame. At The...

Almost everyone has at least one bad back habit. Slouching, sitting for long periods of time, and even wearing high heels on a regular basis are all bad for your back and spine. Over time, these habits contribute to chronic back pain.  No one knows how much everyday habits can hurt...

Sciatica causes a sharp pain that no one enjoys experiencing. Fortunately, there are several proactive ways to reduce the pain. You might be surprised to learn that what’s in your fridge can help manage sciatica.  Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, of The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas in Pearland and Lake Jackson,...

Telemedicine has transformed health care by making virtual connections between providers and patients easier and faster than ever before. If you’re new to telehealth visits, you may be seeking guidance on how to best prepare so you get the most out of your appointment. This month’s post can help with...

Sacroiliac (SI) joint problems are a common cause of lower back and buttock pain. Situated in the pelvis, the SI joint connects your pelvis to the lower part of your spine above the tailbone and acts as a shock absorber, supporting your upper body weight when you stand.  Like any other...

If you’re struggling with neck or back pain, getting a proper diagnosis is the first step in getting the relief you need to return to living as pain-free as possible. Scheduling a visit with an orthopedic specialist is the best way to get answers about your pain. Myelopathy is the...

Leg pain and numbness are common symptoms that lumbar decompression surgery can effectively treat. However, some patients experience lingering symptoms or symptoms that occur within a few years of surgery. A weak spine, slipped disc, or a thickened ligament that presses on your spinal cord can result in recurrent symptoms...

Spinal arthritis is an inflammation of the facet joints in your spine or sacroiliac joints that connect the spine to the pelvis. Inflammation can sometimes affect the points where ligaments and tendons join to the bones of the spine. The most common type of arthritis to affect the spine is osteoarthritis,...

A compression fracture can cause excruciating back pain that limits your mobility and makes even the most simple tasks challenging. Some fractures heal on their own, while others don’t.  A procedure called kyphoplasty can help patients with compression fractures by reducing pain and restoring mobility. This minimally invasive spine surgery...

Sciatica is a type of low back pain that extends down your left or right buttock, into your leg, and even all the way to your foot. The pain can be intense in some cases. Conservative treatment is the first step in addressing sciatic nerve pain, and there are things...

Technology brings the ability for patients to stay connected to top-quality care from anywhere you are. While certain things like physical exams require an in-person visit, there are many services you can access using telemedicine. Here at the Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD,...

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of telemedicine to ensure that patients continue to access high-quality care without having to leave the safety and comfort of their home.  Orthopedic patients have unique needs and must contend with issues such as pain and limited mobility that may make it challenging to...

There are several nonsurgical options available to treat spinal stenosis. In fact, most cases of spinal stenosis improve without the need for surgery. Often, finding an effective solution for spinal stenosis requires a combination of therapies, such as medication combined with physical therapy. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas,...

Cervical stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. This can cause pain and damage to the spinal cord. Treatment brings much needed relief. If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical stenosis, your primary care physician may recommend visiting an orthopedic specialist for evaluation and...

The discs that make up your spine are vulnerable to wear and tear as you age. In fact, most people have some signs of spinal degeneration by age 50. Degenerative disc disease refers to a condition where damaged intervertebral discs cause symptoms like pain and numbness. When nerves are involved,...

An estimated 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, and around 8 million of them are women — that's 80%. Osteoporosis is characterized by chronic bone loss that leads to weak bones that fracture easily. Fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist are most common. Regardless of age,...

Living with sciatica can be challenging. The shooting, burning pain can strike seemingly out of nowhere and take you by surprise. Getting an appropriate diagnosis is the first hurdle. Fortunately, once it’s diagnosed, there are treatment options available to help you get the relief you need. A sciatica diagnosis often...

Proper body alignment prevents strain on your spine, joints, and muscles. Not only that, good posture boosts mood, productivity, and confidence. Improving your posture takes some time and know how, but the benefits are worth it. Practicing good posture reduces back pain, lowers the risk of injury, and promotes spine...

Osteoporosis, which is low bone mass, affects more than 10 million people over the age of 50, and another 43 million adults have low bone density – a precursor to osteoporosis. Maintaining strong bones not only wards off osteoporosis, it guards against spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal...

If you’re dealing with shooting, burning, or radiating leg pain, you could have sciatica. Sciatica is leg pain that’s caused by a pinched or irritated nerve. A herniated disc that compresses the sciatic nerve is the most common cause of sciatica. When you’re experiencing unexplained shooting leg pain, rely on...

Commonly called a hunchback, kyphosis is an excessively curved spine. While the spine has natural curves, people with kyphosis have an overly curved upper back that causes them to appear hunched. Mild kyphosis may not cause health problems, but severe kyphosis can lead to chronic stiffness and back pain. More...

Age-related changes to the spine commonly fuel chronic back pain and can have a major impact on your mobility – and ultimately your quality of life. While there’s no way to stop the hands of time, there are steps you can take to get relief from chronic back pain and...

Located deep in the buttock, your piriformis muscle runs from your lower spine to the top of your thigh bone. Along with five other muscles, the piriformis plays a role in external hip rotation. In piriformis syndrome, this muscle presses on the sciatic nerve causing pain and numbness in the...

Living with a herniated disc often means dealing with chronic pain that affects your everyday activities. Nerve irritation that causes pain and abnormal sensations like tingling and numbness can limit your mobility. For most people, nonsurgical treatments ease herniated disc pain. In some cases, surgery is necessary to provide relief...

Wear and tear or injury to the neck (cervical spine) can cause problems that irritate or compress the surrounding nerves. This is known as a cervical radiculopathy and is often due to a herniated disc or bony growth known as a bone spur. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas,...

Degenerative changes of the spine cause gradual loss of the normal structure and function, often resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. While an injury can cause deterioration of the spine, age is the most common factor.  By age 40, most people have some degenerative changes to the spine. Not...

A common cause of chronic neck pain, cervical stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical (neck) region of the spine. The narrowed space can place pressure on nerve roots and the spinal cord. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience pain, tingling, stiffness, and...

Wear and tear on your joints is one of the unfortunate aspects of aging. By age 60, almost everyone’s spinal discs show some signs of deterioration. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the circular discs between the bones of your spine develop degenerative changes that prevent them from acting as shock...

Roughly 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and for most of them the pain will resolve on its own within a few weeks. For millions of people, however, back pain becomes chronic. In fact, back pain is the second most frequently reported medical...

Kyphosis is a postural condition that most often affects older women. In fact, it’s commonly known as Dowager’s hump due to the frequency with which women are affected.  Degenerative diseases like arthritis and bone loss are the most common causes of kyphosis. However, injury and poor posture contribute to the...

Degenerative changes such as those seen in people with osteoarthritis of the spine can cause narrowing of the space that houses the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Without enough space, the surrounding bones compress the nerves, resulting in spinal stenosis. Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms, while others...

Today’s technology enables doctors to extend services to patients with orthopedic needs at a distance. Telemedicine involves the use of phones, mobile devices, and computers to connect with health care providers and access care. Here at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jones, II offers...

Technology is revolutionizing the way patients receive care by keeping you connected with your specialists. Remote access to care provides major benefits, enabling you to receive a diagnosis and treatment without the need for an in-person office visit.  Our experts at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas discuss how telemedicine...

The ability to consult with a specialist over the phone or through a video conference is vital now more than ever. As an adjunct to in-person consultations, telemedicine offers a unique and convenient approach to connecting with our providers to review test results and discuss symptoms and recommendations for further...

The bones, ligaments, muscles and other structures of the neck are susceptible to injury and wear and tear. A comprehensive evaluation can help you get the answers and relief you need when you’re dealing with chronic neck pain. Why Is Your Neck in Pain? Neck pain can have a wide...

Arthritis can affect any joints in the body, and that includes the spine. It’s estimated that more than 34 million adults are living with osteoarthritis alone. When arthritis affects the spine it can be debilitating. In some cases, it can require surgery.  Let’s take a look at what happens when...

The structures that make up your back are responsible for keeping your body flexible and upright, as well as supporting much of your upper body weight. Unfortunately, because of these functions, your back is susceptible to injury and pain.  Every year, millions of Americans experience back pain. In fact, back...

Degenerative disc disease is a condition often associated with aging as the discs in your spine change as you grow older.   Your discs in your spine help your back stay flexible. They allow you to do things like bend and rotate your back. They also absorb shock between the bones...

Do you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your neck or lower back? It could be spinal stenosis. About 95% of people have symptoms of spinal degeneration by age 50, and most people over age 60 have some degree of spinal stenosis. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, with...

Your spine is a complex assortment of stacked bones called vertebrae that are cushioned by 23 circular pads called discs. Much like shock absorbers on your vehicle, discs help bear the brunt of your everyday movements as well as more energetic ones, such as jumping, twisting, and running. A slipped,...

If you’ve noticed that your upper back and shoulders look more rounded as you age, you may have kyphosis. The condition affects between 20-40% of adults in the US, with frequency and severity increasing with age. The degree of deformity varies depending on the severity of the condition. While there...

Sciatica pain is a common type of nerve pain. Excess weight is also one of the most common causes of sciatic pain. When taking into account that 34% of the adult US population alone is classified as obese, the shared link becomes a real concern.  At The Spine Institute of...

Aging is wacky, to say the least. You experience all sorts of new — and not always pleasant — things, like getting laugh lines and gray hair and creaky joints. One thing you may start to notice as you age is persistent back pain. Whether it’s moderate or severe, back...

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition stemming from damage or inflammation of the nerves. This causes neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, and limbs. Unfortunately, it is possible to cause further damage or increase symptoms by performing certain physical actions. That’s why it’s important...

You probably know the signs of poor posture at work — rounded shoulders, head slouching forward, or body hunched over the keyboard for hours. What you may not realize, however, is that these bad habits are not only causing discomfort in the short term but also contributing to long-term problems....

Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons for missed work, and herniated discs are a leading cause of both conditions. Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc happens when the gel-like center of one of the round, flat cushioning pads that function as...

Kyphosis is a degeneration of your spine that results in a hunched appearance, even when you try to stand or sit straight. Kyphosis, sometimes referred to as a “dowager’s hump,” is more common in postmenopausal women, due to their increased risk for bone-weakening and bone loss from osteoporosis. But men,...

Neck pain is common throughout the aging process, and it usually comes from degeneration in the discs of the spine and the joints between them. Cervical stenosis is one of the most serious results of this degeneration. Also called cervical spinal stenosis, or simply spinal stenosis, the condition is most...

Before age 40, 4.2% of individuals suffer from chronic low back pain. By the time you reach middle age, your chances jump to nearly 20%, and some professions, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities may increase your risk even further. You can lower your risks by taking simple yet meaningful steps to eliminate stress on your...

Pinched nerves aren’t uncommon, but when they occur, they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, we help people relieve pain and other symptoms caused by pinched nerves. The first step in getting relief: making sure nerve compression is really to blame....

Neck pain is a pretty common medical complaint among both men and women, and as we get older, it becomes even more common — and symptoms can become much more severe. Sometimes, a sore neck can be attributed to muscle strain from bending over phones and computers all day. But...

You may remember pictures of older women with their heads leaning forward and a pronounced bump on their back, or even the old-fashioned phrase, "dowager's hump." If you feel that you're hunching forward and are having difficulty sitting or standing with your head in an upright position, you might be...

You probably don’t think much about your vertebral discs — the soft, cushiony tissues between your vertebrae that keep your spinal cord flexible and absorb shocks when you walk, run, or jump. But the wear and tear of constant use, overuse, and misuse of your spine (in other words, living...

By age 50, 95% of people experience degenerative changes to their spine as a result of normal wear-and-tear. Sometimes, these degenerative changes lead to narrowing of your spinal canal — a condition called spinal stenosis — causing you to suffer from chronic back pain. Dr. Thomas Jones II, of The...

Every day, millions of Americans wake up to, and go to bed with, back pain, namely low back pain. In fact, 80% of the population experiences low back pain at some point during their lives, and it’s the chief reason behind missed work days. At The Spine Institute of Southeast...

You feel the numbing, tingling pain of sciatica in your buttocks, down the back of your leg, and even into your feet — interfering with your day-to-day activities, from driving to workouts. Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition in itself. It’s usually due to a back problem, such as...