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At Texas Spine and Sport Physicians, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care possible. We offer a wide range of services to help treat your pain and get you back to living your life to the fullest. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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The Spine
The spine is a column of bones that protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The bones of the spine are called vertebrae.
The Spine’s Structure
The spine is a column of bones (vertebrae) that extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis. The spinal cord runs through the vertebral column, and nerves branch out from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. The bones of the spine are separated by discs. These discs allow flexibility in the spine and act as shock absorbers.
The spine is made up of:
-Cervical vertebrae: These are the bones in your neck. There are seven cervical vertebrae. The first two cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) are special. C1 is called the atlas because it supports the head. C2 is called the axis because it allows the head to rotate.
-Thoracic vertebrae: These are the bones in your upper back or thorax. There are 12 thoracic vertebrae.
-Lumbar vertebrae: These are the bones in your lower back or lumbus. There are five lumbar vertebrae.
-Sacrum: This is a triangular bone at the base of your spine that is made up of five fused vertebrae
-Coccyx: This is a small, triangular bone at the very bottom of your spine that consists of four fused vertebrae
The Spine’s Function
The spine is a column of bones (vertebrae) that extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis. It protects the spinal cord, which is a long bundle of nerves that transmits signals between the brain and the body.
The spine has several important functions:
1. It supports the head and allows for movement of the neck and head.
2. It protects the spinal cord from injury.
3. It provides stability for the trunk of the body.
4. It aids in movement, such as bending and twisting.
5. It helps to bear weight, such as when you are standing or walking.
Spine Conditions
Texas Spine and Sport Physicians are your best source of comprehensive and compassionate care for spine conditions. Our team of specialists is led by Dr. Greg Martin, who is double-board certified in both Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology. With locations in both Keller and Southlake, we are proud to serve the entire DFW Metroplex.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease, but rather a condition brought on by the aging process and general wear and tear of the spine. It most commonly affects the discs in the lower back (lumbar spine), but it can occur in the neck (cervical spine) as well.
The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and with age they can begin to break down, causing pain and other symptoms. In some cases, degenerative disc disease can also lead to herniated discs or pinched nerves (compression of nerve roots).
There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, but there are treatments that can help relieve pain and other symptoms. These include physical therapy, exercise, pain medication, injections, and surgery.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, also called a ruptured disc or slipped disc, is a fragment of the nucleus pulposus that has broken through the annulus fibrosus. Aherniated disc can occur in any part of the spine, but is most common in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions.
Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the injury. Low back pain associated with a herniated disc is usually characterized by localized pain in the lower back that radiates into the buttock and down the leg. This pain is commonly referred to as sciatica. Cervical herniated discs often cause neck pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm.
Most herniated discs heal on their own over time with conservative treatment, such as rest, ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, some herniated discs may require more aggressive treatment, such as steroid injections or surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, compressing the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arms or legs. Spinal stenosis is most common in people over age 50.
There are two types of spinal stenosis:
-Congenital spinal stenosis. This is a birth defect that narrows the spinal canal.
-Acquired spinal stenosis. This type develops over time as the bones and tissues surrounding the spinal cord begin to swell or thicken.
Spinal stenosis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
-Arthritis. This is the most common cause of acquired spinal stenosis. Arthritis can cause the bones and ligaments to thicken and the joints to swell, which narrows the spaces in your spine and compress the nerves.
-Degenerative disc disease. This is a condition that occurs when the discs between your vertebrae begin to break down. The discs can bulge or rupture, which puts pressure on the nerves.
-Herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when all or part of a disc ruptures and pushes through the outer layer of the disc. This can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain.
-Paget’s disease. This is a condition that causes an abnormal growth of bone tissue, which can lead to compression of the nerves.
-Bone spurs (osteophytes). These are bony outgrowths that can form on your vertebrae and compress your nerves. Spinal osteoarthritis often leads to bone spurs..
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the bones in your spine, called a vertebra, slips out of place.
The bones that make up your spine are supposed to line up perfectly with one another. But sometimes, due to injury or overuse, one of these bones can slip out of position. This can cause the spine to become misaligned and put pressure on the nerves that run through the spine.
Spondylolisthesis can occur at any age, but it is most common in young people, especially those who participate in sports that put stress on the spine, such as football and gymnastics.
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis can vary from person to person. Some people may not have any symptoms at all. Others may experience pain in the lower back or legs, stiffness, or a loss of mobility in the affected area.
If you think you may have spondylolisthesis, it’s important to see a doctor so that he or she can diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Spine Treatment
At Texas Spine and Sport Physicians, we understand how spine conditions can impact your quality of life. We offer state-of-the-art treatment options that are designed to relieve your pain and improve your function. Our team of experienced spine specialists is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care.
Spine Surgery
At Texas Spine and Sport, we offer a wide range of surgical options for treating spine conditions. Our surgeons are experts in the latest techniques and technologies, and they work together as a team to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
We offer both minimally invasive and traditional spine surgery, and we will work with you to determine the best option for your individual needs. We also offer a full range of nonsurgical treatment options, including physical therapy, pain management, and chiropractic care.
If you are facing spine surgery, we want you to know that you are not alone. We will be with you every step of the way, from pre-operative planning to post-operative care. We are committed to your care and your recovery, and we will do everything we can to help you return to your active lifestyle.
Spine Rehabilitation
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that can result in a complete loss of function or sensation below the site of the injury. In the United States, there are approximately 17,000 new SCI cases each year, with more than 282,000 people currently living with the condition.
While there is no cure for SCI, significant advances have been made in rehabilitation and treatment options in recent years. At Texas Spine & Sport Physicians, our team of specialists is committed to helping our patients regain as much function and mobility as possible.
We offer a comprehensive approach to spinal rehabilitation, featuring cutting-edge therapies and technologies that are not widely available elsewhere. We customize each patient’s treatment plan based on the specific types of injuries they have sustained, their goals for recovery, and their unique physical and psychological needs.
Our services include:
-Physical therapy
-Occupational therapy
-Vocational rehabilitation
-Psychological counseling
-Nutritional counseling
-Case management
Texas Spine and Sport Physicians
Texas Spine and Sport Physicians are some of the most highly trained and experienced spine and sport physicians in the country. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care possible. We offer a full range of services, including:
Meet the Doctors
The physicians of Texas Spine and Sport are double board certified in both Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Our physicians continue to practice pain management, sports medicine, and general musculoskeletal care within our state-of-the-art facility.
We are proud to have built a team of outstanding physicians who are committed to excellence in patient care. Our doctors have completed additional training and certification in various subspecialty areas of interest. These areas include:
-Spine Care
-Sports Medicine
-Interventional Pain Management
– regenerative Injection Therapy Procedures
Our goal is to provide our patients with the highest quality of care possible. We strive to stay up to date on the latest advancements in our field in order to provide our patients with the most cutting edge treatment options available. We believe that by working together as a team, we can provide our patients with the best possible outcome.
Our Services
We are a full-service spine and sport medicine practice that offers a wide range of services to help you get back to your active lifestyle. We offer everything from conservative care to cutting-edge procedures, and our team of expert physicians is committed to providing you with the personalized care you deserve.
We offer a variety of services, including:
-Spinal injections
-Physical therapy
– Massage therapy
-Chiropractic care
-Acupuncture
-Nutritional counseling
-Occupational therapy
Contact Us
Whether you’re a patient or referring physician, we want to hear from you. We are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients, and we appreciate your feedback.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at:
Texas Spine and Sport Physicians
1415 North Loop West, Suite 140
Houston, TX 77008
713-861-1616
