Camp Mabry Soldier Opts for Non-Surgical Back Treatment

As we honor our veterans this November, we are reminded of their courage, strength and desire to serve and protect. A fine example of such commitment is Camp Mabry soldier SFC Jon Martinez who faced debilitating and possible career-ending back surgery due to a herniated disc. His dedication to the Army, and his wish to continue serving in the Middle East, led him on a different path to address his back issues.

He chose a non-surgical approach and was treated by Dr. Ai Mukai, an interventional spine and electrodiagnostic medicine specialist at Texas Orthopedics. An epidural steroid injection, couple with intense physical therapy, put this soldier on the road to recovery and the successful completion of several subsequent tours of duty.

Click here to see his story on KVUE.com.

Bad Posture at Work Leads to Bad Posture All the Time

New research shows that bad posture at work can lead to bad standing posture all the time... And good posture isn't just about looking more confident. It translates to reduced back and joint pain and even helps boost our mood.

Here's how to have the best posture: Experts say it's more than simply standing with our shoulders back. It's about maintaining good alignment with ears over the shoulders, shoulders over hips, and hips over the knees and ankles. And your body weight should be distributed evenly between the feet.

With most of us sitting at computers for many hours a day, seated posture is very important because it can also affect your posture while standing and walking. Medical professionals say think about your posture while you're walking, getting up out of a chair or even when you're using a cellphone or tablet.

And what about good posture improving your mood? It's long been known that depression leads to slouching, but new research shows the reverse is also true - slumped posture can spark negative emotions and thoughts.

So avoid unnecessary pain and improve your mood by doing what mom has said all along - sit up straight!

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Tips for Keeping up Your Garden with Your Back and Knees in Tact

Spring has sprung so the time has come to break out the rake, put on some gloves and start the mower so that you can get your yard looking green again. But before you get started, we want to provide you some tips to help you avoid painful injuries while gardening and doing yard work. 

You might not realize it, but gardening and yard work can be quite a workout. You’re using a lot of upper body strength raking leaves; you’re squatting to pull weeds; you’re bending over to lift heavy objects; and the list goes on.

Minimize Risk of Injury:

The best way to make sure you can get your work done while enjoying yourself is to minimize your risk of injury. For example, try not to squat with your heels raised. Keep your feet flat on the ground. Or better yet, keep a stool handy and try to sit while doing things like pruning.

Another way to reduce injury is to maintain correct posture. Posture isn’t just about sitting. It’s also important during activity. Don’t bend at the waist to dig or rake; bend from the knees. This also applies to lifting heavy objects. Also, try to use a wheelbarrow or other tools whenever possible to keep the weight off your back.

Use these tips while working in the yard. Your back, knees and hopefully yard will thank you!

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4 Tips to Prevent On-The-Job Back Injuries

We see this over and over, patients coming in with excruciating back pain. Many times the culprit for these injuries is work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1 million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for 1 of every 5 workplace injuries or illnesses.

They can occur in all types of workplace environments and can be aggravated by  things like sitting at your desk all day or standing for extended lengths of time.

4 tips to prevent back injuries.

1. Practice Proper Lifting Techniques

“Hey, can you help me move this box?” No doubt you’ve been asked this question at work. What you may not realize is that a simple task like this, when done improperly, can cause an injury. The number one rule for proper lifting—use your legs. If the box is on the ground, stand in a squat and lower yourself up and down. DO NOT bend over.

2. Invest in an Ergonomic Chair

You know those weird chairs that look like they belong on an alien spacecraft? Well, they actually have a purpose – to provide proper back support. Referred to as ergonomic chairs, these chairs are specifically designed to reduce fatigue and discomfort – both of which can lead to back injuries.

3. Take a Break and Get Some Exercise

Repetitive motion tasks (doing the same thing over and over) are common ways to injure your back. To prevent back injury or strain, break the routine and take a break with some exercise. This can be as simple as walking around the building or some light stretching in your office.

4. Get Help at the First Sign of Pain!

It’s not uncommon for people to brush off pain or delay going to the doctor. Ignoring the injury might aggravate the injury causing a more sever injury and likely worse pain or more invasive treatment. Taking care of your health often means being proactive. Not sure about your injury? Contact one of our Physical Medicine & Rehab (PMR) specialists.

Hopefully, these tips will help you stay safe and prevent an on the job back injury.