Texas Spine Center

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:49:00 GMT

Texas Spine Center offers specials for non insured spinal patients.

We also provide custom specialized packages to meet your financail needs.

Please contact or call our office (281-469-0339) for further information Today!

Disc Replacement

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:00:34 GMT

Although fusion surgery may be effective in eliminating pain symptoms, patients may experience limited flexibility in that particular area of the spine due to immobilization of the vertebrae between the disc. The CHARITÉ™ artificial disc is designed in such a way that it allows your spine to move similar to a normal disc level, giving you room to bend more freely. Another benefit offered by disc replacement with the CHARITÉ™ artificial disc is that, unlike spinal fusion, it does not need a bone graft for the procedure.

If you are seeking an alternative to spinal fusion, then disc replacement with the CHARITÉ™ artificial disc may be your solution. This procedure is recommended for patients with a diseased disc between L4 and L5 or L5 and S1. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) results from a worn or injured disc and causes back pain. Dr. Siddiqi can confirm your disc related low back pain by history, x-rays, or other diagnostic imaging. Patients receiving the CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc should have failed at least six months of conservative treatment such as pain medication, back brace, and therapy measures.

Are you interested in finding out if you are a candidate for the CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc?

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi Today!

Non Operative Care for Spinal Condition

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:33:55 GMT

Dr. Shah N. Siddiqi specializes in treating patients who suffer from neck pain, lower back pain, arm pain and leg pain, as well as numbness and weakness in these areas.

Dr. Siddiqi provides patients with a comprehensive approach to diagnosing all spinal conditions, including a thorough evaluation using the latest technological advancements. Dr. Siddiqi believes in evaluating patients promptly and educating them on their diagnosis, so they can play an active role in the decision-making and treatment process.

After making a diagnosis, Dr. Siddiqi and his staff at the Texas Spine Center will often recommend a non-surgical approach to spinal treatment, including physical therapy, epidural steroid injections and analgesic. If non-surgical treatment proves unsuccessful, additional options include minimally invasive spinal surgery, which allows for a quick recovery time, or in some cases, complex spinal surgery may be required.

Click below to read about non-operative care for spinal treatments:

Chronic Spine Pain Management
Spinal Injections
Physical Therapy
VAX-D

Sciatica

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:06:29 GMT

Sciatica is the term describing pain that runs from your back or buttocks down your leg and into your foot. This condition is caused by either compression or trauma of the sciatic nerve and is made worse when you cough or lift your leg up while laying down.

Sciatica symptoms may begin abruptly and often grow worse at night. Sciatica implies that there is an irritation of your nerve root in the lower part of your spine. In some instances, this could be due to a ruptured or herniated disc in your lower back.

How is sciatica treated?

There are many non-operative treatments to alleviate sciatic pain and discomfort, including heat and ice treatments and over-the-counter or prescription medications.

If your pain is severe, Dr. Siddiqi may recommend an epidural steroid injection, which delivers steroids directly to the painful area around the sciatic nerve to help decrease the inflammation that may be causing the pain.

Surgical treatments for sciatica
If sciatica pain does not improve in six to twelve weeks, Dr. Siddiqi may discuss spinal surgery options with you. Once such procedure is microdiscectomy.

If you are experiencing sciatica pain, contact the Texas Spine Center today for a diagnostic evaluation.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:41:35 GMT

Due to advances in disc decompression surgery, minimally invasive techniques using endoscopes and microscopes now allow for smaller surgical incisions. Shorter recovery times from surgery means getting back to the things you enjoy.

Minimally invasive techniques that may be recommended by Dr. Siddiqi include:

Percutaneous Discectomy

Endoscopic Discectomy

Microscopic Discectomy

Microendoscopic Discectomy

Spinal Fusion

Percutaneous Spinal Instrumentation

Vax-D Therapy

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:37:40 GMT

VAX-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment for patients who suffer from chronic low back pain, as well as leg pain and numbness caused from herniated or degenerated discs and posterior facet syndrome. Patients who have had back surgery, yet continue to experience pain, may also be candidates for VAX-D. Dr. Siddiqi understands that back pain can disrupt the lives of his patients, making it difficult for them to complete simple tasks or enjoy certain activities. While back pain is usually treated with a combination of therapies, including medication, bed-rest, chiropractic care, physical therapy and exercise, many of these treatments only temporarily reduce symptoms. VAX-D is the only medical device that delivers treatment through its patented logarithmic decompression curve. The treatment is designed to relieve pressure on structures that may be causing back pain usually associated with bulging or herniated discs and degenerative disc disease....

Physical Therapy

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:33:49 GMT

Frequent episodes of low back pain (those lasting between two and six weeks) are indications for possible physical therapy treatments. By completing physical therapy sessions and back pain exercises, patients should experience a decrease in back pain and an increase in muscle function. Physical therapy also educates patients on how to continue a maintenance program that can prevent further recurrences of pain. Dr. Siddiqi will assess your back condition and prior medical history to determine if physical therapy is a proper form of treatment for your pain. Two types of therapy are common: Passive Physical Therapy Passive physical therapy focuses on decreasing pain and is considered passive because the procedures are done to the patient, not by the patient. Examples of passive therapies include: Heat/ice packs for heat therapy and cold therapy Both heat and ice help reduce muscle spasm and inflammation and are usually applied for 10-20 minutes once every two hours. These...

Spinal Injections

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:22:35 GMT

Spinal injections are performed either to confirm a suspected diagnosis and/or to reduce pain and inflammation for patients who suffer from chronic spine pain. An epidural steroid injection is a non-surgical approach to treating chronic spine pain and does not serve as a cure for the problem. However, the injection delivers steroids directly to the area of pain to help decrease inflammation that may serve as a source of the pain. Spinal nerves can become inflamed due to irritation from a damaged disc or from contact with a bone spur. The medication from the epidural steroid injection is placed in the epidural space, which is a sleeve-like space around the dura (the membrane that covers the nerve roots in the spine). The process of natural healing can occur more quickly once inflammation is reduced. Results indicate that an epidural steroid injection can significantly reduce pain for approximately 50% of patients. Epidural steroid injection procedure This procedure usually lasts...

Chronic Spine Pain Management

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:14:00 GMT

Managing chronic spine pain requires a certain mindset, and often the support of family, loved ones and others who are experiencing the same condition. Dr. Siddiqi and his staff may recommend one or more of the following techniques to assist in the non-operative care of chronic spine pain management: Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation: The first step in managing chronic spine pain is to receive a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to determine the severity of the pain, as well as determine a recommended treatment plan. Physical therapy: Both active and passive physical therapy treatments are helpful in managing chronic spine pain. Click here to read more about both of these treatments. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy differs from physical therapy in that it is intended to help patients whose daily lives have been significantly affected by a health condition. Occupational therapists help patients achieve a higher level of independence by working with them to...

Symptoms and Causes of Spinal Pain

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:09:17 GMT

Low back pain can originate from a variety of sources such as muscle trauma, spinal conditions such as disc disease, or conditions related to the nervous system. It is important for Dr. Siddiqi to determine the exact cause of a patient's low back pain due to the complex composition of the human spine and the variety of conditions that can give rise to the pain. Some of these causes are listed below: Mechanical Disorders As a result of the natural wear and tear that occurs with aging, certain parts of the spine start to degenerate and wear out with age. This process makes some of the anatomic structures of the spine, including the bones, intervertebral discs, ligaments and muscles less flexible and less resistant to injury. Inflammatory & Infectious Disorders Though infections and inflammation of the spine are rare, if they are neglected for a period of time, or if there is a delay in diagnosis, they can become a significant source of pain and disability. Bone and joint...

About Us

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:30:56 GMT

Insurance: Most Insurances Accepted See Insurance Plans to learn more. Worker's Compensation Ask staff for Injury/Accident Cases We accept Medicare. Meet the Staff Dr. Siddiqi and the staff at the Texas Spine Center are dedicated to helping patients improve chronic back pain and other related conditions. The Texas Spine Center provides on-site physical therapy which exclusively treats spinal conditions, as well as provides on-site spinal pain management for simple and complex spinal conditions. The staff provides a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments for back and neck pain, disc disease, other spinal conditions such as VAX-D, focused therapy and selective spinal injections (diagnostic and therapeutic). As a result of these treatments, many patients do not need surgery for their spine condition. If surgery is needed, Dr. Siddiqi will consider outpatient procedures such as percutaneous or minimally invasive endoscopic/microscopic procedures before recommending...

Testimonials

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:30:26 GMT

Testimonial from Angie Peoples

"My attack of sciatica began in September. I had high hopes that it would heal on its own. When the end of October came and the pain was worsening and I knew it was not going to resolve itself. I consulted Dr. Siddiqi in November and I decided to do the conservative treatment which consisted of 3 epidural steroid injections. The first ESI in November helped somewhat for almost 3 weeks. The second ESI in December did not help and by the end of December, the pain was getting more severe.

The third ESI in January provided no relief and by now the pain was excruciating. After 5 months of pain it was time for surgery. At this point the pain was so severe that I was counting the days until surgery. Six hours after my surgery, I stood up and walked.

It was like a miracle. For the first time in 5 months, I was free from the sciatica pain I had suffered so long. I was elated! It felt so good to walk that I continued to walk around my room and enjoy being pain free. I went home the next day. I did so well after surgery that I did not take any pain medication. In 12 days, I was in physical therapy and functioning normally. I finally had my life back. Thank you Dr. Siddiqi."

-Angie Peoples,RN

Auto Injury

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:29:41 GMT

Car accidents represent a large percentage of serious back injury cases in the United States. The stress put on the spinal column in a car collision can cause the disc that separate your vertebrae to shift. As a result, the discs push out into the spinal channel and press against spinal nerves, producing severe back, neck and leg pain. If left untreated, serious back problems may lead to chronic pain, which results in lost productivity at work and an overall decrease in patients’ quality of life.

If you have suffered a back-related injury as a result of a car accident, Dr. Siddiqi and his staff at Texas Spine Center are prepared to put you on the path to recovery. Dr. Siddiqi and his staff will arrange all diagnostic tests to clearly define the area of pain to better treat spinal injuries that interfere with patients’ daily activities and cause them pain. The staff at the Texas Spine Center works closely with the insurance companies of patients who have been involved in auto accidents or who have suffered from a personal injury.

If you experience a sharp pain in the back, leg or foot, or numbness in these areas after an accident, you should see a doctor immediately.

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi online Today!

Worker's Comp

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:29:23 GMT

On-the-job injuries are always difficult. In addition to the pain, stress and possible loss of income, injured employees may also be hesitant to receive care. If you have been injured on the job or have been involved in a work-related accident, the staff at Texas Spine Center is prepared to help you manage your pain, as well as work closely with the workers' compensation system and adjustors.

Dr. Siddiqi is an approved provider for workers' comp patients with a special interest in back and neck injuries. Dr. Siddiqi and his staff will arrange all diagnostic tests to clearly define the area of pain to better treat spinal injuries that are disabling for the patient.

Contact us today for help managing your work-related injury. We will need to know in what areas you are experiencing pain, how the injury occurred and if you have been seen by a doctor prior to contacting us. We also will need to know if you have a case manager or insurance adjuster.

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi online Today!

Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:28:17 GMT

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are both minimally invasive surgical procedures that treat osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis is a disease affecting more than 28 million Americans. The disease gradually weakens bones and causes them to become brittle, sometimes to the point of breaking. Severe osteoporosis can cause compression fractures in the spine, resulting in the collapse of the spine, as well as severe pain, spine deformity and loss of height. If left untreated, this condition can cause other serious health problems, including chronic or severe pain, limited function and reduced mobility, decreased lung capacity and/or difficulty sleeping. Kyphoplasty If Dr. Siddiqi determines that you are a candidate for kyphoplasty, he will perform the procedure under either local or general anesthesia. He will need to make two small incisions. First, he will insert a special balloon called the KyphX Inflatable Bone Tamp, and gently inflate it inside the fractured vertebrae. The...

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:27:01 GMT

The lumbar spine is the third part of the spine, after the cervical and thoracic portions. The vertebrae that comprise the lumbar spine are the largest and strongest of the three regions because they support the majority of the body's weight. There are five pairs of lumbar nerves that control the movement and sensory functions of the lower extremities. A lumbar microdiscectomy may be needed when certain conditions are present, including: • Leg pain that limits your routine activities • Weakness in your leg(s) or feet • Numbness in your extremities • Impaired bowel and/or bladder function If Dr. Siddiqi determines that you are a candidate for lumbar microdiscectomy, the operation will only require a very small incision, meaning that your recovery time will generally be much shorter than that associated with traditional lumbar surgery. This procedure can be performed as outpatient/day surgery in many cases so patients may return home following surgery if they desire. The...

Spinal Fusion

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:26:24 GMT

What is Spinal Fusion? The spine is comprised of a series of bones called vertebrae, and each vertebra is connected to the next with a strong connective tissue that serves as a cushion for the spine. Spinal fusion is a surgical technique during which one or more of the vertebra of the spine are joined together, or fused, disallowing motion between them. This procedure is performed by placing bone grafts around the spine, causing two vertebral bodies to grow together into one long bone. The bone for the graft may be taken either from another bone in the patient – usually the hip (autograft) - or from a bone bank (allograft). Grafts are placed either from the back of the spine (the posterior approach), from the front of the spine (anterior approach), or by a combination of the two. Spinal fusion may or may not involve the use of plates, screws and cages. When Is Fusion Needed? Conditions such as a fractured or broken vertebra, spinal curves or slippage and some cervical...

Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:18:19 GMT

Dr. Siddiqi performs anterior cervical discectomy on patients to surgically remove a herniated disc that is causing nerve pinching. An anterior cervical fusion usually is completed as part of cervical discectomy to open the disc space and prevent collapse of that space (kyphosis). The cervical spine is the first portion of the spine that begins at the base of the skull. During surgery, Dr. Siddiqi reaches the cervical spine by making a small incision in the front of your neck. Once the incision has been made, he separates the soft tissues of the neck. The trachea and esophagus are moved to the middle, and the carotid artery and jugular vein are moved toward the side. Both are protected with metal retractors. After this happens, Dr. Siddiqi can remove the intervertebral disc and bone spurs to relieve pressure on the nerve or spinal cord. He will use an operating microscope to aid him in the removal process, as well as special instruments and a drill to remove the bone spurs. The...

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:17:36 GMT

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion, or TLIF, is spinal fusion surgery for back conditions during which a portion of bone and disc are removed from the spine and replaced with an implant that is inserted into the disc space. Patients who suffer from back and/or leg pain either as a result of natural degeneration of the disc space or due to a traumatic event are candidates for this procedure.

Dr. Siddiqi will perform a diagnostic evaluation to determine if TLIF surgery will help improve your back pain.

The procedure is performed through an incision that is made in the posterior, or back, portion of the spine. To begin, Dr. Siddiqi will first place screws into the vertebra and remove the facet joints to expose the disc space. Once he enters the disc space, he can remove the disc material.
A bone graft is required for this procedure, and is often obtained from the patient’s hip. A spacer is then filled with bone graft and placed into the disc space so that the disc height is maintained. Additional bone is placed in the side gutters of the vertebra and the disc space. Titanium or stainless steel screws and rods are inserted into the spine to ensure the stability of the entire construct.

After TLIF surgery
After TLIF spinal fusion surgery, patients will usually stay in the hospital for three to five days to begin the recovery process. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be required.

Physical therapy is started the day after surgery, and Dr. Siddiqi may require some patents to wear a spinal brace. Once patients are released from the hospital, they will continue with oral pain medication and must limit their physical activity. Patients can usually return to work in four to six weeks, depending on the job demands. Dr. Siddiqi’s office will set up a follow-up appointment for a few weeks after your surgery.

» Contact Dr. Siddiqi online Today!

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:17:12 GMT

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)surgery also is used to remove a portion of bone and disc from the spine to replace it with an implant that is inserted into the disc space. During ALIF, the disc space is fused by approaching the spine through the abdomen instead of through the lower back, as in the TLIF procedure.The goal of the procedure is to obtain a solid fusion between two vertebra, and if this is not achieved, further surgery may be required. During ALIF surgery, Dr. Siddiqi will make a three-to-five inch incision on the left side of your abdomen and retract the abdominal muscles to the side. In some cases, he may be able to use an endoscope, which involves making several one-inch incisions to reach the abdominal muscles. In many cases, ALIF is combined with a posterior approach, such as TLIF, but if little instability exists in the disc space, an ALIF alone can be sufficient. Dr. Siddiqi will perform a diagnostic evaluation to determine if spinal fusion surgery is...