LEADING MEDICINE
5 SIGNS:
Christopher Sy
Chronic neck or back pain can signal more than everyday strain. Your doctor may recommend a spine specialist — an expert trained to diagnose and treat spine conditions.
“Your spine must be strong enough to support your body yet flexible enough to move,” explained Dr. Christopher Sy, a neurosurgeon with Houston Methodist Department of Neurosurgery at Sugar Land. “When its components don’t work properly, pain or neurological symptoms like numbness and weakness can occur.”
3. NECK PAIN WITH ARM PAIN
“When symptoms worsen, and pain extends into arms, hands and fingers, it suggests a spinal problem,” Sy noted. For instance, neck pain might be caused by a herniated disk that’s putting pressure on nerves in the spine.
4.
BACK PAIN WITH LEG PAIN
Pain extending into the lower extremities suggests a spinerelated problem.
Spine problems often stem from age-related changes and can cause neck or back pain. Conditions treated by specialists include spinal stenosis, herniated disks, spondylolisthesis, sciatica and more. However, not all pain stems from these issues. Muscle strains from injury, overuse or poor posture are also common.
Here are five signs that indicate it may be time to consult a spine specialist:
1. PAIN THAT WON’T GO AWAY
Neck or back pain lasting weeks or months warrants a thorough evaluation.
“We want to ensure there isn’t a major structural problem such as instability or compression of neural structures,” Sy explained, “so we look for issues like degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, fractures, spinal cord compression and nerve compression to name some of the most important things.”
2. UNEXPLAINED NUMBNESS OR TINGLING
“Symptoms in the arms or legs may suggest spinal stenosis compressing the spinal cord or nerves,” Sy said. “If your symptoms can’t be explained by conditions like carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, joint issues (arthritis) or neuropathy, it’s recommended to see a spine specialist for evaluation.”
Untreated spinal stenosis can worsen and affect mobility.
“Most of the time we start with conservative treatment such as, physical therapy, medications or spinal injection, and consider surgery as a last resort,” Sy added.
5.
OTHER TREATMENTS HAVE FAILED
If physical therapy, activity modifications or OTC medications don’t help, options like prescription drugs, nerve injections or surgery may be considered. Surgery can relieve nerve compression from herniated disks or bone spurs. In cases requiring structural correction, spinal fusion — using screws and rods — may be necessary.
“A spine specialist can guide you through all treatment options and help you choose what’s best for your condition, lifestyle and goals,” Sy explained. •
Do You Suffer From Neck or Back Pain?
Make an appointment with a spine specialist to uncover the cause of your pain. Visit houstonmethodist.org/spine/sugar-land or call 713.441.0241
Dr.
WOMEN: Get to Know High Blood Pressure and Its Symptoms
You’ve probably heard about high blood pressure enough to know it’s something you should take seriously. But what else do you really understand about it?
“Having high blood pressure causes your heart to work harder and can lead to narrowing and stiffening of your arteries over time,” explained Dr. Gabriela Orgeron, cardiologist with Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates at Sugar Land. “This raises your risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.”
Also, high blood pressure is considered a “silent” disease with few or no symptoms, making it frequently underdiagnosed.
SYMPTOMS CAN BE SUBTLE
Early signs of high blood pressure are often easy to miss. Common symptoms include headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath. These can be mistaken for stress or menopause.
“In some cases, a woman with high blood pressure does not have any noticeable symptoms,” Orgeron said. “The best way to monitor your risk is to check your blood pressure regularly at your doctor’s office or a pharmacy kiosk.”
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Checking your blood pressure is only the first step. Understanding what the numbers mean is just as important:
■ Normal: below 120/80 mmHg
■ Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg
■ Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139/80-<90 mmHg
■ Stage 2 hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher
“If your blood pressure is elevated, we start to worry about progression,” Orgeron explained. “The higher it gets, the harder it becomes to control and the more likely you are to experience complications.”
PREGNANCY CAN REVEAL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Pregnancy sometimes uncovers high blood pressure that has gone unnoticed.
“Changes during pregnancy can unmask existing high blood pressure,” Orgeron said. “There is also a specific form called preeclampsia, which is important to manage for both mom and baby.”
Preeclampsia usually resolves after delivery, but women are advised to follow their care team’s guidance closely.
RISK RISES AFTER MENOPAUSE
Hormonal changes and weight gain during menopause increase a woman’s risk of high blood pressure.
“Symptoms of menopause and high blood pressure overlap, such as fatigue and headaches,” Orgeron added. “Women sometimes delay checkups because they think symptoms are related to menopause, which is another reason regular monitoring is so important.”
PREVENTION IS KEY
The good news: High blood pressure can be prevented. The key is to make healthy lifestyle choices while avoiding harmful habits. For example, try to get 150 minutes of physical activity a week, eat fresh foods, limit your salt intake, moderate your alcohol consumption, don’t smoke and regularly monitor your blood pressure.
“If you have high blood pressure, these steps are even more important for you,” Orgeron explained. “Getting high blood pressure under control helps prevent it from progressing.”
High blood pressure often goes unnoticed, but it is manageable and preventable. Regular monitoring with a preventive cardiologist and developing healthy habits make all the difference. •
Our cardiovascular experts can help prevent, diagnose, manage and treat various heart conditions. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist. org/heart-hmsl or call 713.332.2539
Dr. Gabriela Orgeron
Steps to DETOX SCREEN TIME From Your Bedtime Routine
Health detox is a popular trend. Most people think of changing their diet, but what about digital detox? Our homes are full of screens — TV, smartphone, tablet, e-book and even some refrigerators. While these devices offer entertainment and convenience, you should think twice before using your smartphone before bedtime.
While it may be important to have a phone in your bedroom for emergencies, you should schedule apps to “sleep mode” during bedtime. The constant DMs (direct messages), “likes” or notifications don’t relax the mind or prepare you for rest. Some people even reach for their device if they wake up in the middle of the night — never a good idea.
“Sleep is when the body actually recovers, neurologically, hormonally and metabolically,” said Dr. Nadir Mulla, board-certified family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group. “The habits we build before bed can either support that recovery or work against it.”
Lack of rest can affect your:
■ Blood-sugar regulation
■ Decision-making process
■ Immune system
■ Mood
■ Physical performance
Instead, establish a bedtime routine that allows you to detox from your device.
Dr. Nadir Mulla
AVOID DEVICES ONE HOUR BEFORE BED
To help you transition to putting your device away, set an alarm on your phone one hour before bed. This is your reminder to start winding down and get ready for rest.
“Reducing screen exposure in the evening allows the nervous system to shift out of alert mode and into a recovery-focused state,” Mulla said. “That shift supports deeper, better quality sleep, which then allows you to perform and function better the following day.”
FOLLOW A SLEEP ROUTINE
The overstimulation from a device can impact your sleep cycle and trigger a stress defense. In turn, drowsiness the next day from sleep deprivation can lead to memory problems, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
“Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day really helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and improves sleep quality,” Mulla explained.
MEDITATE, PRAY OR READ
Replacing your typical scrolling time with a book can relieve tension and help you relax. When deciding between a physical book or an e-book, choose the physical book. Even an e-book emits some blue light (see sidebar), which blocks the sleep hormone melatonin.
“You can technically sleep for eight hours and still not get good quality rest,” Mulla said. “Late-night light exposure makes sleep lighter and less restorative by interfering with the deeper stages of sleep, which is why people often wake up tired even if they did spend enough time in bed.”
TAKE A WARM SHOWER
Interacting with and watching a device — any device — activates the mind. Instead, your bedtime routine should include activity that helps your brain wind down and ease any built-up tensions from the day.
“Engage in a relaxing activity such as taking a warm bath or shower and practicing meditation to help calm the body to facilitate sleep initiation,” Mulla suggested.
Afterward, transition into a cool, dimly-lit room — and don’t check your device.
USE SOOTHING LIGHTING AND SOUNDS
Some people enjoy the flicker and sound of a TV while falling asleep. Unfortunately, the screen does not ease the eyes, and the blue light can exacerbate the problem. Instead, change your room’s lighting. Add a lamp, battery-operated candle or a sound machine that also displays soft waves on the ceiling.
“Create a dim, quiet environment by limiting light, noise and vibrations, such as silencing your phone, to help signal the body and mind that it’s time to rest,” Mulla said.
FINDING HELP
Sometimes, screen time before bed can act as a substitute for another mental or social issue, such as phone addiction or insomnia. If you can’t turn your mind off at night, your device is likely perpetuating the problem, not helping solve it.
If falling asleep or staying asleep remains difficult despite making changes, it may be time to talk with a primary care provider. Sleep challenges often have multiple contributors, and addressing them early can improve overall health, energy and daily performance. •
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light emitted from screens activates the body by increasing cortisol levels, making you more alert and interfering with the natural sleep-wake cycle, which is regulated by the circadian rhythm. Try turning on your digital device’s night mode or blue-light-blocking setting. There are also glasses and screen protectors with blue-light-blocking capabilities. However, not all products are made the same some may reduce blue-light exposure, but not block it completely, potentially still causing alertness and eye strain.
Same-Day Appointments
Even if you haven’t yet established care with a primary care doctor, get seen the same day for sleep issues and to manage your health and wellness and then you can establish ongoing care. To schedule a same-day or next-day appointment, call 713.790.3333
Find a Primary Care Provider
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group has more than 45 practices across the Greater Houston area. To find a doctor near you, visit houstonmethodist. org/pcg/southwest or call 713.441.7965
Why Your Annual Well-Woman Exam MATTERS
Taking time for your annual well-woman exam is a vital investment in your long-term health. These yearly visits aren’t just about fixing issues — they’re about preventing them.
“A yearly exam is an opportunity to prioritize your health and ensure you’re on the right track for the future,” emphasized Dr. Lauren Gray, obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) with Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land.
Regular checkups allow you to focus on prevention, identify potential issues early and make informed choices about your well-being.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT
During your annual checkup, your doctor will perform a general physical exam, including checks on your heart, lungs and abdomen, as well as pelvic and breast exams.
“These visits are also a time to discuss recommended screenings,” Gray said. “We’ll review your health history and talk through any changes or concerns you may have.”
ESSENTIAL SCREENINGS BY AGE
“Your doctor will suggest screenings tailored to your age, medical history and risk factors,” Gray added. An overview of the screenings and recommended ages to be screened include:
■ Cervical cancer screening
- Ages 21-29: Pap test every three years
- Ages 30-64: Pap/HPV co-test every five years, Pap test alone every three years, or HPV testing alone every five years
- Ages 65+: Screening needs are determined with your doctor
■ Clinical breast exam
- Ages 25-39: Every one to three years
- Ages 40+: Yearly
■ Mammogram
- Ages 40-74: Yearly
- Ages 75+: Screening needs are determined with your doctor
■ Screening colonoscopy
- Ages 45+: Every 10 years
■ Bone density screening
- Ages 65+ or younger if risk factors: Every two to 10 years, based on results
If you have a family history or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest starting screenings earlier or having them more frequently.
OPEN COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Your annual exam is an opportunity to speak openly with your doctor. Expect questions about your health history, recent changes (such as sleep, diet or energy levels), family medical background, medications and mental health. Topics like relationships, safety and substance use might also come up.
“I encourage you to bring your own questions and concerns,” Gray said. “Honest conversations with your doctor help build trust and ensure you get the best care possible.”
Whether you’re curious about new symptoms, want advice on healthy habits or need guidance on screenings, no question is too small. Your doctor is there to support you, and being proactive helps you take charge of your health. •
Take Control of Your Health
To schedule an appointment with a Houston Methodist OB-GYN near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/ob-hmsl or call 346.874.2060
Dr. Lauren Gray
Find Your Path to WEIGHT LOSS
Every day we are bombarded with trendy diets, expensive programs and medications that claim rapid weight loss success. But do they work in the long run, and are they even good for you?
According to Dr. Aman Ali, a double board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist with Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land, the best weight loss strategy is the one that works for you, the one that takes into consideration your health goals, pre-existing health conditions and current weight and fitness level. “Our goal is to develop a realistic long-term plan that you can afford and maintain for successful, lifelong weight loss,” he said.
NO MAGIC PROGRAM OR ‘PILL’
Rather than spending time researching the best diet program, skip the trends and start taking simple steps toward healthy eating habits. Be food “conscious” — choose good foods over “bad” ones, which usually include refined, processed foods full of added sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and empty calories.
In the same way, don’t start a popular drug that promises quick results and dramatic transformations without talking to a medical professional who specializes in weight loss.
“Patients come to me after they’ve tried these ‘wonder diets’ and weight loss drugs and are experiencing severe side effects or feeling upset they haven’t achieved significant weight loss,” Ali said. “Before taking any weight loss drug, seek the guidance of a bariatric specialist to help determine if a drug is the right choice for your weight loss goals and pre-existing health conditions. Medications do work for some, but you must have the right specialist prescribing them and monitoring you while taking them.”
SURGERY: A LIFELINE FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS
More than 80% of obese people also have at least one weight-related chronic health condition.
Diseases and health issues associated with excessive weight include:
■ Acid reflux, or GERD
■ Arthritis
■ Depression
■ Diabetes
■ Fatty liver disease
■ Heart disease
■ High blood pressure
■ High cholesterol
■ Migraines
■ Sleep apnea
■ Stress urinary incontinence Obesity can even increase a person’s risk of cancer.
“All of the ways in which obesity affects a person’s health are what prompt us to sometimes take a step as drastic as weight-loss surgery,” Ali explained. “We know that weight loss alone can improve these conditions, but the dramatic weight loss achieved through surgery can help treat and, in some cases, even resolve them.”
To qualify for weight loss surgery at Houston Methodist, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with an obesity-related condition such as diabetes, or 40 or higher without one.
Patients should get comprehensive intervention that extends more than a year after surgery. A team of dietitians, bariatric social workers and psychologists help ensure that the weight loss results are lasting.
Regardless of whether you choose a weight loss medication or surgery, your success is determined by how well you incorporate long-term healthy lifestyle habits. If you want to lose weight and maintain that loss, you should consult a bariatric specialist to determine the best course of action for you. •
Dr. Aman Ali
houstonmethodist.org/sugarland
From highly personalized primary care to cutting-edge specialty care and emergency care, your Houston Methodist team supports all your health care needs in one manageable system. Throughout Houston, our expert physicians are ready to listen and collaborate with you and each other — providing you with the best coordinated care possible.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.