Foam rollers have surged in popularity over the past decade. Foam rollers can be used to help boost circulation and improve flexibility and can also be beneficial in relieving back pain, if used properly. Board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Dr. Ai Mukai explains how to use a foam roller for back pain on […]
back pain
How Smoking Wrecks Your Back
The consequences of smoking are well documented. Increased risk of cancer, heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and higher risk of infection following surgery are just some of the risks associated with smoking. It can also be bad for your back, as Dr. Ai Mukai explains to SpineUniverse. “Primarily, smoking has a bad impact on blood flow and […]
Essential Oils for Back Pain
Essential Oils for Back Pain Essential oils are a popular home remedy for many ailments. When it comes to back pain, there are not a lot of medical studies available to prove they actually work. Texas Orthopedics spine specialists Dr. Ai Mukai explains to SpineUniverse, that while essential oils won’t cure back pain, they can […]
The Problem With Walking in Flip Flops
The Problem With Walking in Flip Flops They may be stylish, but flips flops can cause some serious foot, ankle and even back problems. Board certified podiatrist Dr. Joseph Snowden explains the problem with walking in flip flops on Under Armour’s MyFitnessPal blog. “People alter their gait when walking in flip-flops by taking short, shuffling […]
What you need to know about back pain medications
What you need to know about back pain medications If you are one of the millions of Americans that suffers from back pain, you’ve likely been prescribed medications to help with the pain. Physiatrist Dr. Ai Mukai covers what you need to know about common back pain medications and the potential drug interactions on SpineUniverse. […]
How to Treat and Prevent Sports-Related Back Pain
Participating in sports is a great way to stay fit and healthy. But when a sports-related back injury happens, it can prevent you from performing at your peak and even limit your playing time. What Causes Lower Back Pain? Many sports injuries tend to be back related. Sudden awkward movements, lifting incorrectly or too heavy […]
Dr. Kilbride Explains the Benefits of Running for Your Back
Men and women struggling with back pain often ask if running will hurt or help their pain. While those with back pain caused by structural damage to the spine should consult a specialist before tying up their laces, those with mechanical back pain (structurally normal spine), could see noticeable improvements in their symptoms after taking […]
Dr. Mukai on FOX 7 Austin: Work from Home Posture Tips
With more people working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, back and neck pain is on the rise. Whether you are working at a desk, table or in bed, chances are your posture is not healthy. Texas Orthopedics physiatrist Dr. Ai Mukai spoke to Fox 7 Austin to provide some useful tips to save your […]
Patient Story: Robert’s Journey Through Disc Replacement Surgery
54-year-old Robert Jackson is what many would call a ‘manly man’. He’s 6’2”, weighs 215 pounds and lifts weights regularly. He’s been a DPS State Trooper for 19 years and is a member of the Honor Guard. But in the fall of 2018, while Robert was helping his son move furniture, he moved just slightly […]
Neck & Back Treatment: Cervical Disc Replacement
Degenerative (cervical) disc disease is a painful condition that becomes more common as we age. When discs in the vertebrae start to collapse and lose fluid over time, intense pressure can build up on the spinal cord when the bones rub together then resulting in excruciating neck and back pain. How do you treat degenerative […]
