Author: Dr. Fayaz

Many people suffer from neck and back pain that is easily treated and cured most of the time. But sometimes, it can lead to serious conditions that require surgery to alleviate the pain. There are ...

If you are experiencing neck pain or lower back pain you may wonder if you have a bulging or herniated disc. Sometimes, people may even refer to a bulging disc as a “slipped disc” or a herniated di...

Back pain can’t be ignored, as anyone who has experienced it can tell you. It impacts people in different ways, and often times it will resolve on its own with non-surgical care and treatment. But ...

Your joints start to weaken and wear down as your body grows older, and osteoarthritis, or spinal arthritis, may be a condition that you experience. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage that cushio...

Every time we bump our heads we immediately start to wonder, “Is that serious?” or “Should I be concerned?” This is probably because of media coverage and social media stories that circulate about ...

Everyone experiences lower back pain from time to time whether it’s dull, stabbing or shooting pain. Even if you don’t remember doing something tojar your back you should see a doctor if your lower...

The last few months of the year always seem to be the busiest. From traveling and shopping to decorating and dealing with changing weather, there are many different opportunities for you to hurt yo...

If you’re an active individual, you understand the importance of exercise and physical activity to keep your body healthy and your muscles strong. Exercise prevents other complications of being ina...

Acute pain is something that you feel as a normal reaction by the nervous system to alert you to possible injury. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will experience acute pain to tell you to ...

The upper back is comprised of 12 vertebrae in the middle of the spine which allows you to stand upright and protects the organs in your chest. Upper back injuries and problems are less common than...

The phrase, “you are what you eat” rings true when it comes to your brain. What you put into your body affects your brain’s ability to function. And if you’ve ever had days ...

Many years ago, spine surgery was performed primarily by neurosurgeons. Today, however, spine surgery is often performed by either a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon. And while both are very k...

If you’re experiencing severe back pain, your first inclination may be to take over-the-counter pain medications, or make an appointment to see a doctor for a stronger prescription medication. Whil...

Houston is filled with some great golf courses which means we also see more patients with back pain caused by golfing. One of the most common complaints and injuries experienced by both amateur and...

If you are an athlete, have ever been an athlete, or have a child who is an athlete, you’re probably at least marginally aware of the meaning of concussion. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain i...

If you suffer from back pain or neck pain, finding relief can be possible and often without requiring surgery. But first you need a doctor – preferably a back specialist – to identify what is causi...

Recovering from neck or back surgery can be a challenge especially for the first few days–but thanks to an emerging trend, you could be back on your feet much sooner. What is ERAS? ERAS is sh...

Having pain in your leg can come from many different sources, from wearing improper shoes to an accident or injury. One cause of leg pain that you may not be aware of is a herniated disc. Read on t...

Could the foods you’re eating be contributing to your back pain? Possibly. It’s no secret that good nutrition and a balanced diet are key factors of good health – but what may surprise some people ...

Convenience is key for people on the go. In addition to portable packaging, brilliant advertising has the soda industry booming. Various marketing campaigns have told us for years that “it...

When you head out to ski or snowboard this winter season, be sure to protect your most important body part – your brain! More and more people are reporting head impacts after seeing what can happen...

If you experience pain that radiates up and down your arm, then you’re likely wondering what’s causing it. And more importantly, you’d like to know what can be done to make the arm pain...

If you suffer from neck pain, low back pain, or odd sensations in your arms and legs, you may be told that you’re suffering from degenerative disc disease. But what does that diagnosis really...

Dr. Imran Fayaz is a neurological surgeon specializing in the management of neck pain, back pain, and other spinal disorders. He completed his undergraduate education at University College and obta...

A condition affecting 31 million people in the United States, chronic back pain is one of the most aggravating long-term conditions, as it typically affects sufferers every single day. In fact, stu...

When your body is tired and aching, most people assume that a good night’s sleep is the answer to finding relief. And they’re right! Rest is often exactly what your body needs to heal i...

About 85 percent of Americans suffer from neck and back pain every day. It’s bad enough to try to deal with the pain at home, but many deal with it at work, too. If you’re one of them, these three ...

This year, National Backpack Awareness Day is September 20! Most students look forward to back to school shopping and getting a new backpack for the upcoming school year. With so many colors and st...

Exercise is not only good for your heart and cardiovascular system, but it helps your bones and joints as well. In order to keep your spine healthy and avoid back pain, it’s particularly impo...

Neck pain is one of the most common things that we all experience from time to time. And it can be caused by a number of things — from how we move and sleep to our lifestyle choices to our ge...

When you look at how our bodies are made and how the spinal structure works, our bodies are nothing short of amazing. We’ve discussed before how it’s important to keep our spine healthy...

Neurology and neurosurgery focus on the same areas of the body, and often people aren’t sure which type of doctor they need to see. Read here about the differences between the two and how to ...

The summer heat has a way of sending regular exercisers out of the gym and into the pool. Known for being joint friendly, swimming is a great way to cool off while being active and is beneficial fo...

Your spine consists of a complex set of nerves, ligaments, and muscles that are used to connect different parts of your body. It’s important to keep your spine healthy so that you minimize pain and...

The spring and summer months are great times to be outside and active. The weather is warmer and you might find other ways to get in your exercise that involve being outside. Safety should always b...

If your doctor has recommended surgery for a back or neck injury or to relieve back or neck pain, you might need to schedule the procedure a few days, or even weeks, in advance. This will depend on...

Your spine, commonly referred to as your backbone, contains 26 different bones called vertebra. In between each vertebrae is a soft disc that is full of a jelly-like substance that cushions the bon...

Do you feel like the colder it gets outside the achier your back and neck feel? You’re not imagining this correlation. Researchers from the Arthritis Research Institute of America, South Carolina S...

Have you ever heard someone with arthritis or achy joints say they can predict rain or a cold snap better than the local weatherman? Or maybe their back pain increases as the temperature drops? As ...

Any health professional will tell you that maintaining a consistent weight is necessary for your general health. In particular, the function of your spine is greatly impacted weight gain. Excess we...

Anyone who ever experiences a troublesome headache can’t help but wonder at some point if they might have a brain tumor. Most never act on that paranoia, but there are times when you should p...

What is spinal cord injury? A spinal cord injury usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae. The damage begins at the moment of injury when dis...

Ever get a fuzzy-headed feeling making it hard to stay focused or concentrate on what you’re doing? If you’re finding that it’s hard to come with answers to easy questions, or you just can’t shake ...

We all know that exercise is good for us and can prevent a variety of diseases and ailments as well alleviate stress and boost our confidence by helping us look good. The problem that most people h...

Do you sometimes wonder if you or a loved one might be experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s? These 10 tips will help you recognize what’s typical as we age compared to the symptoms of Alzheimer...

One of the first things people recognize as a sign of aging is becoming forgetful. Our brains begin to change as we age, affecting how we store memories. It’s a common misconception that forgetfuln...

Most people who use their hands regularly, especially those who do repetitive movements like typing, experience pain and discomfort caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a con...

For those of us who thought Google Glass was just another fun toy that Google came up with, it’s time to reconsider. Google Glass is more than a computer – it’s a professional tool that can even be...

If you are a tobacco smoker, you may wonder how such a habit can cause or increase pain in the back. After all, the most common causes of back pain that we hear about the most have to do with stren...

Nearly everyone experiences a headache at least sometimes. Most often they’re caused by conditions that are treatable. If you experience headaches on a frequent basis, please contact your phy...

In most U.S. schools, students receive three routine medical screening tests: vision, hearing, and scoliosis. The first two need no explanation, but many people aren’t familiar with scoliosis, or a...

Strokes can happen at any age, and it’s important to understand what they do to the brain and the measures you can take to prevent them. Approximately 7 million Americans above the age of 20 suffer...

We’ve all heard of infections happening after a surgical procedure. Do you know why these infections happen? Contrary to popular belief, it does not always (though in some cases it can) have to do ...

Traumatic brain injuries are injuries that come from the brain being struck by an outside force. These injuries have a cataclysmic effect on the rest of the body, causing muscle groups to weaken or...

Have you found it a little harder lately to remember your to-do list, or concentrate on a project at work? Or maybe you can’t seem to remember people’s names as well as you used to. It ...

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes. This is often called a “mini stroke”. This type of stroke was recently brought to light when forme...

Aphasia is not a disease, but a symptom of brain damage. It’s a neurological disorder caused by damage to the portions of the brain that are responsible for language. Primary signs of the dis...

The Brain and Spine Institute of North Houston is teaming up with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the...

Today’s society seems to be moving faster than ever before. Between family and work obligations, do you ever just want a mental time-out? Meditation can offer you that break without taking a ...

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Along with the Brain Injury Association of America, we at The Brain and Spine Institute encourage you to get educated about TBIs, also known as Traumatic Brai...

How many times were you told as a child to “stand up straight?” More than likely your parents recognized the importance of good posture and maybe even regretted that theirs wasn’t...

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. The signs of a stroke are something everyone should be aware of. It c...

What is more enjoyable than diving into a cold swimming pool on a hot summer day? What seems like a simple and fun activity can actually lead to a traumatic injury. According to ABC News approximat...

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month. SMA is a genetic disease that attacks nerve cells, called motor neurons, in your spinal cord. These neurons communicate with your voluntary ...