Leading Medicine, Winter 2020, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital edition

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Factors That Could Sabotage

YOUR WEIGHT LOSS

The Ins and Outs of Gut Health A Guide to Managing Arrhythmias YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

The Ins and Outs of Gut Health

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astrointestinal (GI) problems often strike when you’re least expecting it — and at the worst possible time. You might have a gas attack at the movies, indigestion at a dinner party or diarrhea while on vacation.

“Occasional gastrointestinal upset is normal,” said Dr. Sreelatha Reddy, board-certified Dr. Sreelatha gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Reddy Land Hospital. “However, if gastrointestinal distress becomes an everyday concern, or you experience a sudden increase in symptoms, there could be something more going on.”

WHAT’S CAUSING YOUR SYMPTOMS?

If you’re struggling with unexplained symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeing a gastroenterologist, a specialist who treats diseases affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

GI disorders can be classified into two main groups: Functional GI disorders occur when the GI tract isn’t functioning as it should. When there’s a functional problem, the GI tract typically looks normal and diagnostic tests show normal results, making it harder to pinpoint the cause of persistent and recurrent symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation are examples of functional disorders. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication and other therapies to keep the digestive system in balance.

Structural GI disorders happen when there’s a structural problem in the bowel that needs to be repaired or healed.

This includes conditions, such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, colitis, diverticular disease and colon polyps. Improving bowel habits can help with symptoms, but surgery may be needed in some cases.

“Gastrointestinal issues can be difficult to diagnose and treat,” said Reddy, “so it’s important to listen to your body, and discuss symptoms with your doctor.” If you experience any of

the following symptoms, it may be time to see your doctor or a gastroenterologist: Abdominal pain or bloating Excessive gas or belching Changes in bowel habits Heartburn Diarrhea Loss of appetite Difficulty controlling bowel Rectal bleeding movement urges Unexplained weight loss Difficulty swallowing Vomiting Abdominal pain can mean any number of things — from constipation to more serious conditions like appendicitis or diverticulitis. Call your doctor right away when abdominal pain is severe, getting worse or recurring, or accompanied by dizziness, high fever or shortness of breath.

TRUST YOUR GUT — AND TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

You know your digestive system better than anyone, and you may have the best insight (or at least a gut feeling) about what’s going on. Use this knowledge to your advantage by keeping a journal of your digestive episodes. Record the time of day and frequency of symptoms, such as frequent or loose bowel movements, constipation, cramps or heartburn. Also note any food or other triggers that might be related.

At your appointment, a gastroenterologist will review your symptoms, ask about your health history and perform a complete exam. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound exams and GI endoscopic procedures may be ordered to diagnose your issue. “Don’t wait until it’s unbearable to get help,” Reddy urged. “If your quality of life is suffering, talk to your doctor.”

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Reddy or to find another gastroenterologist in your area, call 281.205.4514.

WHAT DOES A GASTROENTEROLOGIST TREAT? A gastroenterologist has specialized training to treat and manage digestive disorders, including: Acid reflux Gallbladder disease Pancreatitis Celiac disease Hemorrhoids Polyps or growths Crohn’s disease Irritable bowel syndrome Ulcers

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Digestive Health Seminar

Date: Thursday, March 19 | Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Brazos Pavilion Conference Center Get the facts about GI health at our digestive health seminar led by Dr. Sreelatha Reddy who will discuss recommended screenings and signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and how your gut health and the microbiome (bacteria, fungi and other microbes) affect your whole body. Registration is required. Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/digestive-sl or call 281.205.4514.

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Don’t Be AFRAID TO ASK 5 things you can discuss with your primary care physician

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hen you’re not feeling well, a primary care physician (PCP) helps you get back on your feet — but that’s not all they can do. Your PCP gets to know you, your family and your health history, and can do a lot more for your health than you may realize.

“There’s a lot to gain from building a good Dr. Johneca R. relationship with a doctor you trust — and doing Broussard so can also help you make the most of your health care visits,” said Dr. Johneca R. Broussard, board-certified family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Riverstone. Don’t hesitate to ask your PCP for advice about anything related to your health and well-being. Here are some examples: Talk about mental health. PCPs are trained to do mental health assessments and provide treatment for depression and anxiety, including prescribing medications and helping you find a counselor or therapy program. “It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re feeling sad, depressed or overwhelmed by stress or anxiety,” Broussard said. You can feel better with treatment, and it starts by having a simple conversation with your doctor.

Make a plan to reach a healthy weight. Your PCP can help you get started with a nutrition plan or weight loss program. Keep in mind, your doctor is not there to judge you if you’ve put on a few pounds. The goal is to offer advice and help you understand your risks.

Find support to quit smoking. If you’ve been unsuccessful quitting before, your PCP can help you with solutions. “Ask your doctor about medications, support groups, like the Beat the Pack, and other tools to help you reduce or stop smoking,” Broussard said.

Ask about sexual health. It’s important to speak openly about sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunction and other sensitive topics. The conversations you have with your doctor are private, and your doctor will not share information with anyone unless you say it’s OK.

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BEAT THE PACK® Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is offering a unique program to help people quit smoking.

The program is offered each quarter. Participants meet once a week for four weeks from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The next sessions are being held on April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 29. A trained facilitator provides tools, tips and support to help smokers create and follow through with their personalized “quit plan.”

Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events and search for Beat the Pack, or call 281.205.4514.

Schedule Your Next Checkup

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Johneca R. Broussard or another primary care physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678.

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Get referrals to specialists, if needed. Making an appointment with a specialist can be costly and may involve a long wait. Your PCP can make the process easier by finding the right specialist for you, and in some cases, you may be able to avoid a specialist visit if the condition can be treated by your PCP.

Is Vaginal Birth After

C-Section Safe?

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f you’ve already delivered a baby via cesarean (C-section), does that predetermine that you must deliver your next child that way, too, or is it safe to attempt a conventional birth? You need to weigh these seven factors carefully if you are considering a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC):

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The old myth has been busted: Having one C-section birth does not automatically lead to another. Experts cite that about 60-80% of women who choose to have a VBAC succeed (and the success rate is even higher if you had a vaginal delivery before an earlier C-section).

Dr. Rosalyn Miller

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A key factor is the type of uterine incision you had the first time. “Women with high vertical uterine scars have greater risks of a dangerous uterine rupture (a tear in the uterine wall, often on the site of a prior incision) and infection than women who have more modern low-transverse (horizontal) scars,” said Dr. Rosalyn Miller, board-certified obstetriciangynecologist with Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land. Uterine rupture puts you and your baby at risk.

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VBAC brings big benefits, particularly that you can avoid major surgery, with all the usual risks it presents. The scale is also tipped in favor of VBAC because of decreased risk of medical complications and infection for both mother and baby, less blood loss, fewer blood transfusions, lower cost and a shorter hospital stay with a quicker postdelivery recovery time overall.

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Patients who have a failed VBAC (when they must be switched to a C-section midway through delivery) have higher risks of uterine rupture and infection than patients who have a successful VBAC or elective repeat C-section. “As with any attempt to deliver vaginally, your doctor will recommend a C-section midway if there are any signs of fetal distress, if the infant is too large for your pelvis, or if the contractions are not productive and the cervix doesn’t dilate,” Miller added.

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Experts advise against home VBAC deliveries. You must have an obstetrician and an anesthesiologist ready to perform an emergency C-section delivery in the event of a uterine tear, which can threaten the lives of both you and your baby.

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Take your overall health into consideration — your doctor will. C-sections have been more frequently performed for women with medical risk factors or complications of delivery, such as diabetes, eclampsia, genital herpes, high blood pressure, incompetent cervix and uterine bleeding.

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Neither an elective repeat C-section nor VBAC is riskfree; discuss the matter carefully with your partner and your health care provider.

Childbirth Center Tours

Come see the recently renovated and expanded Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land. The Childbirth Center has: More labor and delivery rooms Dedicated hospitalists who are OB-GYN physicians that only work in the hospital providing 24/7 emergency coverage in the obstetric emergency department Additional operating rooms for C-sections Expanded level II NICU and well-baby nursery Tours are offered weekly and depart from the Sweetwater Pavilion atrium. To schedule a tour or sign up for a childbirth class, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.205.4514.

Explore Your Birthing Options

Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land now offers VBACs as a birthing option. To schedule an appointment online with Dr. Rosalyn Miller, visit houstonmethodist.org/obgyn or call 281.882.3130.

Together, you can discuss birthing options that may be right for you.

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HIDDEN FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO

WEIGHT GAIN Y

ou’ve tried everything from dieting and calorie counting to exercise boot camp and weight loss apps — but the numbers on the scale just won’t budge.

Dr. Nabil Tariq Could there be something else sabotaging your efforts to lose or maintain weight?

Let’s uncover some factors that could be holding you back. Although you have the power to change a few of these factors, some are beyond your control. Either way, finding out why weight loss is challenging can be helpful, especially when coming up with a plan or deciding when to seek help for weight loss.

LACK OF SLEEP

Your health suffers when you’re sleep deprived, and lack of sleep can affect your chances of losing weight, too. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to increased cravings for high-carb foods and junk food. When you’re overtired, you may be more likely to reach for high-calorie beverages or a sugar fix for quick energy.

You may also lack the energy and initiative to make healthy food choices.

“At the end of a long day, you may not have enough energy to go for a walk or make a healthy meal, and the choices you make when you’re tired and hungry can derail your efforts to lose weight,” said Dr. Nabil Tariq, board-certified surgeon and medical director of bariatric surgery at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. √ Take control: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep at night so you can function at your best during the day.

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YO-YO DIETING

Yo-yo dieting (a cycle of losing weight and gaining it back) can take a toll on your health and make it harder to lose weight. You may lose weight rapidly on a fad diet, but you’re not just losing body fat. You lose lean muscle as well, which in turn decreases your metabolism. The problem with yo-yo dieting is that it’s not sustainable. “When you stop the diet and start eating normally again, the metabolism is lower than before, and the weight you regain is mostly fat,” Tariq explained. √ Take control: Modify your diet in a way that’s sustainable for the long term.

You want to find solutions for managing your weight that will work for the rest of your life, not just dropping pounds for a special event or a few months.

BALANCING GYM TIME WITH MEAL PLANNING TIME

Have you been toiling away at the gym without losing any weight? If this sounds all too familiar, it may make sense to spend more time and energy on meal planning. “Weight loss is about food intake more than anything else,” Tariq explained. Exercise is good for your overall health and longevity, but it’s only a small component of weight loss. The majority of weight loss comes from making dietary changes and consuming fewer calories than you can burn in a day. √ Take control: By spending 30 minutes preparing a healthy meal, you can avoid consuming an extra 700-800 calories compared to eating fast food or takeout.

When you combine a healthy diet with exercise, it’s a win-win!

AGING

Controlling your weight can be an uphill battle as you age.

Even if you’re exercising and eating right, the pounds can still creep up. “As you get older, your metabolism decreases and your body doesn’t burn as many calories,” Tariq said. In addition, you may lose muscle mass with age, and the problem is compounded if you’re less active. It all adds up to a recipe for weight gain.

√ Take control: Cut back on portion sizes of higher calorie foods and increase portion sizes of lower calorie foods like nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and okra, etc. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day — going for a walk is a great way to start.

MEDICATIONS

Did you know that weight gain is a side effect of certain medications?

Some medications taken for depression, inflammation, thyroid disorder or other conditions can make it difficult to maintain or lose weight. These medications may cause you to feel hungrier, burn calories slower or retain extra fluids. It’s important to continue taking your medications as directed by your doctor, but don’t hesitate to ask about alternatives. √ Take control: Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how your medications may be affecting your weight.

GENETIC INFLUENCES

Genes can influence appetite, metabolism, body-fat distribution and more, but genetic influences don’t tell the whole story. Environmental factors including eating habits formed in childhood, family and social connections, ways you cope with stress and other psychological factors can have an even greater impact on your weight. √ Take control: Even if you’ve been overweight for most of your life and struggle to lose weight, you can fight back.

It starts with making the decision to get help for losing weight.

START WINNING THE BATTLE TO LOSE WEIGHT If you feel like the deck is stacked against you to lose weight, talk to a health care professional who can help with medical weight management or bariatric surgery.

With the right help, you can change your life for the better.

The Houston Methodist Weight Management Center at Sugar Land offers the following weight loss services and programs: S tepLITE is a program for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds and needs help getting started. The program includes a diet plan and weekly check-in and group sessions with licensed professionals.

M edical Weight Management is a three-phase weight loss plan that begins with a medically supervised, very low-calorie diet program and progresses to a personalized meal plan to help you maintain weight loss.

B ariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve weight-related health problems.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/ weight-management or call 832.667.LOSE (5673) to learn more.

JOIN US FOR A WEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR

Date: Thursday, Feb. 6 | Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Brazos Pavilion Conference Center

Join Dr. Nabil Tariq for a weight loss seminar to learn about the different programs offered at the Houston Methodist Weight Management Center.

Get tips on grocery shopping and meal planning.

Speak with a dietitian, exercise specialist and bariatric surgeon.

Registration is required. Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/weightloss-sl or call 281.205.4514 for more information and to register.

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND 7

A Guide to Managing

ARRHYTHMIAS M

ost everyone has at some time experienced an odd heartbeat — feeling your heart race, pound, flutter, pause or skip a beat. These episodes of Dr. Apoor Patel an unusual heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the heart, are often minor and harmless. Sustained or more serious irregular rhythms, however, can pose a danger and lead to cardiac arrest.

Some people don’t notice any symptoms.

Others feel palpitations or a galloping or sluggish heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, fatigue or weakness, dizziness or unexplained falls or fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms suddenly or frequently, seek urgent care.

WHAT’S GOING ON?

A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats a minute and fluctuates during the day and in response to anxiety, excitement or some medications. Heart rate speeds up during exercise and slows during sleep.

“Physicians classify the many types of arrhythmias by where they originate and the type of heart rate they cause.

A rate faster than 100 beats a minute is called tachycardia and slower than 60 beats a minute is called bradycardia,” said Dr. Apoor Patel, board-certified electrophysiologist at Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates at Sugar Land.

For example, in atrial fibrillation, abnormal impulses in one of the heart’s upper chamber, or atria, cause the heart to beat too fast. Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common arrhythmia, affecting millions of Americans, refers to very fast

and chaotic contracting of the heart’s atrial chambers. The uncoordinated impulses cause the atria to beat so fast — 300 to 400 beats a minute — they quiver.

Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, is another example of a fast heartbeat from the upper chamber due to a short circuit in the heart that can present with a rapid and sustained heartbeat. When patients get rapid heartbeats from the bottom chamber of the heart, or the ventricles, they have ventricular tachycardia which can often be dangerous.

Slow heart rates, or bradycardia can be due to degeneration of the conduction system of the heart. “Sinus node dysfunction occurs in the area of the heart that serves as a natural pacemaker and causes the heart to beat slowly. In some instances, when the heart’s normal electrical pathways shut down or allow only intermittent signals, heart block (also called conduction block) occurs, which can slow down the heart rate at varying degrees of severity,” Patel explained.

TREATING YOUR ARRHYTHMIA

Not all arrhythmias require treatment, but patients need to manage arrhythmias that cause significant symptoms, increase risk for a more serious condition or impair the heart’s efficiency and circulation. Treatment depends on the type and degree of the arrhythmia, and may include: L ifestyle measures. Because many arrhythmias arise from underlying heart disease, doctors may recommend more exercise, an improved diet, better stress management, not smoking and limiting caffeine and alcohol as ways to reduce episodes.

V agal maneuvers. Some types of tachycardia, especially SVT, can be treated by stimulating your vagal

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WHO’S AT RISK? Arrhythmias can develop when the heart becomes weakened or damaged, disrupting electrical function. Factors that contribute to arrhythmias include: Abnormality in the heart’s structure Age Certain drugs and supplements, such as some cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine and diet aids, and supplements that contain ephedra, guarana or ginseng Coronary artery disease or a previous heart attack Diabetes Heavy alcohol consumption High blood pressure Imbalance of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium Obstructive sleep apnea Thyroid problems Use of stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine nerves — the part of the nervous system that regulates your heart rate — which respond by slowing your heart rate. These “maneuvers” include holding your breath and straining, coughing and dunking your face in ice water.

M edications. Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, sodium and potassium channel blockers, and digitalis may slow or suppress tachycardia. However, these medications may produce unwanted side effects, cause an arrhythmia to occur more frequently, or produce a new arrhythmia.

I mplantable devices. Surgery to implant an artificial pacemaker is a common treatment for bradycardia.

This device, implanted under the skin and attached to the heart, sends an electrical impulse whenever the heart rhythm slows or becomes erratic.

Another device, the implantable cardioverter defibrillator, can be placed in the chest to correct an abnormally fast heartbeat usually in patients with a weak heart.

C ardioversion. This treatment uses drugs or an electrical shock to reset the heart to its regular rhythm.

C atheter ablation. “Catheters are threaded through blood vessels to the heart and deliver radiofrequency energy to carefully destroy (ablate) the abnormal portions of the heart causing the arrhythmia. This method is highly successful in treating many arrhythmias,” Patel said.

THE BOTTOM LINE

It’s important to tell your doctor about any symptoms of arrhythmia you experience. Even if symptoms pass quickly, your heart’s ability to work may be compromised. Over time, a seemingly harmless arrhythmia could lead to a more serious condition.

If you think you or a loved one might be at risk for AFib or another type of arrhythmia, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Apoor Patel by calling 281.326.9195.

HEART SCREENING EVENT Date: Thursday, Feb. 20 | Time: 5-7:30 p.m.

Location: Brazos Pavilion Conference Center Schedule an appointment to learn your 10-year risk for heart disease and receive cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Registration is required. Restrictions apply.

Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/heart-sl or call 281.205.4514.

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Relief From Pelvic Pain Is Possible Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

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eople who suffer from pelvic pain may also experience urinary incontinence (leakage), increased urinary frequency, difficulty emptying the Dr. Laura bladder and pelvic pain Martinez during sexual activity.

Their symptoms may keep them from enjoying daily activities due to pain or worry about finding a bathroom at a moment’s notice. But there is hope.

Kristyn Richard, a pelvic health physical Kristyn Richard, therapist at Houston DPT, PT Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, loves her job, because she offers hope to patients who often suffer in silence. “Pelvic pain and urinary incontinence often go untreated because women, and men, believe that these pelvic health issues are ‘normal,’ and they can either grin and bear it or have surgery,” Richard said. “When they come in for therapy, they finally feel heard and understood.”

HOMEWORK REQUIRED

In addition to surgical options, those with pelvic pain or urinary incontinence may find relief through pelvic health physical therapy. This therapy targets the pelvic muscles that control continence and sexual function, and support internal organs.

“Pelvic health physical therapy (PT) is a great option as the first line of treatment for pelvic pain or incontinence,” said Dr. Laura Martinez, board-certified urologist at Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land. “While there are some conditions that may require further treatment, if we can use PT to alleviate patients, symptoms, they are often very relieved.”

Depending on the diagnosis, PT may focus on strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor. “Many people immediately think of Kegel exercises, which are used to strengthen the pelvic muscles,” Richard said. “But in some cases, we actually focus on relaxation techniques.” Treatment for most conditions, depending on severity, lasts between six to eight weeks with weekly office visits. “There is homework required,” Richard added, “if you want to get better, you have to do your exercises.”

PELVIC THERAPY: MORE THAN KEGELS Women and men often use Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles to deal with urinary incontinence. But there’s more to pelvic floor physical therapy than just Kegels. Other techniques include: Bowel and bladder retraining to minimize or eliminate incontinence Manual therapy to reduce bladder and/or bowel urgency, pain and constipation Posture and body alignment adjustments Relaxation techniques to relieve pain

Say Goodbye to Pelvic Pain

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Laura Martinez at Houston Methodist Urology Associates, call 281.746.6611. To schedule with Kristyn Richard or for more information, call 281.275.0450.

A physician’s order is required to schedule a pelvic floor therapy appointment.

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Flexible Treatment Options

STOP LOWER BACK PAIN IN ITS TRACKS W hich would you rather have: the common cold or lower back pain? That may seem like a silly question with an obvious answer — “Neither!”

However, most of us aren’t that lucky.

When it comes to missing work, the common cold and lower back pain are top reasons for Dr. Nader Ayub many Americans. While a common cold may mean a week of feeling miserable, lower back pain can make your daily routine difficult and in some cases, impossible indefinitely.

WHAT CAUSES LOWER BACK PAIN?

As many as eight out of 10 people are affected by back pain at some point in their lives.* It may be dull, sharp, specific or feel like your entire back hurts. A problem in your lower back also can cause symptoms in your legs, such as a herniated disk creating pain that radiates down your legs.

According to Dr. Nader Ayub, board-certified primary care sports medicine doctor with the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, causes of low back pain may include: Degenerative conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis Improper lifting techniques, resulting in muscle or spine injuries Trauma, such as a fall or car accident Viral infections It’s important to see your doctor for back pain because it may indicate a more serious medical problem, such as a pinched nerve.

People with diabetes should tell their doctor about any back pain or pain radiating down the leg because it may indicate nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).

“While many people may think taking it easy for a bit of time can make back pain go away, the truth is the pain may be a symptom of a more serious issue,” Ayub said. “In order to find out the root cause and prevent any further damage, it is important to schedule a visit with your doctor if the pain doesn’t go away within a week.”

WIDE ARRAY OF TREATMENT OPTIONS

When you visit your doctor, you’ll be asked questions about your pain. You may also need to undergo some testing to determine the cause and best treatment. Treatment options

BACK AND NECK PAIN SEMINAR

Date: Thursday, April 16 | Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Brazos Pavilion Conference Center Orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Karl Vega-Lelkes will discuss causes, latest treatment options and prevention. Registration is required. Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/backpain-sl or call 281.205.4514 to reserve your spot.

Schedule an Appointment

You may not see your doctor for the common cold, but lower back pain that interferes with your usual activities is worth making an appointment.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nader Ayub or another specialist at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.205.4662.

may include pain medications, muscle relaxants, exercises, massage, steroid injections and/or physical therapy to prevent future injury. Surgery may be an option if less-aggressive treatments fail.

Today’s surgical options are less invasive with smaller incisions, resulting in less pain and shorter hospital stays.

Whereas spinal surgery used to require two weeks in the hospital, it now can be just a few days or even outpatient.

From physical therapists and pain management specialists to orthopedic surgeons, Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center takes a comprehensive approach to pinpointing why your back hurts, stopping the pain and preventing it from recurring. * Source: MedlinePlus.

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WE’ VE MADE ACCESSING US EASIER THAN EVER We know a busy lifestyle can make it challenging to find time to get health care. In addition to scheduling an appointment online or by calling one of our agents, we offer a variety of ways to get care from us, including:

Same-Day Primary Care

Urgent Care

We offer same-day sick visits for conditions like the flu, sinus infections, pink eye and more.

We’ve partnered with Next Level Urgent Care for urgent care services after hours and on weekends.

Virtual Urgent Care See our providers for non-emergency, urgent care needs via video visit — 24/7, even on holidays.

Imaging Appointments Schedule an imaging appointment online, including a mammogram, at a time and location convenient for you.

Orthopedic Injury Clinics Same-day orthopedic care for fractures and broken bones, injured tendons, dislocations, sports injuries and more.

Emergency Care Our Emergency Care Centers and emergency rooms are open to all patients 24/7/365.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/care-options for all the ways you can get care with us.

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