SASpine

01/23/2026

[ UPDATE ‼️ ] Our offices will be closed in Houston and San Antonio on Monday, however, our phone lines will be open and we are offering virtual appointments.

01/23/2026

This patient participated in one of the most dangerous sports and now she's... ….

01/22/2026

Syringomyelia is a rare neurological disorder where a fluid-filled cyst, called a syrinx, forms inside the spinal cord, typically starting in the neck, and slowly expands, damaging nerve fibers and causing symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness (especially to heat/cold), stiffness, headaches, balance issues, and sometimes scoliosis or bladder/bowel problems. It often results from blocked cerebrospinal fluid flow, linked to conditions like Chiari malformation or spinal injury, and requires medical attention for proper diagnosis (often via MRI) and potential treatment, like surgery, to prevent permanent damage.

➡️ Key Aspects

• What it is: A cyst (syrinx) develops in the spinal cord, compressing and destroying nerve tissue.

• Symptoms: Develop slowly over time and can include:
> Pain & Weakness: In the neck, back, shoulders, arms, or legs.
> Sensory Loss: Decreased feeling, especially to pain and temperature (like a "cape" over shoulders).
> Muscle Issues: Spasms, stiffness, weakness, or loss of reflexes.
> Other: Headaches, balance problems (ataxia), scoliosis, bowel/bladder issues.

• Causes: Often due to impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, linked to:
> Chiari Malformation: Brain tissue drooping into the spinal canal.
> Trauma: Spinal cord injury.
> Tumors or Infections: Such as meningitis or spinal tumors.
> Congenital Defects: Problems present from birth.
> Idiopathic: No clear cause.

• Diagnosis: MRI is crucial for early detection.

• Treatment: Aims to relieve pressure and manage symptoms, potentially involving:
> Surgery: To address underlying causes (like Chiari) or drain the syrinx.
> Physical Therapy: For managing symptoms.
> Monitoring: For slow-progressing cases.

➡️ When to See a Doctor

If you experience progressive pain, weakness, numbness, or have had a spinal cord injury and notice new symptoms, see a healthcare professional, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe, permanent damage…

01/21/2026

[ BACK IN STOCK ‼️]

Elevate your shift with Higher Purpose Scrubs, designed by a Christian surgeon to honor the sacred calling of healthcare. Crafted for comfort, durability, and functionality, these scrubs blend faith and performance to support you in the OR, clinic, or hospital ward.

Purchase here ➡️ higherpurposescrubs.com

01/21/2026

I get this question a lot! If you "truly" cared why don't you do FREE surgeries? …

01/20/2026

Here’s the real answer - If a patient gets denied, why don't you just do their surgery for free?
…

01/19/2026

For optimal spine health, sleeping on your back is best for neutral alignment, supported by a pillow under your knees to maintain the lower back's natural curve and a supportive neck pillow; side sleeping with a pillow between your knees is the next best option to keep hips and spine aligned; while stomach sleeping is generally the worst as it strains the neck and spine.

Best Positions & Modifications:

➡️ Back Sleeping (Supine):

• Why it's good: Distributes weight evenly, minimizes pressure, keeps spine neutral.

• How to optimize: Place a small pillow under your knees to reduce lower back stress. Use a cervical pillow to support your neck's curve.

➡️ Side Sleeping (Fetal/Modified Fetal):

• Why it's good: A great alternative if back sleeping isn't ideal (e.g., for snoring/apnea).

• How to optimize: Place a pillow between your knees to keep hips, pelvis, and spine aligned. Avoid pulling knees too high to the chest, which can curve the spine.

➡️ Stomach Sleeping (Avoid if possible):

• Why it's bad: Counters spinal curves, forces neck twisting, increases spinal pressure.

• If you must: Try placing a thin pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen to reduce strain.

➡️ Key Takeaways:

• Neutral Spine is Key: Aim to keep your neck and spine in their natural alignment.

• Pillow Placement: Use pillows strategically to support your neck (cervical) and knees (back sleeping) or between your knees (side sleeping).

• Mattress Matters: A firmer mattress can provide better support than one that lets you sink in too much.

01/16/2026

This cocktail waitress is only 20 but unfortunately she already has an enormous... …

01/15/2026

How to: This teacher's screws were broken... so how did I remove them? …

01/14/2026

💥 8 Steps to Fix Neck Pain

1. Practice Good Posture & Ergonomics: Keep your chin level, spine neutral, computer monitor at eye level, and take frequent breaks from screens to avoid "tech neck".

2. Gentle Neck Stretches: Slowly perform neck rotations (ear to shoulder), side bends, forward/backward tilts (extensions/flexions), and shoulder shrugs to improve flexibility.

3. Apply Heat & Cold: Use moist heat (warm bath, shower) or ice packs to soothe tense or inflamed muscles.

4. Get a Massage: Gently massage painful areas to improve blood flow and release tension; self-massage the base of the skull (suboccipital muscles) can also help.

5. Reduce Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to music to calm the nervous system.

6. Improve Sleep Setup: Use a supportive pillow and optimize your sleeping environment for better neck support.

7. Try OTC Pain Relievers: Non-prescription NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.

8. Incorporate Gentle Movement: Light walking or yoga poses like Child's Pose can help relax the neck, shoulders, and back.

➡️ When to See a Doctor: Consult a healthcare professional if pain lasts over a week, is severe, radiates down your arms, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, dizziness, fever, or nausea.

01/14/2026

Left-Curving Scoliosis Isn’t Just “Rare.” It Deserves the Right Expertise.

Scoliosis isn’t one condition—it’s a family of spinal curve patterns, and the direction of the curve matters.

Levoscoliosis, a left-curving form of scoliosis, is less common and often raises more questions for patients and families. Where does it occur in the spine? Can it progress? When is surgery considered—and when is it not?

We’ve just published a comprehensive, patient-focused guide that explains levoscoliosis clearly and calmly, without fear-based language or medical jargon. It walks you through what this diagnosis means, how it’s evaluated, and what treatment paths may look like—especially when symptoms or progression are involved.

The article also highlights the thoughtful, patient-centered approach of Dr. Steven Cyr, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon known nationally for his experience with complex scoliosis cases. Patients consistently seek him out not just for his surgical expertise, but for the time he takes to explain the why behind every recommendation.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with scoliosis—or you’re trying to make sense of a recent imaging report—this is an important read.

👉 Read the full blog at the link below and get clarity, not confusion.

Surgical Associates in Spine

01/13/2026

Big spinal fusion surgery on a mechanic's spine that was destroyed by... …