Helping to cope with back pain
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NORWICH - Two specialists will explain pain relieving techniques and when it's time to call a doctor in "Sprains, Strains and Pains in the Back" on Thursday, March 11, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in The William W. Backus Hospital's entry-level conference rooms.
Keith Stark, a physical therapist for Backus Outpatient Physical Therapy, said the program will include a brief overview of the anatomy of the back to highlight how problems can occur.
Dr. Kenneth Paonessa, an orthopedic surgeon on the Backus Hospital Medical Staff, will discuss different types of common back complaints, such as arthritis, herniated discs and spinal stenosis. He will talk about what people can do to manage back pain and when surgery may be necessary, as well as how to manage after back surgery.
The event is free but registration is requested by calling 860-889-8331 ext. 2495.
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. For medical care and disability payments, back pain costs Americans around $15 billion per year.
The event is part of the Backus Health Education Department monthly lecture series "Family Matters," which is held the second Thursday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. The April program will be "Keeping Our Teens Safe in a Technological World," featuring officer Mark Lounsbury of the Norwich Police Department.