John Mitty Tuesday, January 29, 2013 |
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center hosted a Welcome to Wellness event on Saturday, February 26th, which was attended by more than 35 people. The focus of the event was captured in the title, “We’ve Got Your Back: Treatment Options for Back Pain”. A panel of experts, including: board–certified neurosurgeon Jeffrey Epstein, MD, who spoke about “Sacroiliac Fusion”, fellowship trained spine surgeon Shuriz Hishmeh, MD, who spoke about “Compression Fractures and Treatment Options”, and board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon Paul R. Alongi, MD, who spoke about “Managing Low Back Pain”.
“Where is your pain?” According to neurosurgeon Dr. Epstein, that is the most important question in seeking the best treatment options for back pain. He focused on a procedure for the sacroiliac joint with the newly developed iFuse Implant System. Dr. Epstein was the first neurosurgeon on Long Island to perform the sacroiliac joint fusion surgery using the minimally invasive iFuse Implant System, at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown, in November 2012. The iFuse procedure is a promising treatment option for patients with unresolved lower back symptoms related to the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum, the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine, with the pelvis. This joint can become damaged either due to normal wear and tear over time or through injury.
Dr. Hishmeh discussed the importance of both calcium and vitamin D for the prevention of osteoporosis. He also identified weight-bearing regiments for Osteoporosis, including push-up and pull-ups. “You should do things where you are using your own body weight, which can increase your bone strength.” Dr. Alongi responded to a half-hour question and answer session, where attendees asked a wide range of questions about back pain. He also highlighted common spinal conditions including spondylolisthesis, herniated disks and spinal stenosis. He explained the importance of exploring non-surgical options first, such as chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, exercise and nutrition programs and medication. “Many patients respond positively to these treatments and for the small percentage that do not, surgical options are best.”
When asked about the success of the event, Northport resident, Lorraine Cahill stated, “The session was great. I enjoyed the specific topics for different problems.” Another attendee, John Dickie of Huntington stated, “You always learn something new when you go to these lectures and overall I thought it was very helpful.”
The “We’ve Got Your Back Lecture” was the first of a three-part, free informative lecture series, “Welcome to Wellness”. The program is designed to educate, raise awareness, promote early detection, explain risk factors and provide information on treatment and diagnosis for common health concerns. Health professionals from the St. Catherine’s medical staff provide information and answer questions. Additionally, free health screenings are provided at selective events. The next event, “Heart Health Day”, is scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2013, followed by “Digestive Health and Nutrition Day”, which will be held Saturday, March 9, 2013.
For more information about the Welcome to Wellness Free Informative Lecture Series or to register for the upcoming February and March events, please call (631) 870-3444.
jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com Appears In: Press Releases
|