Whether you’re a child carrying a heavy load of books or school backpack, or a back pain patient recovering from surgery, the message is the same. Spine health is crucial and should be addressed at every age level.
Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s Spine Education Classes, a free hour-long event held each month at the hospital, provides information on spine anatomy, and protection. The goal? Preventing pain and injury.
“Most people are blissfully unaware of the importance of spine health until is taken away, at which point they become acutely aware of how much their spine really does,” said Heather deCordova, MPT, OCS, CSCS and assistant director of rehabilitation services at Henry Mayo.
It is estimated that 60 to 80 percent of Americans will suffer from back pain or injuries at some point during their lives, with up to five percent of that group suffering chronic back pain that lasts six months or longer. Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation among those under 45.
Topics at Henry Mayo’s Spine Education Classes range from spine health and basic anatomy to body mechanics such as proper lifting, pushing and pulling techniques. Exercises are not performed, but discussed, so as to evaluate exercise programs based on each individuals specific injury or need.
While statistics estimate $31 million is spent on office visits to physicians for back pain, only three percent of that total cost goes to prevention of back pain. That’s why spine education provided at Henry Mayo is so vital, as deCordova illustrated. “The spine is the core of all movement. Maintaining spine health affects all aspects of life,” she said.
Henry Mayo’s Spine Education Classes are held the second Wednesday of every month, from 5 to 6 p.m. ACC, Suite 310, Outpatient Therapy Services/Ambulatory Care Center, 25751 McBean Parkway. The classes are free and educational material is available for $5. All ages are welcome and seating is limited, so reserve your spot today.
For more information, please call 661-253-8959.