Back Pain? New Treatments to be Presented

Dr. Chad Shelton, a board-certified interventional pain specialist with SSM Pain Care at St. Clare Health Center, will present a special program aimed at those suffering from chronic lower back pain at 6 p.m. Wednesday. He's also providing a light meal for attendees.

Shelton's presentation will be in the conference center at SSM St. Clare Health Center, 1015 Bowles Ave., Fenton. It is entitled “Treatments for Relieving Lower Back Pain,” and will address the causes of lower back pain, as well as the range of advanced treatments available to successfully manage and relieve pain, including:

• Medications

• Injectional therapies

• Spinal cord stimulation

• Implantable pain pumps

• Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures

The program is free. Space is limited and reservations are required, which can be made by calling 866-SSM-DOCS (866-776-3627).

According to a news release from , lower back pain is a common concern affecting up to 90 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime – and up to 50 percent will have more than one episode. It is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost days at work.

Lower back pain is not a specific disease, rather a symptom that may occur from a variety of different causes. Lower back pain is frequently associated with overuse or injury to the muscles or ligaments that support the spine. Herniated or ruptured discs in the spine, osteoarthritis or joint degeneration, and fractures of the vertebrae from trauma can place pressure on nerve roots and cause chronic pain.