(NAPSA)—It could strike at any time. Debilitating pain that takes away the enjoymentof participating in your favorite activities. It can happen while bending, twisting or simply picking up your kids or grandkids. It’s a hardship that afflicts far too many people... chronic, lower back pain. Each year, approximately six million Americans make newvisits to physicians for back pain and nearly 500,000 require hospitalization. In addition, industry studies estimate that medical costs for lower back pain are roughly $24 billion with an additional $30 to $40 billion resulting from indirect costs such as lost work time and workers’ compensation. “It’s an affliction that has caused heartache and pain for centuries,” commented Gunnar Andersson, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chairman, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago. “Of the three areas of the spine, the lumbar or lower back assumes mostof the weight-bearing activities, and therefore is most susceptible to injury.” For the nearly two million people with chronic lower back pain that have failed to respond to nonoperative treatments, such as physical therapy, medication and spinal injections, a minimally invasive procedure called the IDET™ Procedure may offer hope for those suffering from persistent and often unbearable pain. The IDET Procedure uses controlled heat to modify tissue in the disc wall and is performed on an outpatient basis, taking approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. “Similar to a radial tire that wears down over time, cracks or fissures—due to age or injury— may develop in the wall of the intevertebral disc, causing pain,” added Dr. Andersson. “The IDET Procedure helps to close or contract the fissures and treat sensitive nerve endings that have spread into the disc wall, thereby reducing the pain the patient is experiencing.” While simply growing older is a risk factor for potential back problems, those with sedentary lifestyles, those using improper or incorrect body mechanics during exercise or sports and those working in a high-risk occupation that requires heavy lifting are also susceptible for lower back pain. For individuals seeking to maintain a healthy back, there are steps you can take to lessen the burden on yourdises and vertebrae: * Use correct posture during sitting, standing and walking to minimize unwanted stress on the spine. Incorporate regular stretching, aerobic activities and strengthening of the abdominal muscles into yourlifestyle. Practice proper body mechanics when bending,lifting or carry- ing items. However, for the millions of people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, the IDET Procedure offers a new, minimally invasive approach. To learn more and to find a physician in your area who offers the procedure, visit www.idetprocedure.com and use the “Physician Locator” feature.
