From Greenwich Sentinel and Greenwich Patch
Greenwich, CT (November 30, 2017) – Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work and a leading cause of disability worldwide. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, rheumatologic issues, cancer and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain.
Dr. Huang-Lionnet is a board-certified anesthesiologist specializing in interventional pain management at the Sackler Center for Pain Management in Greenwich Hospital. During her presentation, Dr. Huang-Lionnet discussed the prevalence of back pain, diagnostic exams and imaging, exercise strategies and the latest treatments offered at the Sackler Center for Pain Management.
Over eighty percent of adults will seek care for spine-related pain at some time in their lives. Costs now exceed $90 billion each year. In a detailed slide presentation, Dr. Huang-Lionnet spoke about the anatomy of the spine and associated areas that can be affected by osteoarthritis, muscle spasms, degenerative changes, stenosis and sprains. In diagnosing radicular (radiating) pain, many types of scans can be performed to trace the root of irritation or compression. There is an array of treatments for back pain, ranging from conservative measures (NSAIDs, physical therapy) to image-guided interventions to implantable technology or surgical procedures. Recent developments in pain management are venturing into regenerative medicine, in collaboration with Yale New Haven Health.
At the Sackler Center for Pain Management, Dr. Huang-Lionnet and her team perform a thorough evaluation for patients, collecting general and pain history, performing physical exams and appropriate imaging and diagnostic studies tailored to each patient’s case. When medically appropriate, Dr. Huang-Lionnet works with other Greenwich Hospital specialists.
At the end of her presentation, Dr. Huang-Lionnet offered educational handouts for ‘Your Guide to a Better Back’ and ‘Your Guide to a Better Neck’. These handouts are free and available at the Greenwich Hospital Sackler Center for Pain Management.
