Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/743505
GIVEN THE STATISTICS, it's no surprise that Saint A nne's Hospita l has recog- nized the need for a multidisciplinar y neck a nd back center in Da r tmouth. Between 60 and 70 percent of the popula- tion su•ers from acute or chronic back pain at some point in their life, with only a third of those actually seeking treatment. The Spi ne Center of Sa i nt A n ne's Hospit a l hope s t o ch a n ge t h at fa c t w it h a c omprehen sive approa ch t o neck and back pain that not only treats t he patient 's physica l pa i n, but a lso addresses the anxiety and depression that often accompanies chronic pain. T he t ea m i ncludes neu rosu rgeon Cha rles Ka na ly, MD, who is Medica l D i re c t or of t he Spi ne C ent er, pa i n ma na gement specia list Christopher S t o w e , M D , a n d p h y s i c a l m e d i - c i n e a n d r e h a bi l it a t ion s p e c i a l i s t Marc¯Adams,¯DO. The physicians work collaboratively to diagnose and treat a wide range of neck and back ailments, including arthritis of the back, failed back syndrome, neuropathy, nerve entrapment, nerve injury, vertebral compression fracture, disc herniation, fractured spine, spinal tumors and spinal stenosis. A team approach from the outset ensures that every patient is directed to the right specialist, Dr. Kanaly says. "The nurse navigator is critical to the process, acting as the patient advocate by screening the chart and then working closely with the team to determine the most appropriate provider," he explains. "That way, care is coordinated across all disciplines so patients can get exactly the treatment they need most at all times." Because many people are reluctant to seek immediate treatment for neck and back pain, and experience social isolation due to mobility restrictions and prolonged absences from work, it is not uncommon for these patients to exhibit sig ns of depression and anxiety. Dr. Stowe says that treating the emotional pain is just as important. "We understand that chronic pain is often associated with emotional stress and the development of both depression and anxiety," he says. "For patients who have been coping with chronic neck or back pain, we make sure we treat both Charles Kanaly, MD, Medical Director of the Spine Center of Saint Anne's Hospital, explains how best to address a patient's back pain. Triage System Key to Multidisciplinary Approach that Brings Relief to South Coast Patients with Neck and Back Pain BY K AREN ELLERYJONES The Spine Center of Saint Anne's Hospital 1 2S P E C I A L F E A T U R E 1 2