Orthofix Recognizes September as Pain Awareness Month
September is recognized as Pain Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about chronic pain and its impact on individuals.
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and can have a profound impact on individuals’ physical and mental well-being, their ability to engage in daily activities, and their overall quality of life. This is what two of our own patients experienced:
Professional surfer Koa Rothman suffered from pain after he injured his neck while surfing a big wave. He was warned by his spine surgeons that he needed to have surgery, or he would have to quit surfing. Koa considered his options and then chose to have an artificial cervical disc replacement procedure. Watch the video and see how the M6-C™ disc helped Koa get back on his board and start surfing again.
“The M6-C disc definitely changed my life,” said Koa. “I’m surfing again. I’m just looking for the next big wave. And I honestly am just enjoying life feeling normal and pain-free.”
Thirty years ago, Susannah was in the military stationed overseas when she was in a car accident and broke her tailbone. The injury healed, but over the years she experienced degeneration and developed arthritic growth leading to sciatic pain. After 10 years of receiving epidural steroid injections, the shots were no longer helping to alleviate her persistent pain.
That’s when Susannah made the decision to undergo fusion surgery. After the surgery, her doctor prescribed the SpinalStim™ Bone Growth Therapy device to help promote bone healing.
Looking back at her journey, Susannah said, “I think people take for granted the ability to put on shoes. I think people take for granted picking up and holding their child. And when that is taken away from you because of pain, little pieces of your life are taken.” Watch Susannah’s video to learn more.
Did you know millions of people are affected by chronic pain around the world, including 50 million Americans and 150 million Europeans? For more information and resources about pain, visit these sites:
International Association on the Study of Pain
Pain is a hidden struggle for many, and our collective efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of others. By increasing our understanding of chronic pain and the various ways it can manifest, we can better support those who are dealing with it.