“We’re asking spine and disability leaders from around the United Sates to join in drafting solutions to one of our nation’s most costly and critical public health issues — spine-related disability,” said Michael L. Reed, executive director of the North American Spine Foundation.
Here are five things to know about spinal disability:
1. There is a $250 billion financial impact of spinal disorders annually, including direct care costs, disability support and employer costs.
2. Thirty percent of employees will develop a disability in their lifetime.
3. Developing a disability makes people 71 percent more likely to reach the poverty level due to unemployment and financial loss.
The faculty for this initiative includes these spine surgeons and physicians:
• Paul Anderson, MD
• Jennifer Christianson, MD
• Ray Golish, MD
• Brian Konowalchuk, MD
• Janet Maurer, MD
• Heidi Prather, DO
• Michael Vitale, MD
• Jennifer Wang, MD
More articles on spine surgery:
5 key notes on cervical spinal cord injury treatment delays
Survival after spinal metastases surgery—5 key notes
Rhode Island Hospital opens Comprehensive Spine Center
