Sikeston hospital to begin spine care service in October

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The leading cause of missed work days for adults younger than 45 is back pain. Studies show that at some point in their adult life, four in five U.S. adults report having had back pain, and about 4.6 million Americans will need back surgery.

In October, back pain sufferers in the Sikeston area will be able to take advantage of the latest technology in spine surgery. On Thursday, officials at Missouri Delta Medical Center announced the addition of the PARE Minimally Invasive Neurospine Institute to its medical campus.

Charles Ancell, the hospital's president and chief executive officer, said the hospital is committed to providing excellent care and that he thinks the addition of the spine program is a testament to that.

Ancell introduced Joel W. Ray, a neurosurgeon with Cape Neurosurgical Associates, who will lead the institute.

Ray said there are many nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for back and spine conditions. The PARE Minimally Invasive Neurospine Institute will implement the most appropriate course of treatment for the patient and their condition, using a multidisciplinary team approach.

"The small incisions used during surgery, the expansive education of the patient prior to and following surgery, the quality rehabilitation programming and the hospital's dedicated staff all equate to positive outcomes for the patient," he added.

Jim Henson, vice president of human resources, said the team at the hospital is working to prepare for the first case. To keep costs down, hospital staff has been in talks with insurance companies regarding the procedures.

Patients treated by the institute will be in patient care rooms on floors 2F and 3H, said Henson. All rooms are private, with flat-panel TVs and new furniture, he added.

Anyone interested in the services offered by the institute can call the hospital at 573-471-1600.