Observe better care for bone and joint

OCTOBER is an auspicious month for the Jerudong Medical Centre.

As throughout the month, the medical centre will be observing World Arthritis, Spine and Osteoporosis Day.

JPMC is marking this auspicious event with a "Bone and Joint Awareness Promotion" campaign.

As most of us are well aware of, bone and joint problems are the leading cause of pain and disability worldwide.

JPMC in a statement, said that it has been recorded that osteoarthritis has accounted for 50 per cent of all chronic conditions in persons over 65 years of age.

Meanwhile, road accidents are the number one killers in young people between 20 and 40 years of age.

The statement also mentioned that about 40 per cent of women over 50 years of age will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture.

"Osteoporosis affects around one in three women and one in five men around the world.

It occurs in both men and women and osteoporotic fractures are more common in men than women," the statement added.

It emphasised that lower back pain was second only to common cold for reasons for medical consultation and the single most important reason for lost work days in the industry.

"Between 60 and 80 per cent of population will suffer from significant low back pain at some point in their lifetime," it explained.

The statement further explained that neck pain was as common as low back pain and could be related to occupational factors.

Thus, the JPMC's bone and joint awareness campaign is aimed at reducing the social and financial burden of musculo-skeletal conditions to society; improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment for all patients; giving comprehensive care on prevention and treatment of individual condition; empowering patients to make decisions about their care.

JPMC further explains on osteoarthritis, which is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage which breaks down and wears away.

The patient will suffer from pain, stiffness, swelling, limitation of movements, warmth and tenderness, crepitus and weather change sensitivity. This condition, according to the statement is most commonly seen in weight bearing joints like the knee.

Osteoporosis, on the other hand, according the statement is a disease in which the density and quality of bone is reduced, increasing the risk of fracture. It affects around one in three women and one in five men around the world. As the bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased. The loss of bone occurs "silently" and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs.

JPMC further stated that the good news was that osteoporosis is now a largely treatable condition and the testing is quick, easy and painless.

"With a combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment we can reduce the risk of vertebral fractures by up to 65 per cent and non-vertebral fractures by up to 53 per cent," it added.

It went on explaining that low back or neck pain can significantly affect activities of daily living, adding that between 60 and 80 per cent of population will suffer from significant low back pain at some point in their lifetime. Reasons? There are a number of causes for such pain and most patients can be treated after detailed examination and general advice about pain killers and period of activity modification.

"Once the initial pain is less, a rehabilitation programme may be suggested to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. Best long-term treatment is prevention programme of maintaining physical condition and observing proper lifting and postural activities to prevent further injuries," advised JPMC.

The centre pointed out that patient needed to be evaluated with special scans if the doctor suspected any significant pathology.

In view, JPMC's Bone & Joint Awareness Promotion campaign at its centre in Jerudong Park.

There are three promotions that are being run concurrently from October 3 to 31 — World Arthritis Day offer, World Spine Day offer and World Osteoporosis Day offer.

During this period, JPMC is offering a Knee Pain Screening Package at B$148 (usual price is B$ 185) and the Viscosupplementation Package at B$1,588 (usual price is B$2,000).While Back/Neck Pain Screening Package at B$148 (usual price is B$ 185) and the

Osteoporosis Screening Package at B$308 (usual price is B$400).

The packages consist of: 1.Twice Orthopaedic Specialist consultations and Anterior Posterior and Lateral X-ray;

2. Twice Orthopaedic Specialist consultations and Anterior Posterior and Lateral X-ray, and questionnaire for back pain and Back/Neck prevention exercise guide.

3. Twice Orthopaedic Specialist consultations plus Baseline observation plus Blood and urine analysis (full blood examination, liver function test, bone profile, thyroid function test, 24 hours urinary calcium and creatinine) and pQCT (assessment of bone mineral density).

Come and visit JPMC specialist for early screening.

Do not let the pain affect your quality of life.

Do not wait as your health matters.

Just like the famous saying "Prevention Is Better Than Cure." Details, call the JPMC Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic at 2611 433 ext. 2288 or email: marketing@jpmc.com.bn.

The Brunei Times