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St. Cloud Hospital Neck & Back Program provides relief
From Spotlight on Health - Summer 2009
Chronic neck and back pain was Kathy Johnson’s constant companion.
Johnson, of St. Cloud, endured years of headaches following an accident 25 years ago in which a 35-pound case of M&M’s® landed on her head while working in a grocery store in Detroit Lakes.
Two back surgeries, performed in 2005 and 2006 by CentraCare Clinic Neurosurgeon Anthony Bottini, MD, helped relieve pain in the lower back. But the neck pain and headaches persisted.
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A therapist and patient in the Neck & Back Program |
After she tried other therapies, Johnson was referred to St. Cloud Hospital Neck & Back Program.
Her neck muscles responded well to the program. Through targeted stretching and exercises, Johnson was able to increase her neck range of motion and strengthen the muscles.
Johnson’s physical therapist, Kevin Okeson, said she was an ideal candidate for the program.
Kathy Johnson, a graduate of the Neck & Back Program |
“The goal of the Neck & Back Program is to help patients with chronic pain achieve long-term success in stretching and strengthening targeted areas. We want to help restore them to functional activity and get them doing what they love, whether it is walking, gardening or just day-to-day activities,” Okeson said.
The personalized education Johnson received through the Neck & Back Program contributed to her success.
“I now know what I need to do to keep my muscles stretched and strong to avoid future problems,” Johnson said. “Through weight-lifting and cardiovascular exercises, I also had the extra benefit of shedding 35 pounds.”
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Johnson, who graduated from the program in February, continues to stretch daily and exercise to keep her neck pain-free.
Learn more about the Neck & Back Program.
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