NRASP February Membership Luncheon - Is All Low Back Pain Created Equal?

It is no secret that low back pain (LBP) is a gigantic problem, and is something that is a major “pain in the back” for Safety Professionals across the country.  Research shows 80-85% of all Americans will have acute low back pain at some point in their lives.  The other 15-20% are horrible liars!  LBP is, by far, the largest musculoskeletal medical expense in the United States, with the average industrial back injury costing over $24,000, and the average industrial back fusion surgery costing over $164,000!  Bottom line--there are many myths, mistruths, and misunderstandings revolving around “proper” handling and treatment of low back injuries.  This will be a fun and highly informative seminar about the best current evidence pertaining to diagnosis and treatment of this epidemic.  The attendee will certainly leave with a better understanding of the important role that the right type of physical therapy can—and should—play in returning injured employees back to work safely and efficiently. 

About Eldon:

Eldon was born and raised in Williston, in the northwest corner of North Dakota—or “God’s Country,” as he likes to say! Upon graduating from Williston High School in 1990, he headed off for college at the University of North Dakota, in Grand Forks. While there, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, as well as his Master of Physical Therapy, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1995.

In his 20 years as a physical therapist, Eldon has always had a special penchant and skill for spinal rehabilitation, with advanced training and experience in treating acute and chronic neck and back pathologies. He is certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (Cert. MDT) of the spine through the McKenzie Institute, which is a credential less than 1% of physical therapists in the United States have obtained. He has extensive experience with MedX Lumbar and Cervical evaluation and treatment technologies, which he feels is a perfect complement to his McKenzie training and manual therapy skills for treatment of spinal conditions.  He will also be credentialed as a Certified Spinal Manual Therapist (CSMT) through the International Spine and Pain Institute in June, 2015. When he is not treating spines, Eldon is also a master clinician in general orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, and industrial medicine, working with individuals from all ages and stages of life. He obtained the distinction of Certified Sports and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 1996.  He is 100% committed to and truly loves helping people “feel better again!”