Raising Awareness in October for National Physical Therapy Month, World Spine Day and More!
The month of October is full of awareness and celebrations for many important medical-related causes. As a premier provider of orthotics, prosthetics, cranial remolding helmets, and pediatric services to Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, we are closely involved with these causes and would like to help raise awareness.
Join us in the celebration, education, and observation of these important causes.
World Spine Day
World Spine Day is observed annually on October 16th. World Spine Day is a health initiative to promote a healthy spine through awareness, education, and advocacy.
According to World Spine Care, "An estimated one billion people worldwide suffer from back pain, with spinal pain and disability affecting all age groups, from children to the elderly. It is the biggest single cause of years lived with disability on the planet, with one in four adults estimated to suffer from back pain during their lives. Prevention is therefore key and this year’s World Spine Day will be encouraging people to be mindful of their spinal health because Every Spine Counts."
Locally, if you are looking for information on spine health, visit the UPMC Program for Spine Health to learn more about back pain and treatment. To learn more about Union Orthotics and Prosthetics Co. spinal orthotics and bracing, please visit www.unionop.com.
Key Statistics from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
- The annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is approximately 54 cases per one million people in the United States, or about 18,000 new SCI cases each year.
- The estimated number of people with SCI living in the United States is approximately 302,000 persons, with a range from 255,000 to 383,000 persons.
- The average age at injury has increased from 29 years during the 1970s to 43 since 2015.
- About 79% of new SCI cases are male.
- SCIs occur disproportionally in African Americans, who represent about 25% of injuries.
- Vehicle crashes are the most recent leading cause of injury, closely followed by falls. Acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds) and sports/recreation activities are also common causes.
Download NSCISC PDF for more information.
National Physical Therapy Month
Union O & P would like to thank our physical therapist partners in Pittsburgh and Western PA! Every October National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated to raise awareness about the many benefits of physical therapy. It's also a great opportunity to appreciate what PTs, PTAs, and students do to help lives get back on track.
The Cleveland Clinic defines Physical therapy as a common treatment that can help you recover after an injury or surgery, or manage symptoms from a health condition that affects how you move. It’s a combination of exercises, stretches, and movements that’ll increase your strength, flexibility, and mobility to help you move safely and more confidently.
In Pittsburgh, The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute is at the forefront of physical therapy services. UPMC Physical therapists work with individuals to prevent mobility loss by developing fitness and wellness programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Physical therapists evaluate patients with a wide range of orthopaedic and neurologic conditions.
Learn more about National Physical Therapy Month at www.apta.org
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
The Spina Bifida Association defines Spina Bifida as the most common permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life. Approximately 166,000 individuals in the United States have Spina Bifida. Commonly referred to as the “snowflake condition” of birth defects because no two cases are the same.
According to UPMC, treatment for Spina Bifida depends on severity and ranges from surgery, physical and occupational therapy, a brace, a wheelchair, and other aids, to very minimal or no treatment at all.
Learn more about Spina Bifida.
Additional October Celebrations
Learn more about these important causes that are celebrated in October by clicking the links below.
About Union O & P
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. is a family-owned and operated company with over 100 years of service in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We have always been dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care with a professional and compassionate approach. Our services and techniques are continuously being upgraded to achieve the highest standard of excellence.
Locations
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. and De La Torre Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. now offer 19 locations throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Services may vary by location.