Media

HKU Finds Overweight and Obesity Significantly Increase the Risk of Spinal Disc Degeneration in Adults

23 Feb 2012

Low back pain affects every population worldwide, and is a leading cause of ill-health and sick leave in the working population of Hong Kong. One of the major causes of low back pain is degeneration of the joints of the spine. Traditionally it is believed that disc degeneration occurs with aging, however, according to a latest study conducted by the Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology of The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine which involved over 2,500 subjects, being overweight and obese in adulthood can significantly increase the risk of disc degeneration. This research is based on the Hong Kong Degenerative Disc Disease Cohort Study, which is the largest initiative in the world addressing disc degeneration and low back pain.

A press conference will be organised to introduce the findings. An obese patient with disc degeneration will also share his experience at the occasion. Details are listed as follows:

Date: February 26, 2012 (Sunday)
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Venue: Mrs Chen Yang Foo Oi Telemedicine Centre, 2/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Speakers:
Professor Kenneth CHEUNG Man-chee
Clinical Professor
Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology
The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Dino SAMARTZIS
Research Assistant Professor
Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology
The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine

Guest Speaker:
Dr. Robin MELLECKER
Post Doctoral Fellow
Institute of Human Performance
The University of Hong Kong

A shuttle bus has been arranged to pick up the press from Admiralty for the press conference. Members of the press please wait at the bus stop near Café de Coral of Admiralty Centre (Exit A of the Admiralty MTR Station). The bus will leave at 10:00 am sharp.