August 30, 2011                                                                              570-893-5420

Dr. Kurowski Granted Privileges for New Procedure

Interventional pain management specialist to perform mild® procedure  

Lock Haven, PA – The Medical Executive Committee of Lock Haven Hospital has granted privileges to Marek Kurowski, M.D., an interventional pain management specialist with Haven Pain Management, to perform  mild® procedures.

The mild procedure is a new, minimally invasive approach to reduce pain and improve mobility in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

There are several common causes of LSS, including osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, and thickened ligaments. Generally related to the natural aging process, these conditions can all restrict space within the spinal canal and cause compression or pinching of the nerves, which may result in back and leg pain or other symptoms.

Common symptoms of LSS include:

• Pain, stiffness, cramping, or heaviness in the legs, particularly when walking or standing for long periods of time.
• Lower back, buttock and leg pain.
• Numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation in the legs or feet.
• Pain relief when sitting, leaning forward or lying down.

Potential benefits of the mild® procedure

• Reduced chance of infection and other complications associated with other surgical options.
• Minimal discomfort during surgery, with most mild procedures performed under local anesthesia.
• Limited hospital stay – usually patients return home the same day.
• Reduced recovery time compared to more invasive surgical options.

 “Dr. Kurowski continues to pursue specialized training and to learn new techniques and to be the first physician in our area to offer expanded treatment options to patients that are suffering pain from spinal stenosis,” said Cindy Segar-Miller, chief executive officer, Lock Haven Hospital. “This minimally invasive approach can offer potential relief for patients close to home.”

Kurowski, is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and holds a sub-specialty certification in Pain Medicine and completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.  He is also Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Kurowski completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center.

Dr. Kurowski utilizes a variety of interventional treatment options to address spinal, upper and lower extremity, sports and overuse, and neurological injuries and pain. New patients are being accepted.  Haven Pain Management appointment hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm.  Please call (570) 893-5437 for more information or to schedule an appointment. 

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The highly skilled team of health care professionals at Lock Haven Hospital is dedicated to keeping the Lock Haven community healthy. Lock Haven Hospital's areas of expertise and quality programs include:general and vascular surgery, OB/GYN services, primary care, chronic pain management, orthopedic care and emergency services. 

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