Legendary Entertainer Jerry Lewis in Raleigh

Keith P. Kittelberger, M.D.


arolina Pain Consultants (CPC), a group of anesthesiologists of Critical Health Systems of North Carolina that practices comprehensive pain management, had the pleasure of sponsoring the legendary entertainer and comedian Jerry Lewis on March 1, 2005, when he presented his “Tame the Pain” message to Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Tame the Pain” is an educational program developed by Mr. Lewis and Medtronic to connect people suffering from chronic pain with those who specialize in the treatment of pain. Mr. Lewis has been touring the country in an effort to bring his message to health care personnel and the public via media outlets.

Mr. Lewis injured his back in 1965 while doing a pratfall, one of an estimated 1,900 during his career. He was left with debilitating and incapacitating back pain for the next 37 years. This pain almost drove him to commit suicide. A spinal cord stimulator, which looks like a pacemaker with the lead placed in the epidural space, has been very successful in eliminating his pain for the past several years.

Jerry Lewis was interviewed by the local media outlets WTVD-ABC News, WNCN-NBC News and the Raleigh News & Observer. CPC physician Keith P. Kittelberger, M.D., a clinical instructor of spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps for Medtronic and host of the event, also was interviewed by WNCN-NBC News and the News & Observer. It is estimated that more than 369,000 people in the Raleigh area heard the entertainer’s message.

Mr. Lewis’ “Tame the Pain” presentation is both a funny and serious look at the prevalence of chronic pain and its consequences. He stated in his presentation that “we have 70 million people suffering with chronic pain in this country.” Jerry Lewis is out to educate as many physicians and patients as possible about the issue of chronic pain and how help can be found.

For further information on “Tame the Pain,” please go to <www.Tamethepain.com>.