Shawn Springs and Reed Doughty of the Washington Redskins to Kick Off the Event.

The Spinal Research Foundation is hosting the first annual We've Got Your Back 4 mile race, 2 mile fun walk, and Spinal Health Fair on Saturday, May 31, 2008 during National Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Shawn Springs and Reed Doughty of the Washington Redskins will serve as honorary co-chairs for this year's event. The start, finish, and Spinal Health Fair will be located at 1831 Wiehle Avenue in Reston and is expected to attract more than 400 attendees. The purpose of this event is to bring the community together to celebrate the lives of 35 million people currently living with neck and/or back pain and educate the public on the importance of spinal health. The profits from the event will directly support programs focused on research, education, awareness and advocacy.

More than 90% of the population will suffer from severe neck and/or low back pain during their lifetime. Eight percent of these people develop chronic pain, which means that at any given time, 35 million people in the United States are directly affected by impairing pain and many more indirectly. According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is second only to the common cold on causing missed workdays for adults under age 45.

"This is a major problem affecting millions of people's quality of life and ability to contribute to society. Severe pain impacts one's ability to perform his or her job as well as disrupts personal relationships and family structure," said spinal surgeon Thomas C. Schuler, M.D., president of the Spinal Research Foundation and Chief Executive Officer at The Virginia Spine Institute. Dr. Schuler is scheduled to speak during the race/walk opening ceremonies.

Race/walk participants can register online www.spinerf.org. Entry fees are $20 if registered by May 1, $25 for late registration, and $30 for race day registration. Children 12 & under are free. $1000 in cash prizes will be awarded at the event. The 2008 presenting sponsors are The Virginia Spine Institute and Medtronic.

The Spinal Health Fair is a fun filled community event open to all ages and will be held from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Attendees can learn how their spine works and what they can do to prevent injury in the future. Complimentary DEXA Scans will be provided by The Virginia Spine Institute to determine risk for bone fractures or Osteoporosis.

Kids Corner - Attendees are encouraged to bring their children to the Kids Corner for special activities including interactive play areas, color & learn stations and a moon bounce! Performances will include routines by Youth Sports Jump Rope FX! Watch these athletes perform to music and display formation changes, strength, aerobic dance, and intricate rope skills with Double Dutch, individual, and team routines!

The Spinal Research Foundation (SRF) is an international non- profit organization dedicated to improving spinal health care through research and education. The Foundation collaborates with spinal research centers around the world to prove the success of traditional approaches as well as develop new techniques and technologies. These results are shared with both the medical profession as well as the general public to improve the overall quality and understanding of optima l spinal health care.

To register for the race or get more information, visit the race Web site or
E-mail.