I have been an orthopedic spine surgeon for over 25 years. I have seen thousands of patients during that time. I have performed thousands of surgeries, big and small. Each patient usually presents a neck or back pain that is or has become debilitating. Their quality of life has deteriorated, their recreational and work activities become difficult, if not impossible, and their relationships and family is negatively affected.
I consider myself a conservative spine surgeon who tries all the non-surgical treatments available. But sometimes surgery becomes the conservative approach. At some point spine surgery is the best approach to get back to a healthy and active lifestyle.
I frequently tell patients: you’ve lived with back or neck pain for 5 years and now there is a 90% chance that your pain can go from 8/10 to 2-3/10.
As an orthopedic spine surgeon who has performed many and long surgical procedures, my own lower back has suffered from the physical demands of surgery.
Ten years ago, I began to experience the same pain and disabilities that my patients experience. I had developed the condition of Lumbar Disc Degeneration. I did all the conservative measures that I recommended to my patients; PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, core strengthening, autoinflammatory, avoidance of heavy lifting, bending, etc. with only limited success.
I consider myself an active person who enjoyed golfing, biking, skiing and other recreational activities. Five years went by and I found myself living with pain and limiting my activities. If I played golf, I would have to prepare an hour and half before the tee time by taking a hot bath or jacuzzi, stretching for twenty minutes, applying icy-hot ointment to my lower back, putting on a back brace, and then go play.
One day I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn’t stand up straight. I had become “that patient” whose quality of life had slowly deteriorated and didn’t know it.
Finally, I turned into my fellow spine surgeons. Fortunately, I am surrounded by some great spine surgeons. Six years ago, Dr. Todd Lanman and Dr. Hyun Bae, my friends and spine partners, performed a four-level anterior disc replacement and fusion.
Today I am not pain free but have returned to a level of activity which I had known many years ago. Now I am a low handicapped golfer, hitting the ball longer and straighter than ever before. Last year (2018) I completed a 300-mile bike ride across northern Spain. I also enjoyed skiing with family and friends without limitations.
If you’re living with back or neck pain, don’t let the years and quality of your life pass by.
Find a spine surgeon you trust, get an opinion or maybe multiple opinions. Maybe spine surgery is the answer to get your life back on track.