Donald, Fishers

For years I suffered with sporadic pain in my neck that would travel down through my arm. It would last a week or two but the pain would eventually go away, so I chose to live with it. However, it gradually did get worse and the pain began interfering with my golf game and household chores. I couldn’t even enjoy the occasional long car ride or traveling out-of-state. Eventually my primary care doctor referred me to an orthopedic spine specialist, who determined that I had a pinched nerve that was trapped between two worn out discs in my neck. At first he recommended physical therapy to reduce the pain, which helped. However, after three or four months the pain returned and wouldn’t go away. Eventually it was determined that surgery would be my only option to reverse the damage. My orthopedic spine specialist removed one of the damaged discs and fused my neck. I experienced some pain from the actual surgery but the pain I had experienced for years was immediately gone. It was actually the first time in months that I was able to sleep for more than three hours straight. Before surgery I had lost about 30 percent mobility in my neck. My doctor did warn me that after surgery I might have a 10 percent mobility reduction but I looked at this as if I was gaining back 20 percent mobility. In the end I have more mobility in my neck than my doctor and I expected. Now things are absolutely wonderful. The whole surgery experience has been life changing.

Veiotta, Indianapolis

At 52 years old, I never thought a video sports game would lead to an injury. I played Wii Sports almost every night, which eventually caused my arm to ache. After suffering with pain for several days I went to see my primary care physician. He placed me on two rounds of steroid injections but they still didn’t diminish the pain, so he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon. When I first met with the orthopedic surgeon, he ordered an MRI for my neck, which revealed that I didn’t have any space between the sixth and seventh vertebrae – apparently a hereditary condition. It shocked me that even though I had pain in my arm the source of the pain was actually coming from a pinched nerve in my neck. My orthopedic surgeon began treating my pain with a pain blocker but was not optimistic it would help. It didn’t, so in July 2009 I underwent surgery. The surgery involved taking portions of my hip bone and placing it in between my sixth and seventh vertebrae. After surgery, I wanted to participate in physical therapy but it was very difficult for me to lift or bend. Three months later I was able to go back to work. I’m doing better now. I’m able to start playing Wii again and able to do the “Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout.” I would tell anyone feeling what I felt at the time, to go see their doctor. I would still be in a lot of pain if I hadn’t.

Max, Indianapolis

Over a span of several years, I have had to manage a back condition. Early on, an orthopedic specialist diagnosed the pain as bulging discs in my lower back. This was brought on by aging and triggered by trying to construct a backyard playground for my kids. Lifting lumber and hammering took its toll on my back, and one morning, I could barely get out of bed due to pain. It was torture to drive my car because of the sitting and foot movement required to hit the pedals. I had a couple of lumbar injections, massage therapy, daily trips to the hot tub and even visits to a chiropractor. I also was taking muscle-relaxing drugs. After about six months, the sciatic-type pain had diminished to an acceptable and manageable level, and I was able to avoid having surgery. About ten years later, and after an attempt to participate in a home build for Habitat for Humanity, I hurt my back again. This time, I started to experience sharp back spasms in performing everyday tasks, like getting dressed and bending over to pick up small items. I made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon at Methodist Sports Medicine / The Orthopedic Specialists and had a new round of X-rays and an MRI taken. The orthopedic surgeon again advised me to take measures to avoid surgery. The doctor said my back structure was sound, but due to aging and wear and tear, some of the cushioning mechanisms of the discs had worn away, causing the discomfort. He suggested physical therapy. I was skeptical about physical therapy at first, but I was advised that I needed core strengthening, which would take some of the stress off the back. I had weekly sessions with a physical therapist, who helped me relearn how to do simple things like breathing, sitting down and sitting up straight. The exercises were basic stretching and abdominal exercises and were things I could do at home. I was gradually able to work my way back to normal function with little or no pain. Ultimately, I was even able to shoot some jump shots on the driveway basketball court without worry of triggering a back spasm. After about three months of weekly physical therapy sessions, I was back to my usual routine. I could have opted to have surgery, but I wanted to exhaust all of my options before going through the hardship of missing work and all that goes with having a spinal procedure. My advice to anyone experiencing low back pain is to have an orthopedic surgeon evaluate your condition and provide you with different options before assuming that surgery, injections or pain medication is the only answer.

Wilma, Indianapolis

I have Lupus and routinely go to an arthritis physician. For some time, I had been complaining about my lower back hurting and the pain shooting down my leg. Just trying to walk was terrible for me. When I went to the grocery store, I had to use a shopping cart to lean on as a walker. I love shopping, and this condition completely limited my ability. It was excruciating discomfort, and doctors thought it was the sciatic nerve. My arthritis doctor suggested I have an MRI and then referred me to a spine specialist, Dr. Stephen Ritter. Dr. Ritter took another set of x-rays and found that I had a disc that had slipped to the side. When he explained my condition and I saw it on the x-ray, I could tell where the disc was sitting and how it was pressing on my nerve when I would walk or stand. Over the years, I have had five back operations for various conditions. My back is fused from a procedure that I had in the ‘70s, so Dr. Ritter suggested something new for me. He suggested inserting a plate with six screws, which would help realign the disc. He also recommended putting spacers between the discs. My recovery seemed instantaneous. As soon as I woke up from surgery, I could tell a difference. The back of my leg used to hurt constantly, but I haven’t had any pain there since. Before the surgery, the pain would increase when I was walking or standing, and now I can do it with no discomfort. I had this procedure in early June and will go back for a follow-up in November and then physical therapy in December. Right now, I am limited to no bending and twisting because of the plate and screws that were inserted into my back. I would advise others going through a similar situation to see an orthopedic surgeon. I know firsthand that if you hurt long enough, you’ll get it taken care of, and it’s as simple as that.

Jennifer, Fishers

I injured my back in a car accident in my early 20s. For over 23 years I utilized conservative treatments to deal with the pain, but last year the combination of medication and physical therapy no longer did the trick. Most of the time the pain was manageable but there were some days that sitting and moving around was excruciating. I have four children and I can’t recall ever sitting through one of their sporting events or school concerts. Driving or sitting in a car, even for a short distance, was more than I could bear.

About six months ago I consulted with an orthopedic spine specialist who agreed to perform surgery to reverse the damage in my back. Initially he planned to perform a less invasive surgery that would require one day of hospital recovery.  However, once he began the surgery he found that I had much more damage to repair than expected and he would need to take a more advanced surgical approach. Needless to say my recovery became more extensive as well.

My one and only complaint about the whole surgical experience was my lack of the unknown. After surgery I stayed in hospital recovery for four days. I also didn’t anticipate that my recovery would require me to be off work for three months, or that I wouldn’t be unable to climb stairs for more than a week. I think that if I had been better prepared for the reality of the first few weeks after surgery I would have handled the process much better. But I have to say I wouldn’t change a thing.  The payoff was HUGE!

Surgery immediately took care of the nerve pain in my lower back that traveled all the way into my right foot. About 10 weeks after surgery I began physical therapy, which was enormously helpful in strengthening my core muscles and instrumental in my ability to return to a somewhat normal routine. It also helped to reduce the muscle spasms in my back. It’s been nearly six months since my surgery and thrilled isn’t even a good word to describe how happy I am that my pain is no longer the most important

constant in my life!

Rocky, Mooresville

I’ve suffered from back and leg pain in the past but it recently progressed to the point that I could barely walk less than a quarter of a mile, or sit up in bed and simply get up.  Eventually I consulted with an orthopedic spine specialist, who conducted an MRI and confirmed I had a chip in the L5 region of my spine that was pinching other nerves in the area.  My physician tried to block the nerve to reduce the pain.  Unfortunately it didn’t work and surgery became my only option. My physician took a very aggressive surgical approach, which in the end proved to be a success. I didn’t require any physical therapy and my walking had improved after just a couple of weeks. I feel as if I’m getting better every day. As I think back to when I met with my surgeon and discussed the extent of my symptoms, I realize I lived with the pain for almost two years and had just ignored it. Now I can completely tell the difference.

Karen, Indianapolis

Early in life I was involved in an accident that might have contributed to the back pain I suffered as an adult. The pain had always been significant but over the past few years it had progressed and began affecting my ability to walk.  At times I would feel needle-like pain, numbness and weakness in my legs.  I was unable to conduct normal, everyday activities such as clean the house, wash dishes, exercise or garden.  My condition became so severe that I began suffering from depression.  I had seen a general practitioner and pain management physician, who performed MRIs and X-rays.  However, it wasn’t until I met with an orthopedic surgeon that specialized in the spine that I agreed to have back surgery.  It was the best thing I ever did! He explained the procedure, which involved placing a “sponge” between one of the discs in my back.  This created a cushion for the tissue and nerves in my spine, which would absorb some of the shock – eventually allowing me to grow new bones.  My orthopedic surgeon also inserted several rods and screws in my back to brace two different discs. The entire surgery lasted about four and a half hours.  Following surgery I was required to follow a few restrictions for several months. To stabilize the bones, I had to keep my back straight – so twisting, turning or bending at the waist was prohibited. I couldn’t be happier with the result of the surgery – almost immediately after I noticed an improvement.  I did experience some surgical pain and inflammation, which is expected but as I began to recover I noticed that the pain in my legs was gone.  I only wish I had done it years earlier.

Walter, Zionsville

My left leg wasn’t working right, and I was experiencing painful sensations when I tried to use it. I couldn’t perform some of life’s basic everyday activities, such as walking or going up and down stairs. Naturally I assumed I injured my leg. However, after speaking with my orthopedic surgeon he determined that a spine condition was what was causing the discomfort. Initially he prescribed oral steroids to alleviate the pain. Unfortunately, it did not respond to the medication, so my doctor prescribed steroid injections. The injections were placed in my spine in the space between my L4 and L5. This also did nothing to reduce the discomfort. Finally, my doctor informed me that surgery was my only option. Following the procedure I did have some stiffness but the pain was gone almost immediately.  People should know that orthopedic injuries are tricky. I would have never guessed that my back would be the cause of my leg discomfort.

Jill, Beech Grove

At the age of 27 I was considered a “workoutaholic.” I was a full-time aerobics instructor, and I participated in body building shows and ran marathons.  Eventually the overabundance of physical activity took its toll on my back. I couldn’t do anything without experiencing severe pain. Getting out of the tub, brushing my hair, even doing laundry was virtually impossible. My back hurt 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Initially I sought the care of chiropractors to alleviate the pain, but none were successful.  From there I moved onto several conservative therapies and prescription pain medication, but still nothing seemed to work. The pain intensified to the point where I could no longer work. This was no way to live, so I sought treatment from an orthopedic surgeon that specialized in the spine. The first thing he did was perform a discography to confirm which discs had been damaged. This helped him determine how many levels of my spine would need to be fused. He counseled me on the procedure and listed out the pros and cons. It’s very uncommon for someone my age to have this type of surgery, as it requires an extensive recovery period. I felt it was my only option. Prior to the surgery, my orthopedic surgeon required that I quit smoking because it can increase the chance of surgical complications and interfere with bone healing. After surgery, walking was the only physical activity recommended. This surprised me, but five weeks after the surgery my level of pain dropped from an 8 or 9 to a 1 or 2.  I’ve returned to work, and while I do experience some pain from time to time, it has virtually been eliminated. My one piece of advice to someone experiencing this level of pain – seek medical care from a spine specialist. I would still be on my couch if I hadn’t.

James, Indianapolis

I was experiencing knee pain, and having difficulty walking, and climbing up and down stairs.  Naturally I assumed the discomfort was due to a knee or leg injury.  So when I could no longer perform my job the way that I needed to, I went to see a knee specialist.  To my surprise he was unable to find any problems with my knees, but did refer me to a spine specialist. Under this physician’s care I had an MRI that revealed a spinal injury. To alleviate the discomfort in my knees and legs, my spine surgeon fused three vertebrae, and inserted plates, screws and two rods into the injured area. Soon after surgery I noticed a big difference. I’m still undergoing therapy, but my back is recuperating well and I no longer experience pain in my knees when I move around. I feel a lot better, and am really looking forward to riding my motorcycle pain-free this summer.

Diana, Indianapolis

I have had lower back problems for years due to fibromyalgia and degenerative osteoarthritis. At one point I developed sharp, stabbing pain in my lower back. After having an MRI, I was referred to an orthopedic spine surgeon. I was advised to try spinal steroid injections to alleviate the pain. Three rounds of steroids later, it was clear that the only alternative to my suffering was surgery. My orthopedic surgeon recommended a surgery that typically takes place in two stages. The first stage consists of separating the collapsed vertebrae, inserting cages between the vertebrae to keep them open, and packing synthetic bone material around the vertebrae. This is done through the abdomen. Six weeks later, the surgeon performs the second stage of surgery.  He creates two incisions through the back, and bars are screwed into the cages to stabilize both sets of vertebrae. I didn’t want to go through two separate surgeries so I chose to have both done at the same time. Even though the surgery was intensely invasive, I was out of the hospital in one week. The second week I used a walker and then walked without assistance. I tried to be in the best physical condition possible given my health challenges, and believe this a big factor in my quick recovery. I am now pain free in the surgical site and continue to exercise. If surgery is your only option, I advise others to go for it. It’s worth taking the risk to lead a more normal life.

Megan, Indianapolis

I was a high school high jumper with the track and field team.  As a result of all the stress I placed on my body, I fractured a vertebra in my lower back. Over time, the pain became so severe that I could not get comfortable in any position. I consulted an orthopedic surgeon who recommended that I use a back brace and insisted that I rest for three months, after which I began rehab.  I did a lot of core abdominal exercises and strength training. Following my three month recovery period, I wore my back brace for five months during all physical activities. Once my abdominal muscles and lower back stabilized, I was able to exercise more intensely and start playing high school sports again.  In college my lower back did begin to hurt once again, but I wore my back brace and let it rest and the pain subsided.

Lou, Carmel 

Last December I developed a severe pain in my neck, right shoulder, arm and hand.  After suffering with this pain for a few days, I went to the emergency room for an exam.  I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon and about a month later I was diagnosed with a herniated cervical disc. As the pain had not subsided since its onset, I was very anxious about the diagnosis and remedy.  A number of treatment options were recommended, but surgery was the most logical. Over the next two months I underwent several more examinations.  During this time I noticed that the pain in my arm slowly began to subside. Given my improving situation, I asked my surgeon if it was wise to postpone surgery.  He was happy to hear of my progress and encouraged a ‘go–slow’ approach. Surgery would always remain an option if the pain was to return.  Today I am completely pain free.

John, Westfield 

After back surgery I had trouble walking, so I used the assistance of a cane to maneuver myself from place to place.  I spoke with my surgeon, and he suggested that I work with a physical therapist to regain better motion. I wasn’t sure how time-consuming physical therapy would be, so I was very pleased to learn that I could perform many of the exercises at home. My physical therapist gauged the intensity of the exercises accordingly, and the first day after therapy I was able to walk without the cane.  He was a tremendous help in identifying which muscles to strengthen, and even showed me exercises for muscle groups I had completely forgotten. At the end of my final session, my physical therapist asked me if I had any future goals related to my agility. I told him that for more than 20 years I have been unable to golf.  To help me achieve my goal, he provided me with a few additional exercises I could try when I was ready to hit the greens.  I haven’t made it out to the golf course yet, but I plan on it just as soon as I retire.

Joseph, Sanford, Florida

For more than 20 years I suffered with spine and neck pain. I used numerous types of therapy and non-surgical procedures to alleviate the pain, yet it always seemed to recur and get worse.  Eventually I had to undergo surgery.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the surgery went so well that I didn’t need physical therapy to recover.  In fact, I felt amazingly well coming right out of surgery on the first day. My quality of life has improved tremendously.