Get Back To It

As a collegiate field hockey player, Jenna’s overtraining resulted in a torn L5-S1 disc. After an eight month journey seeing many providers including doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturist, and physical therapists to relieve her pain, she turned to non surgical treatments.  These included epidurals, SI injection, facet injection, nerve ablation, and a second SI injection.

The pain subsided for four years where she returned to running, lifting, hiking, skiing, coaching, playing field hockey and volleyball. But one day while sitting at her desk, a recognizable deep pain seared into her lower back, initiating what would become an additional 2 year journey for relief.

An MRI showed a very damaged disc, and  it was time to see a surgeon. Jenna was given the with  choice of a lumbar fusion or disc replacement. After a second opinion, and with the support of both surgeons she decided that the L5-S1 disc replacement was my best option to return to an active lifestyle. At just 26 years old Jenna had the surgery, and in just six weeks of recovery, she began physical therapy to build core strength. Three months after surgery, Jenna was able to increase her activity. She experienced a small setback with SI joint pain, but was managed with a steroid injection. At six months post-op, she was cleared of all restrictions and started jogging, tried snorkeling, hiked, hit golf balls, and skied. Tune in to listen to her inspiring journey of patience, perseverance, and hope. 

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For Scoliosis Awareness Month, our “Get Back to It” podcast highlights a tale of resilience and perseverance on a Scoliosis Journey. Our host and CEO, Dr. Rita Roy, engages in a candid and eye-opening conversation with Broadway dancer and Spine Health Ambassador, Paige Fraser-Hoffman, who confronted scoliosis at the young age of 13.  Paige shares her journey of overcoming fear and the challenges she faced to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Through non-surgical treatments, passion, and dedication, Paige overcame physical adversity and forged an incredibly successful career that led her to the bright lights of Broadway.

Whether you or a loved one are dealing with scoliosis, Paige’s story is an informative guide on navigating scoliosis with courage. This is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of passion. Tune in to get inspired and learn valuable lessons on how to navigate life’s curves.

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Join us on this inspiring journey with Jenny Jones, a dedicated nurse and mother whose life was turned upside down by excruciating back pain that began in the early 2000s. Thought to be just normal wear and tear due to an active lifestyle, her struggles took an unexpected turn after a startling fall created worsening symptoms.  This led to crucial spine surgeries that produced transformative outcomes. Jenny shares her remarkable 20-year journey through misdiagnoses, treatment, surgery, and her dedication to reclaiming an active life. With insights from Dr. Rita Roy, this episode not only unravels Jenny's personal triumphs but doubles as an informative resource, shedding light on the evolution of spinal health care and the importance of perseverance, second opinions, and the right medical support. Tune in to this month’s inspiring episode as we delve into the challenges and successes of living with and overcoming spinal conditions, offering hope and encouragement to others. 

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Eric Wood, a former Buffalo Bills NFL player, and Dr. Rita Roy delve into the lesser-seen struggles and rehabilitation efforts in professional sports. Their discussion highlights the pivotal roles played by athletic trainers and medical staff in facilitating athletes' returns from injuries. Wood's own NFL journey, was marked by resilience in the wake of multiple injuries, a Pro Bowl nod, and ultimately a career-ending neck injury. The injury, coinciding with his son's birth, became a catalyst for new beginnings, including advocacy and speaking opportunities. Wood's proactive approach to managing his spinal health and embracing life's changes. This podcast casts a light on the hidden struggles, support systems, and adaptability required from professional athletes, offering inspiration and a deeper understanding of their off-field battles.

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Monte Clair, experienced discomfort in her low back since her college days and throughout her early 30s. She managed her chronic pain through non-operative treatments for many years. But, while packing for a trip in 2011, she unexpectedly threw out her back just as she headed out with some friends for a road trip. She later found out she had ruptured a disc which required surgery. Hear her insightful journey to definitive treatment and living her best life.

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In this month’s episode, Dara Strader, a wife, mom, and grandmother, whose back issues began when she was injured at her job over 40 years ago. Dara has had low back pain for most of her adult life and was eventually diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and ultimately, a herniated disk. After years of pain management treatment, surgery ultimately relieved her of her pain and she’s now enjoying her exercise classes at the local YMCA 9 months later.

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Naz Kabanni grew up in the United Kingdom where playing soccer was a way of life! He began playing at a competitive level beginning at the tender age of 6. As he grew, and the competitive levels increased, he began having back issues. Through working with physical therapists and athletic trainers, he learned that his hip alignment was off due to one leg being slighter longer than the other. Those mere centimeters difference was enough to create malignment resulting in excruciating lower back pain. As a result of working with athletic trainers, he was able to manage his back pain through non-operative techniques and continue playing soccer all the way through a competitive collegiate career. He credits having to learn at a very young age how to properly take care of his back with preventative measures such as dynamic stretching and myofascial release, or suffer the consequence of injury and getting sidelined. Currently he works at a tech investment firm and enjoys playing soccer in an adult league twice a week. Now, well past his college days, he continues to use the tools given to him as a young boy whenever symptoms show up. Naz's story teaches us the importance of learning one's own individual needs, why flare-ups happen and what to do about it, in order to design a customized lifelong program for spine health.

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Debbie Fox began her journey when she began having back and neck pain following the birth of her second child. As the pain progressed, she felt dismissed, thinking she was probably just depressed. As her pain worsened, Debbie saw a neurosurgeon who diagnosed her with scoliosis. She spent years in treatment and finally saw a complex spine surgeon when her daily life activities were becoming more painful and limiting, Since her surgery, she has had a challenging journey, but considers her surgery a success in spite of everything.

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Tennis Pro Mike Kotz experienced sudden and severe leg pain, leading to a diagnosis of a herniated disc. After a successful microdiscectomy, he swiftly returned to teaching and playing tennis with remarkable post-operative results.

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In this episode of Get Back To It, Sheryl shares her remarkable story. In 8th grade, she was diagnosed with scoliosis after falling off a horse and wore the Milwaukee brace throughout high school. Despite her initial 56-degree curve, she opted for non-operative care over surgery for most of her life. This seemed to manage her pain until her husband fell ill with cancer and eventually required full home care, which took a huge toll on her spine health.

At 64 years old, Sheryl’s health was changing, and she knew she was running out of time. Her curve was now 100 degrees, and her ribs were almost touching her hips. She was in constant, excruciating pain and couldn’t function anymore. Her bone health was worsening with osteopenia, and she was concerned that she wouldn’t be a surgical candidate if she waited longer.

Ultimately, she found full trust in Dr. Lenke, who performed a 9-hour surgery to fuse her spine with rods and screws. The surgery was incredibly successful. Sheryl is grateful to have more mobility than she expected, lives independently, and even kept up on a recent family vacation to Disneyland. She exudes hope and positivity, honoring her late husband. Her best advice is to talk with other patients in the waiting room and use your energy for personal advocacy and research. Seek and find help, no matter how bad your condition may seem.

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