Get Back To It

A Muay Thai class, a sharp twinge in the back, and a then shocking diagnosis—what seemed minor turned out to be a spinal fracture caused by osteopenia, the silent precursor to osteoporosis. Hear how an active 60 year old woman underwent a transformative kyphoplasty procedure and reclaimed her life. This story sheds light on the hidden dangers of bone loss, the importance of fracture prevention, and why prioritizing bone health is essential for women of all ages.

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

At age 14, Henry Drury was already a two-time national champion in figure skating with Olympic aspirations. But everything changed when he herniated two discs in his spine, leaving him with chronic pain for years. Listen now to hear his inspiring story of recovery, becoming a professional racecar driver and racing for a cause!

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

At just 18 years old, Scott Smith woke up one day unable to walk.

Hear how he battled decades of nerve damage, multiple spine surgeries, and countless challenges to compete on the Mr. Universe stage — one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the world.

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

Kerri Webb is a lifelong athlete who defied all odds after sustaining a spinal injury at just eight years old. Despite being warned to stop playing sports to preserve her ability to walk, Kerri refused to quit. She pushed through years of chronic back pain, spondylolisthesis, flare-ups from Lyme disease, and sepsis from meningitis, all while continuing to compete in basketball and triathlons. 

She overcame every obstacle to become not only an athlete and physical therapist, but a true inspiration for others facing spinal challenges.

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary story of Emilya Semchuk, a woman who faced one of the most severe cases of scoliosis her doctors and chiropractors had ever seen. Diagnosed after a routine school screening, Emilya's condition was already at a point where non-surgical options were no longer viable. After years of enduring pain and discomfort, Emilya's journey to reclaim her health and well-being is nothing short of remarkable. Tune in as we discuss her struggles, her triumphs, and how she has found a new lease on life with a stronger spine and a renewed spirit.

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

What happens when life knocks you down, not once, but twice? Kasey Sutherlin broke her back twice—first in a cliff-jumping accident at just 19 years old, and then again a decade later while rock climbing. Her struggle with an undiagnosed eating disorder led to low bone density, making her more susceptible to these severe injuries.

Despite these life-altering injuries, Kasey’s story is one of extraordinary perseverance. She refused to give up her mobility and active lifestyle. Tune in to hear about how she overcame not one but two severe spinal injuries, to today where she is now running 30 to 70 miles per week. 

Her journey from paralysis to the podium will inspire anyone facing life’s toughest challenges.

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

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. 

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

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.

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

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. 

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/

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.

Support the show

Get Back to It is presented by the National Spine Health Foundation and shares real stories of Spinal Champions who have overcome spine conditions and found their way back to the lives they love.

Learn more and discover additional Spinal Champion stories at https://spinehealth.org/community-support/get-back-to-it-podcast/