In January 2021, Sandy felt like there was a screwdriver digging into her hip. She had been diagnosed with scoliosis at age 26, and over the past decade, her back pain had become unbearable.
Unable to do the things she loved as a former collegiate-level swimmer, or simply walk around the block, Sandy knew it was time to take action.
Sandy met with Neurosurgeon Michael Bohl, MD, at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates who carefully laid out her options:
- Delay surgery and wait to see what happens
- Continue trying alternative techniques like bracing and physical therapy
- Surgical intervention
Sandy initially decided against surgery, hoping that PT, medication, and bracing might alleviate the pain. However, “it was debilitating and distracting,” Sandy said. “I was in pain all the time. I couldn’t even stand to cook.” She went back to Dr. Bohl to better understand the surgical option.
Every Patient Has a Story to Tell
Establishing trust starts with listening and understanding the uniqueness of every patient.
Dr. Bohl said “Every patient has a unique set of expectations, priorities, hopes, and fears over their spine condition. Giving people time and space to tell their story, and to help them work through those hopes and fears is critically important to helping them achieve their best quality of life. I strive with all of my patients to take as much time as people need to tell their story and voice their concerns about the challenges they are facing. This better enables me as a surgeon to partner with people in coming up with the best treatment plan for each patient.”
Sandy recalls feeling heard by Dr. Bohl. “Every one of our appointments was at least an hour. I never felt hurried. Dr. Bohl was a good listener and took the time to ease my anxiety throughout the whole process.”
Stats on Scoliosis
Scoliosis can be debilitating with the condition affecting an estimated 2-3 percent of the population. There are many different kinds of scoliosis that can present at varying ages, but the most common type of scoliosis typically occurs in early adolescence during periods of rapid skeletal growth.
The Surgery
During the 9-hour procedure, Dr. Bohl, aided by his surgical team, fused 7 of Sandy’s vertebrae from L4 to T10.
Sandy spent time in the hospital recovering and was able to start physical therapy with Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates’ in-house team just 12 weeks after her surgery.
Spinal Surgery is Serious but not as Scary as it Sounds
The performance of adult spinal deformity surgery has significantly changed over recent decades: advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia protocols, spinal fixation technologies, and perioperative care have resulted in major improvements in patient outcomes.
“The safest and most effective way to correct most spinal deformities continues to be through an open surgical approach, which is how Sandy’s surgery was done. Recovery times like Sandy’s are becoming increasingly common,” said Dr. Bohl.
Patients are experiencing shorter operating times, better spinal curve corrections, less blood loss, and quicker overall recoveries – and booking trips to The Rockies…
Ready For The Rockies!
Within two months of her surgery Sandy was able to experience an active lifestyle, “I couldn’t be more excited. I’m completely functional… better than I’ve been in years! I’ve been swimming in the pool, the river, lakes… biking and hiking — my husband likes to say, he got his hiking buddy back! Immediately following my surgery, I didn’t feel the same pain that I had felt before,” Sandy said. “It feels like I have a new back!”
Sandy and her husband recently took a dream vacay, and it was a dream in every sense of the word, as Sandy prior to surgery didn’t believe such a journey would ever be possible.
“Our Colorado trip was wonderful… it was amazing to hike 10 miles, come home and be tired but NOT in pain! I feel so lucky for my surgeons! We’re already planning our next trip to Glacier National Park, and looking forward to some backpacking this fall as the weather cools.”
Don’t Suffer, Seek Help
If you are suffering from chronic backpain, or experiencing symptoms of scoliosis, spinal disorders, trauma, tumors or deformity – don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bohl.
Read More about Dr. Michael Bohl HERE
SPECIAL INTERESTS
- Adult Scoliosis
- Degenerative Spinal Disorders
- Neurosurgeon
- Pediatric Neurosurgeon
- Pediatric Scoliosis
- Pediatric Spinal Disorders
- Pediatric Spinal Malformations
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Fusion
- Spinal Trauma
- Spinal Tumors
- Spinal Deformity
ABOUT CAROLINA NEUROSURGERY & SPINE ASSOCIATES
Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates is one of the oldest and largest private neurosurgical practices in the country. Their group includes 48 board-certified or board-eligible physicians in the specialty areas of neurosurgery, physical medicine & rehabilitation (physiatry), Neurology and physical therapy. They provide advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment for the entire spectrum of brain, spine, and peripheral nerve system, including brain tumors, spine injuries, stroke, epilepsy, birth defects, concussions, neck and lower back pain, and pituitary tumors.
Learn more about their locations and services by visiting cnsa.com or call (704) 376-1605
Learn more about their locations and services
704-376-1605 – Charlotte Area Offices
336-272-4578 – Greensboro Area Offices
