Conditions + Treatments
Spine Fusion
Spine Injury/Condition
For several years I suffered with lower back and leg pain. I attended formal physical therapy and continued to home rehab and at-home isometrics with some benefits. Unfortunately, the pain progressed. I was constantly in pain. Standing and moving around helped more than sitting, and I would get a little relief by lying down. I am a school nurse and with pain in both legs and my lower back made it difficult to work some days.
In February, 2019 I saw Dr. Steven Nichols for the first time. Dr. Nichols brought copies of my lumbar x-rays, which revealed a collapse of the disc at my L4-L5 with diminishing space at L5-S1.
I quickly had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Nichols because the chronic pain had worsened. Dr. Nichols had another MRI taken and it revealed a translation of 3 to 4 mm with flexion. We later discussed treatment options including decompression and ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) surgery. After Dr. Nichols discussed the benefits/risks of ALIF surgery and answered all of my questions, I decided to proceed with surgery on March 20, 2019.
Prior to my ALIF surgery date, I came back to see Dr. Nichols to get fit for my lumbosacral orthosis brace. My March 20 surgery went very well and the brace helped post-operatively with pain control, stabilization and early mobilization.
At the moment, I am one month following ALIF surgery. I am doing great and feel like a new person. I can enjoy my job as a school nurse now instead of constantly being in pain.
The whole process at Andrews Sports Medicine was great. Dr. Nichols made me feel at ease throughout the whole process. He was kind and eager to provide the best options my for pain every appointment. I put my trust in him and I cannot think him enough.
