Published:
August 19, 2022
Marjorie’s back pain seemed to come out of nowhere in the fall of 2020. The 68-year-old Dauphin County woman felt a slight twinge while playing outside with her family at Thanksgiving, but didn’t think much of it. As the days went on, however, the pain worsened and started to become debilitating.
Virtual Physical Therapy
Marjorie’s primary care physician thought she might be suffering from sciatica and recommended physical therapy. She tried virtual physical therapy and then in-person therapy sessions. Unfortunately, she was getting little relief.
“It only felt bearable when I bent over forward,” Marjorie says. “I would look at other people walking around and wonder ‘will I ever be back to that again’?’”
Evaluation by a Spine Specialist
Marjorie decided to make an appointment with a spine specialist near her home. An MRI showed a slipped disc and severe spinal stenosis, causing pinched nerves.
She continued to pursue conservative treatments, including anti-inflammatory medications and two cortisone shots. But her condition was not improving.
A Second Opinion for Back Pain
The prospect of surgery was starting to become very real. Marjorie never had major surgery before and had not been hospitalized since the birth of her children.
“My head was spinning at the thought,” she says.
With the seriousness of surgery on her mind, she decided to seek a second opinion.
Some of her family members had been patients of Dr. Christopher Kager and recommended him. While his office was farther away from her home, Marjorie felt she had made the right decision as soon as she met Dr. Kager and his team.
A Unique Approach to Surgery
“I am forever grateful for Dr. Kager’s skill and expertise. He reviewed my MRI images did not pull any punches. He confirmed the need for surgery. He knew I was here for a second opinion and I felt no pressure,” she says.
“His approach to surgery was different and I really felt cared for from beginning to end,” says Marjorie. “The physician assistant, Brandy, was amazing and explained the entire procedure in great detail with the help of a spine model.”
In November 2021, Marjorie had L3-L5 laminectomies with pedicle screw fixation and fusion to take the pressure off her pinched nerve and stabilized her spine.
Post-Surgery Physical Therapy
“The whole experience was just so warm and friendly. I wanted to see it through with Dr. Kager’s group, and the PT experience was equally great,” she says. “I was building my core strength and walking several miles a day within a few weeks. They even asked me to back off a bit, but I felt so good and motivated.”
Several months after the surgery, Marjorie was feeling nearly back to normal. Perhaps even better.
“A colleague told me I look 10 years younger. You don’t realize how much pain reflects on your face and weighs you down,” she says.
Marjorie believes what she learned through physical therapy served as a catalyst that helped her improve her overall lifestyle and lose weight.
“The PT exercise routine is part of my life,” she smiles.
For anyone dealing with back pain or other pain, Marjorie advises being your own advocate. Be proactive, seek out opinions, and be dedicated to rehabilitation.
“The surgeon does one thing, but it is up to you to finish it and get your life back,” she says.