.jpg "Physical Therapy Services - NSSC Spine Clinic (Gastonia, NC)")
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b. Spinal Stability: One of the key benefits of TLIF surgery is the restoration of spinal stability. The fusion between vertebrae eliminates abnormal movement and instability in the affected segment of the spine. This stability helps prevent further degeneration and reduces the likelihood of future complications.
b. Disc Herniation: TLIF surgery is effective in addressing herniated discs that cause significant pain, nerve compression, and functional limitations. The procedure removes the damaged disc material and provides stability, relieving pressure on the affected nerves.
Age: 66
Hometown: Gastonia, N.C.
Surgeon: Dr. William Hunter
Indications: stenosis
Procedure: XLIF®
Levels treated: L1-5
Surgery date: October 22, 2010
“What Dr. Hunter did for me is a blessing that I want to share to the world.” – Joe
Life prior to surgery:
Joe believes his back problems, which started in 2008, resulted from a knee replacement he had during that year. The knee surgery perpetuated complications which caused some initial back pain, but eventually the pain subsided, so Joe continued on with his life. To Joe’s dismay, his pain returned and progressively worsened.
Joe decided to undergo epidural injections to treat the pain, but that only provided temporary relief for about one year. During his final injections, he said it felt like “air was pumping into a tire with a gaping hole in it,” and the injections provided no relief. Joe worked as a truck driver, and eventually his pain became so severe that he was forced to retire early. He consulted with a doctor at Duke University, who told Joe that he was unable to help his condition.
When Joe’s pain began radiating down his legs, he underwent a discogram and was referred to Dr. William Hunter. Initially, Joe feared a surgical treatment due to all the negative things he had heard about spine surgery. He wanted to try conventional pain management first. However, when Joe met Dr. Hunter, they instantly “clicked,” which made Joe feel very comfortable with Dr. Hunter’s surgical recommendation.
Situation today:
Joe underwent XLIF® surgery in October 2010. His surgery lasted roughly two hours, and he walked out of the hospital that day! According to Joe, “three other doctors were afraid to touch me, but Dr. Hunter proved them all wrong! What a mighty doctor he is! He and my faith helped me through this.”
Joe participated in light physical therapy and started walking on a treadmill almost immediately. He was prescribed pain medications but rarely took them. Now, Joe is not only pain free but he is no longer fearful of living with the chronic pain again that affected his life and relationships with his loved ones. This is the beginning of a new life for Joe, a life where he can do whatever he wants to do. Joe enjoys working in the yard and doing his daily activities pain-free and even without the help of his back brace. He claims, “people need to know that there is LIFE after back surgery. I thank Dr. Hunter for the amazing miracle that he performed.”