Patient Stories

I have worked in a dental office for 29 years. I started to notice lower back pain in 2017. It started as an achy sensation. As time went on, my pain would be aggravated by activities like motorcycle riding, kayaking and jeeping. These activities caused severe cramping in my lower back and gave me a “locking” sensation. I could barely get through a workday. I would have to go home and lay on a heating pad and alternate with ice. I finally decided to see a chiropractor. He would manually adjust me, which helped for short periods of time, but my pain and discomfort would eventually return. I consulted an orthopedic surgeon who prescribed injections and physical therapy. These gave short-term relief, but eventually became less effective over time. I was referred to a pain management physician who continued with injections. I was getting less and less relief. He felt my unresolved pain issues might be coming from my sacroiliac (SI) joint and suggested I consult with a surgeon. The chronic pain changed me as a person. I could no longer do the activities I loved. I was unable to spend time outdoors with my husband, son, and grandchildren.

I consulted with the surgeon, who felt I would benefit from an SI joint fusion. We sent the insurance company all the required documentation, and they denied my procedure. With the help of my physicians and my own determination, we were able to get the denial reversed.

The iFuse procedure gave me my life back. I can get back to the activities I love. I am back to jeeping, kayaking, motorcycle riding, and walking to the local park. I can spend time with my family outdoors. This is where I find my joy.