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Background

My back pain started 15 years ago. I do not remember a significant event; I just recall an aching in my lower back. I became tired easily and walking was becoming more difficult. I was seeing a pain management specialist in the San Francisco Bay area at the time. I managed for several years on narcotic pain medication, muscle relaxants, and alternating ice and heat to my lower back. I also tried physical therapy several times. Sometimes it helped, and sometimes it made my back pain worse. I retired from teaching school, and we moved to Nevada. 

In 2018, I saw a new pain management specialist. My pain changed to a broader area across my lower back. I now had pain on the left and right sides. Occasionally I would get sharp pain lower in the buttock area. Walking was becoming more difficult. I was acting in plays at the time but had to give that up. The pain was too distracting, and I was unable to concentrate on my lines. Originally, we thought my pain was coming from my lumbar spine. I was sent for several epidural steroid injections which helped partially but only for a short time. Next, we tried radio frequency ablations of the facet joints which provided some relief for several months. After those no longer provided relief, I was sent for more x-rays and an MRI. None of the imaging was conclusive for a lumbar spine diagnosis. In 2022, I started working for the Nevada State Senate taking notes on the Senate floor. Sitting for extended periods of time eventually became impossible and I could not tolerate the long drive to work. I eventually had to give up this position as well. 

My pain management physician performed a series of provocative examination maneuvers to see if my pain could be coming from my SI joint. He then administered an injection into the SI joint to verify that it was the source of the pain. The injection did provide near complete immediate relief. He then offered to do an SI joint fusion utilizing the iFuse TORQ® Implant System. I researched the information on the internet. In September 2024 I had a left SI joint fusion. I went home the same day and was allowed to walk as tolerated. I did not need crutches, but walking was difficult for 2-3 days. I noticed that 90% of my left sided SI joint pain was gone. I still had surgical pain, but it was different. I attended physical therapy for 6 weeks which was helpful. My pain did continue on the right side, and I was sent for another diagnostic SI joint injection which did provide relief and confirmed the diagnosis of SI joint pain. In January of 2025, I had a right SI joint fusion utilizing the same implant system. Recovery was almost identical. Six weeks following my procedure, sitting and walking were less difficult. I am back to acting, dancing at concerts and am now able to ride in the car long distances without discomfort.