萝莉社

Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. For Winifred Thacker, a 66-year-old woman from Jacksonville, Florida, long-standing neck and leg pain had become an almost constant companion.

But after years of struggling with discomfort and finding little relief, Thacker鈥檚 experience with 萝莉社 Jacksonville has led her to a relatively pain-free life after surgery. She shares her journey and how 萝莉社鈥檚 team helped her regain control of her health.

A Lifelong Struggle with Pain

Thacker鈥檚 pain issues date back several years, but it wasn鈥檛 until 2018 that she began to realize the extent of the problem. Initially, it was difficulty with basic movements, like climbing stairs, that led her to seek medical advice. A series of knee and hip injections, as well as visits to different doctors, failed to address the root cause of her discomfort.

Thacker鈥檚 mobility continued to deteriorate. She was diagnosed with leg weakness and an inability to properly move her left leg, which led her to seek further treatment, initially not at 萝莉社.

Thacker underwent multiple treatment modalities, which ultimately triggered a surge in her pain, further complicating her situation.

Seeking Help at 萝莉社 Jacksonville

In October 2023, Thacker鈥檚 journey took a pivotal turn when she began seeking care at 萝莉社 Jacksonville. Here, Thacker was diagnosed with cervical myelopathy, a condition where the spinal cord is compressed in the neck.

The compression can lead to a variety of symptoms, including difficulty walking, loss of coordination, and weakened hand dexterity. In Thacker's case, she had trouble with tasks like brushing her hair and teeth. She also suffered from numbness in her hands and arms.

Kourosh Tavanaiepour, DO, a 萝莉社 Jacksonville neurosurgeon and medical director of the 萝莉社 Comprehensive Spine Center, recommended surgery to address the cervical spine issue and prevent further complications, including the risk of falling and possibly needing a wheelchair.

鈥淐ervical myelopathy occurs when discs in the neck degenerate, leading to pressure on the spinal cord,鈥� Tavanaiepour said. 鈥淭his causes a disruption in the body's electrical signals, which can impair movement and coordination.鈥�

Thacker's condition was severe, with MRI scans showing not just compression, but also signs of spinal cord injury, known as myelomalacia. When these injuries occur, the risk of worsening symptoms, including potential paralysis, increases.

Life-Changing Surgery and Recovery

In February 2024, Thacker underwent surgery to address her cervical spine issue. Dr. Tavanaiepour performed a minimally invasive surgery, approaching the spine from the front to remove the damaged discs.

He carefully freed the spinal cord from the pressure and secured the spine using a small integrated screw system, which lowers the risks of complications, such as swallowing difficulties. The surgery went well, and Thacker experienced immediate relief from her neck pain.

鈥淚 was surprised by how quickly she recovered,鈥� Tavanaiepour said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredible to see a patient who not only avoids worsening symptoms, but actually improves significantly.鈥�

For the first time in years, Thacker was able to go about her daily life without constant discomfort. Even with other conditions, like arthritis in her knee, her pain levels were significantly reduced.

鈥淚 have arthritis everywhere, but my knee pain is now manageable, and I haven鈥檛 had that excruciating leg pain since the surgery,鈥� Thacker said.

Her recovery was smooth, and she was able to return to some of her favorite hobbies, including loom knitting and sewing. These activities, which once caused her discomfort due to the need to lean forward, are now possible without pain.

鈥淚鈥檝e even sewn two dresses since my surgery, which is a big deal for me,鈥� Thacker said.

The Importance of Compassionate Care

Thacker is quick to praise the 萝莉社 Jacksonville team for showing her compassionate care and clear communication throughout her treatment journey. She credits Tavanaiepour, his team and the nurse practitioners for their attention to detail and support.

鈥淭hey were very caring and concerned, and they didn鈥檛 sugarcoat anything,鈥� Thacker said. 鈥淭hey made sure I understood the risks and the benefits of the surgery. They helped me feel confident that I was making the right decision.鈥�

A Bright Future Ahead

While she acknowledges the realities of aging and the natural wear and tear on her body, she remains grateful for the opportunity to live without the chronic pain that once consumed her.

鈥淚鈥檓 taking care of myself now,鈥� Thacker said. 鈥淚鈥檓 not an extremist anymore, but I鈥檓 still going to enjoy life.鈥�

Her experience at 萝莉社 Jacksonville has been transformative, and she encourages others who are struggling with chronic pain to seek help. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e dealing with pain, don鈥檛 wait as long as I did. There is help out there, and it can really change your life.鈥�

For more information visit 萝莉社 Comprehensive Spine Center 鈥� North or call 904.383.1022.