For years, Sheri, 59, lived with worsening lower back pain that she initially blamed on a bad mattress or an intense workout. As the pain became more persistent and began interfering with her daily life, she decided it was time to seek help from her primary care physician.
After X-rays and an MRI revealed significant degenerative changes in her spine, Sheri was referred to Dr. Aqib Zehri at The Oregon Clinic Neurosurgery & Spine to discuss her treatment options.
Following a comprehensive evaluation and discussion of both nonsurgical and surgical treatments, Dr. Zehri determined that Sheri’s symptoms were primarily caused by degenerative scoliosis and degeneration of the L2-3 disc. After conservative treatments were no longer providing meaningful relief, surgery offered the best opportunity to improve her pain and restore her function.
A Minimally Invasive Solution for Back Pain
Dr. Zehri recommended a minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) at the L2-3 level. This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions such as degenerative scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spinal instability.
Unlike traditional back surgery, the lateral approach allows the spine to be reached through a small incision in the patient’s side rather than through the muscles of the back. By preserving the important paraspinal muscles that help stabilize and support the spine, this minimally invasive technique can reduce blood loss, lessen postoperative pain, and promote a faster recovery for appropriately selected patients. During the procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an implant that restores disc height, improves spinal alignment, relieves pressure on nearby nerves, and stabilizes the spine as the bones fuse together.
Treatment Tailored to Each Patient
“Dr. Zehri came in before surgery to say hi, let me know what he would be doing during surgery, and what to expect afterwards,” Sheri says.
“It’s completely understandable for patients to feel nervous about spine surgery,” says Dr. Zehri. “Our goal is always to begin with the least invasive treatment that is appropriate for each patient, and we recommend surgery only when we believe it offers the best opportunity to improve pain, restore function, and enhance quality of life. Whenever possible, I use minimally invasive techniques that preserve the normal muscles and tissues while effectively treating the underlying spinal condition.”
Together, they developed a personalized recovery plan that included wearing a back brace for approximately 10 weeks and beginning physical therapy to safely rebuild strength and mobility.
By Sheri’s four-week postoperative visit, she was already experiencing significant improvement in her back pain.
“Dr. Zehri couldn’t have been any more caring,” Sheri says. “I was so emotional because he fixed things that I didn’t even know were connected to my back pain such as bladder issues, hip pain, foot pain. He took my hand and calmed me down.”
Finding Relief for Back Pain
Sheri’s recovery has allowed her to regain her mobility and return to the active lifestyle she enjoys. Working in a physical therapy clinic, she understands the importance of staying active and committed to rehabilitation throughout the recovery process.
“I look forward to my 12-month checkup to let Dr. Zehri know that I am 100% pain free,” Sheri says. “I am so thankful for Dr. Zehri and all the staff at The Oregon Clinic.”