As a collegiate field hockey player, Jenna’s overtraining resulted in a torn L5-S1 disc. After an eight month journey seeing many providers including doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturist, and physical therapists to relieve her pain, she turned to non surgical treatments. These included epidurals, SI injection, facet injection, nerve ablation, and a second SI injection.

The pain subsided for four years where she returned to running, lifting, hiking, skiing, coaching, playing field hockey and volleyball. But one day while sitting at her desk, a recognizable deep pain seared into her lower back, initiating what would become an additional 2 year journey for relief.

An MRI showed a very damaged disc, and it was time to see a surgeon. Jenna was given the with choice of a lumbar fusion or disc replacement. After a second opinion, and with the support of both surgeons she decided that the L5-S1 disc replacement was my best option to return to an active lifestyle. At just 26 years old Jenna had the surgery, and in just six weeks of recovery, she began physical therapy to build core strength. Three months after surgery, Jenna was able to increase her activity. She experienced a small setback with SI joint pain, but was managed with a steroid injection. At six months post-op, she was cleared of all restrictions and started jogging, tried snorkeling, hiked, hit golf balls, and skied. Tune in to listen to her inspiring journey of patience, perseverance, and hope.

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For Scoliosis Awareness Month, our “Get Back to It” podcast highlights a tale of resilience and perseverance on a Scoliosis Journey. Our host and CEO, Dr. Rita Roy, engages in a candid and eye-opening conversation with Broadway dancer and Spine Health Ambassador, Paige Fraser-Hoffman, who confronted scoliosis at the young age of 13. Paige shares her journey of overcoming fear and the challenges she faced to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Through non-surgical treatments, passion, and dedication, Paige overcame physical adversity and forged an incredibly successful career that led her to the bright lights of Broadway.

Whether you or a loved one are dealing with scoliosis, Paige’s story is an informative guide on navigating scoliosis with courage. This is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of passion. Tune in to get inspired and learn valuable lessons on how to navigate life’s curves.

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Join us on this inspiring journey with Jenny Jones, a dedicated nurse and mother whose life was turned upside down by excruciating back pain that began in the early 2000s. Thought to be just normal wear and tear due to an active lifestyle, her struggles took an unexpected turn after a startling fall created worsening symptoms. This led to crucial spine surgeries that produced transformative outcomes. Jenny shares her remarkable 20-year journey through misdiagnoses, treatment, surgery, and her dedication to reclaiming an active life. With insights from Dr. Rita Roy, this episode not only unravels Jenny's personal triumphs but doubles as an informative resource, shedding light on the evolution of spinal health care and the importance of perseverance, second opinions, and the right medical support. Tune in to this month’s inspiring episode as we delve into the challenges and successes of living with and overcoming spinal conditions, offering hope and encouragement to others.

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