Living pain-free with the help of UI orthopedic specialists
After struggling with low back pain for years, Independence woman connects with UI orthopedic surgeon to treat spinal stenosis
After years of visits to her chiropractor and physical therapist to treat her low back pain, Linda Bagby of Independence, Iowa, had begun to feel like she was out of options. The pain in her lower back was not improving. In fact, it had become so severe it was affecting nearly every aspect of her daily life, including her mobility.
“I was having a ton of pain. I could barely walk. I had tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, and none of that worked. Even my chiropractor told me they weren’t sure they could help me anymore,” Linda says. “I thought I would probably need to have surgery.”
That’s when Linda decided to seek help from University of Iowa Health Care orthopedics experts. She met with Cassim Igram, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in degenerative spine disorders, spinal trauma, tumors, and infections.
Successful spine surgery leads to quick recovery
After a consultation, Igram identified Linda’s issue as spinal stenosis, a condition that occurs when the space around the backbone is too small, causing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. While some people may be born with small spinal canals, it’s usually caused by arthritis-related wear-and-tear that occurs with aging.
“Linda had pain in her legs that significantly limited her ability to walk more than a short distance,” Igram says. “We knew we would need to proceed with lower back surgery to help relieve the pain and pressure she was experiencing.”
Igram performed a successful lumbar laminectomy and fusion with hardware in January 2022. This procedure helped create more room in the spinal canal while reinforcing and stabilizing her vertebrae to relieve pain and increase her mobility.
After a short stay in the hospital, Linda completed her recovery at home. While she had been prescribed pain medication to help with her recovery, Linda found she hardly needed it. Soon, she was moving without pain or discomfort.
“I healed very fast, recovery was great, and I did not need physical therapy afterward,” Linda says. “The surgery was so successful, and I was able to move so well, my physical therapist told me I was already doing everything physical therapy would help me do. I didn’t need even one bit of it.”
Living 'a very full life'
These days, Linda is back on her feet and enjoying her life.
“I can do anything I want. I can walk a long way. I can do my housework without pain. I can even lean over and touch my toes,” Linda says. " I am happy to report I am living a very full life with no pain in my back.”
She could not be more grateful for the care she received at UI Health Care or the dedicated expertise of Igram, whom she noted was supportive and kind to her throughout the whole process.
“I couldn’t thank him enough for what he did for me. When you’re in pain, and another human being can work with you and help take that pain away, to me, that is amazing,” Linda says. “I am very impressed with Dr. Igram. I sing his praises all the time. I would recommend him to anyone.”
If you’re living with chronic back pain, schedule a consultation with UI orthopedic specialists. They will help create a personalized care plan to get you back to doing what you love. Schedule your appointment here.
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