As an avid golfer, sales executive, and family man, Jeff leads an active life where he's always moving. So when he began experiencing debilitating nerve pain as a result of a herniated disc, that active life he once enjoyed came to a grinding halt.
Jeff, like many young patients, initially had a misconception about spine surgery: that it was always invasive and intensive. He thought a patient as young as himself should avoid spine surgery and instead focus on non-medical modalities like chiropractic methods.
Thankfully, Dr. Shifflett put this misconception to rest upon meeting with Jeff for the first time. Dr. Shifflett explained that spine surgery has undergone a revolution in the past few decades (with DISC helping to lead the way). Now, many spine surgeries can be done using a minimally-invasive methodology within an outpatient setting, ultimately leading to fast recoveries and better patient outcomes. Together, he and Dr. Shifflett decided a microdiscectomy would be the best option to help Jeff get his life back.
During the procedure, Dr. Shifflett removed pieces of the herniated disc that was causing Jeff's nerve pain. That unmistakable nerve pain was gone when Jeff awoke from the anesthesia after surgery.
"I was in this morning at 8am and now here I am at 4pm walking around outside of my room and seemed to be fixed. It was an interesting feeling and experience for sure."
Jeff, Dr. Shifflett's Patient
In the weeks and months since his surgery, Jeff described a surprisingly quick return to normal life. Only a few days after the procedure, he was back in his office. And only a few months after surgery, Jeff was back on the golf course doing what he loves.
Watch the video below to see Jeff's journey with Dr. Shifflett at DISC.
About the author
discmdgroup DISC Sports & Spine Center (DISC) is a national leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine care. Our spine surgeons set the standard in artificial disc replacement, spine fusion, discectomy, microdiscectomy and the full spectrum of spine procedures. The group’s orthopedic surgeons advance the state of joint preservation surgery and total joint replacement, including total knee replacement as well as total hip replacement. Our flagship surgery centers based in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, and Carlsbad serve patients local to Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, as well as the rest of the country. Read more articles by discmdgroup.
