Scoliosis Testimonials
Tara Best
Ever since Tara Best could remember, she’d always had general back pain. But as Tara grew toward adulthood, it was discovered that her pain was caused by scoliosis. Since the curvature in her spine was slight, her doctors decided to only monitor her condition and didn't take immediate action. When Tara reached her mid-20s, her pain worsened, and she learned that two discs in her back had degenerated.
Knowing she needed immediate help, and based on her mother’s good experience at Texas Back Institute (TBI), Tara began seeing Dr. Barton Sachs. Because TBI is a conservative spine clinic, Dr. Sachs considered alternatives other than surgery to ease her pain. Tara underwent physical therapy and received three rounds of cortisone injections, but this treatment regimen did not help her condition.
Tara’s 12-hour shifts as a hospital nurse were taking a greater and greater toll on her physically. In addition, after her initial treatments at TBI, Tara got married and looked forward to someday having children. Dr. Sachs advised her that she could have a baby, but probably would have to be bedridden for much of her pregnancy. Tara also knew the pain in her back would make it difficult to deal with the physical demands of motherhood. After speaking further with Dr. Sachs and her husband, she knew surgery was the best way to establish a better quality of life.
In December 2005, Tara had surgery and was surprised by the immediate pain relief. She had been deeply afraid that the surgery would be ineffective or, worse, cause more damage – but Tara healed so quickly that she went home after only five days in the hospital. She recovered at home for eight weeks and engaged in physical therapy to strengthen her back.
Six months later, Tara found out she was pregnant. She was thrilled that she could enjoy a trouble-free pregnancy without worrying about the physical requirements of motherhood. She was very pleased with Dr. Sachs and the staff at TBI, and has even recommended the surgery and the clinic to other people she has met in her physical therapy classes.
“I’m so happy I underwent the surgery and worked with TBI,” she said. “It was the best decision I have ever made.”
Jaime Prewitt
Growing up, Jaime Prewitt never even guessed she had a serious back disorder until she underwent a routine physical in junior high. She was then diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition that causes the abnormal curvature of the spine, and in many cases results in rib deformity, respiratory and digestive difficulties, pain and other debilitating problems. After a more thorough exam, her family physician told Jaime that the disorder was not severe enough to take immediate action. As she got older, however, she began to notice the effects of her affliction when reaching up or lifting heavy objects – a visit to the chiropractor for an adjustment would always follow. As an active college student, Jaime began to experience pain in her day-to-day life.
After college, Jaime’s back worsened to the point that she could no longer work in her garden or lift more than 10 pounds. She did everything she could to ease her pain, including hiring a personal trainer to strengthen her body, but the results were minor. Jaime reached her breaking point when she had to cut back on running, swimming and other activities that had been part of her life since childhood. Around 2002, Jaime began consulting with Dr. Barton Sachs, who ran extensive tests and worked with her throughout her chiropractic sessions. She also received regular injections and pain management therapy. He also supported her choice to seek a second opinion. Finally, after Jaime’s many attempts to get relief, Dr. Sachs suggested she undergo a procedure known as the “Mini 360.”
Having been through many unsuccessful treatments already, Jaime didn’t expect much from the Mini 360. In fact, she was afraid that something could go wrong and leave her worse off than before. But she eventually overcame her fears and underwent the procedure in May 2007 at the age of 28. Three weeks after the surgery, Jaime had her first post-op visit and was told that she was healing successfully. One month later, she had recovered well enough to stop taking her pain medication. Although she was still fragile, Jaime was surprised at how quickly she regained her mobility.
Jaime is very happy about the success of the surgery and recommends that any patients considering the Mini 360 procedure ask questions for a good understanding of the recovery process. She would recommend Texas Back Institute to her friends and family, and is pleased with the compassion shown and service provided by Dr. Sachs and Texas Back Institute's staff and medical team.