Santa stands tall after minimally invasive spine surgery by Dr. Nkrumah
A long-time community Santa returned to the role after a minimally invasive procedure relieved the leg pain that had kept him seated.
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Back in the chair, and back on his feet
How a decompression procedure returned one patient to a role he had held for two decades.
Back pain is common, and most episodes settle with time, movement and simple measures. What matters is recognising the smaller number of situations where the pattern of symptoms points to something that deserves a closer look.
A specialist evaluation begins with the history: where the pain travels, what makes it better or worse, and whether it is accompanied by numbness, weakness or changes in balance. Imaging is read alongside that picture rather than in place of it.
From there, the aim is a plan you understand. For most people that starts with the least invasive option that fits the problem, with surgery considered only when the findings and the symptoms agree that it is the right next step.
Recovery milestones are reviewed at each follow-up visit.
For the first time, I felt like someone was treating me, not just my MRI.
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