Active Mom Gets Back to Life She Loves After Disk Surgery
April 26, 2024
When busy mom and fitness enthusiast Shari Kessler, 45, developed a disk herniation in her back, she was unable to complete even the most basic tasks. As a result of her back injury, Shari went from hitting the gym five times a week to needing assistance to tie her shoes and care for her children.
Disk herniation occurs when there’s an injury to the soft, rubbery cushions, known as disks, that exist between the vertebrae that make up the spine. This condition is common, especially for those between the ages of 30 and 50. Most herniated disks are found in the lower back or neck.
While some heal on their own, others require treatment. Conservative treatment includes activity modification, physical therapy, medication and epidural steroid injections. If these treatments don’t provide relief and symptoms persist, surgery is typically the next option.
In Shari’s case, she had a herniated disk pushing against a nerve. “I experienced constant pain, numbness and weakness, and was unable to do any routine activity or sleep comfortably,” she says. “After considering my options, I decided to have surgery with Dr. John Koerner.”
Personalized Care for Outstanding Outcomes
Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Koerner, M.D., is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who believes that getting to know his patients as individuals is an important element in providing the best treatment.
“My personal care philosophy is treating every patient as a unique case,” Dr. Koerner says. “Every patient is different as far as their experiences, what they’re dealing with in their personal lives, how the injury is affecting them, and what their expectations are. It’s really important for me to try to understand that not every patient is looking for the same thing.”
Because neck and back pain can come from multiple sources, discovering the root cause can be a challenge.
“I enjoy figuring out what is causing pain and being able to fix that,” says Dr. Koerner. “It’s very rewarding getting people back to their lifestyles without pain, and they’re usually very happy.”
Pain-Free After Second Herniated Disk Surgery
In most cases, a surgeon will remove only the protruding portion of the disk, and patients have a short recovery time. It’s rare that the entire disk needs to be removed.
Shari says when she awoke from her surgery in 2021, the pain radiating down her leg was gone, and she was able to return to all activity within weeks.
Unfortunately, while on vacation a few years later, Shari’s back began to bother her again, and she experienced significant pain, numbness and weakness due to another herniated disk. After trying conservative treatment, she decided to undergo a second surgery with Dr. Koerner.
Dr. Koerner performed Shari’s second surgery in January 2023. Following the procedure, Shari’s physical activity was limited for six weeks.
“I am now back to all activity and living pain-free,” says Shari. “Dr. Koerner was patient and knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable throughout each step of the process.”
“When you understand where a patient is coming from, you can develop trust and a better relationship, which I believe helps them recover faster,” Dr. Koerner adds.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: John Koerner, M.D.
- To make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about orthopedics at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
