My back was sore for a couple of weeks, and then one morning it got a bit worse. I came home from work in a lot of pain, got in bed, and just couldn’t get up. It became pretty excruciating really quickly.
From Bedridden to Bliss: Dan’s Triumph Over a Ruptured Disc With EmergeOrtho
My name is Dan. I recently had a ruptured disc, which was extremely painful. I ended up having to have a discectomy at EmergeOrtho.
27%
Neck pain has a prevalence rate of 27.0 per 1,000 population.
Neck pain, a prevalence rate of 27.0 per 1,000 in 2019, is among the most common musculoskeletal disorders. As a prevalent health concern, neck pain affects a significant portion of the population, highlighting the need for a thorough understanding of its epidemiology, causes, and effective management strategies.
A Sudden Spiral Into Agony: When Back Discomfort Becomes Excruciating
21 - 50
Cervical disc herniation is most common in people in their third to fifth decades of life.
Cervical disc herniation, a condition where the discs in the neck's vertebrae rupture or bulge, tends to be most prevalent among individuals in the age range spanning their third to fifth decades of life. This age-related pattern suggests that the structural changes and wear and tear on the cervical discs over time may contribute to the increased occurrence of this condition during these particular decades.
The Unveiling Diagnosis: The Start of Dan's Journey to Recovery With EmergeOrtho
Dan’s determination to find relief led him to the orthopedic specialists at EmergeOrtho. Initially believing he had a shoulder issue, he consulted with Dr. J. Mack Aldridge III, a Hand & Upper Extremity specialist. However, after reviewing X-rays and MRIs, Dr. Aldridge identified the true source of Dan’s pain—a ruptured C7 disc. He then referred Dan to Dr. David Musante, a Back, Neck, and Spine specialist. With additional support from Dr. Mali, Dan’s care team worked together to develop the best treatment plan, ultimately setting him on the path to recovery.
57.4%
Cortisone injections reduce neck pain by 57.4%
Cortisone injections, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing neck pain, showcasing an impressive 57.4% decrease in reported discomfort. This therapeutic intervention involves directly administering corticosteroids into the affected area, targeting inflammation, and relieving pain associated with various neck conditions.
A Strategic Turning Point: Choosing a Discectomy for Lasting Relief
After thorough consideration of various options, Dr. Musante, to alleviate Dan’s immediate pain, administered a cortisone spinal injection. The swift effectiveness of the injection provided a temporary respite. However, upon careful evaluation, it became evident that this was only a short-term solution—a mere pause button on the persistent discomfort caused by the ruptured disc.
Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and lasting resolution, the decision to proceed with a discectomy emerged as the optimal course of action. Dr. Musante, in consultation with Dan, weighed the available alternatives and determined that a discectomy offered the most effective and sustainable path toward alleviating Dan’s suffering and fostering a full recovery. This strategic decision set the stage for a procedure that would bring enduring relief and mark a significant turning point in Dan’s journey to reclaiming a pain-free life.
93%-100%
Cervical discectomy has a 93%-100% success rate.
The success rate of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery in alleviating arm pain is notable, with a reported range of 93% to 100%. The procedure involves removing a problematic disc in the neck and fusing adjacent vertebrae, providing stability and often leading to a substantial reduction or complete elimination of arm pain.
A Grateful Recovery: Reflecting on EmergeOrtho's Impact
Overall, I’m really grateful for the experience with Emerge. Because the ruptured disc put me in bed for 19 days, and if I hadn’t gone the surgical route, if I hadn’t had access to everybody in Emerge that they connected me with, I don’t know how much longer that 19 days would have been. And at the end of it, after the surgery, everything quickly started getting much better, and life started returning to normal. So I was tremendously grateful when it was all over.
Nurturing Excellence: Dr. David Musante's Leadership at EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region
Dr. Musante is the current President of EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region and is the medical director of the North Carolina Specialty Hospital in Durham, NC. Known for his extensive education and training, Dr. Musante specializes in treating back, neck, and spine conditions and injuries. His expertise shines in advanced and innovative approaches, particularly minimally invasive spinal surgery and artificial cervical and lumbar disc replacement surgery. Through these specialized interventions, Dr. Musante contributes to the well-being of EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region patients, aiding them in emerging stronger, healthier, and better.
Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.
As our patient, you will benefit from a full range of orthopedic services, specialties and technologies, including physical and hand therapy, advanced imaging services, and urgent care walk-in services providing immediate diagnosis and treatment for urgent orthopedic conditions.
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