Retired auction house exec back in action after surgery for spine tumors.
John enjoys an active lifestyle. He travels often and stays in shape by following an exercise regimen developed by his personal trainer, who is also a physical therapist. John’s workout program includes core strengthening exercises and Pilates.
He began having mild back pain in 2008. Even with the pain, John continued to stay active by working out with his personal trainer who selected special exercises that can actually help relieve back pain symptoms. He also tried giving his back some rest. Unfortunately, John’s back pain did not go away, in fact, he started having shooting pain into his legs.
After several weeks of pain symptoms, John went to his doctor to find some pain relief. John’s doctor examined him and then referred him to Dr. John Regan, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills, who specializes in the spine.
Dr. Regan reviewed John’s medical history and due to John’s symptoms, also performed a neurological examination and ordered an MRI. Diagnostic results showed that John had a benign spinal tumor that was pressing on the nerve roots of his spine.
Dr. Regan explained to him that he would need to perform surgery to drain the cystic tumor and restore stability to his spine. Dr. Regan also cautioned that surgical removal of a spinal tumor is delicate, since the spinal cord and nerves are very sensitive to injury. Dr. Regan performed the surgery to remove the tumor and restore the vertebral height. The surgery was successful and John felt immediate relief from his back pain and neurological symptoms.
About five months passed and John again started having similar pain symptoms. He visited Dr. Regan again, the surgeon ordered an MRI of John’s spine and the results showed that another benign spinal tumor had developed. John had a benign recurrent cyst. Dr. Regan performed the surgery to remove the second benign tumor, and it was a success.
Because the causes of spinal tumors are uncertain and without a known cause, it is unknown how to prevent the tumors. Dr. Regan cautioned that it was important to keep a watchful eye on any developing pain or neurological symptoms that may indicate additional spine tumors.
A few months passed and John’s back and leg pain symptoms returned. Dr. Regan ordered and reviewed an MRI of John’s spine. Unfortunately, the results showed another spinal tumor. Dr. Regan explained to John the spine surgery and fusion procedure needed to remove the benign tumor and stabilize his spine. Dr. Regan performed a decompressive laminotomy to remove the spinal tumor. John’s condition also required a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) to replace a damaged intervertebral disc in his lower back with a bone spacer. John’s recovery from the spine surgery and fusion was successful. He felt immediate relief from his pain symptoms.
Today, John is back in action, without pain, he works with his personal trainer each morning where they focus on spine strengthening exercises along with cardio work on the bike and stepper machine. His program includes Pilates and rotational exercises that help prepare him for the golf course.
“Dr. Regan always recommended the least invasive procedure possible to treat my condition. Now, I am back to normal activities - including travel and golf - all without back or leg pain,” remarks John.
Click here to download a PDF of John's successful recovery from spine surgery performed by Dr. John Regan to remove benign spine tumors.
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