Journal of - Spinal Research Foundation

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SPINAL RESEARCH FOUNDATIONSpine TaleEmily Ferguson, Division I Collegiate SwimmerEmily Ferguson, Thao Nguyen, PA-C, MPAS, and Thomas C. Schuler, MD, FACSAs a collegiate swimmer at Virginia Tech, my physicalhealth was crucial to my success in the pool aswell as in the classroom. During the fall of my junioryear, I began noticing low back pain as a result of prolongedsitting through classes. I had to constantly readjustmy posture while sitting because of the discomfortI was experiencing. As my back pain became increasinglyunbearable, my performance at practices was alsoaffected. I had a demanding weekly training scheduleof nine swimming practices, two dryland workouts, andthree lifting sessions; after two months of pain, I knew Ihad to get my back evaluated.The first step I took in November of 2011 was tovisit the doctors within our athletic department. Myteam physician ordered some x-rays and sent me to aspine specialist in Blacksburg, VA. I had an MRI of mylumbar spine completed just before winter break. Theresults came after I had already traveled back home forChristmas; I had two herniated discs. The doctors suggestedI head back to Blacksburg to receive an injectionbefore our swimming team’s annual training trip. Decemberis a crucial training period for swimmers and Ihoped to receive some relief from the pain to participatein the team trip. However, the injections were ineffective,and I was unable to work out during the entire trip.After I got back home, there was about a week beforespring semester classes began. In the meantime,my neighborhood friend had referred my parents to Dr.Schuler. I immediately made an appointment at theVirginia Spine Institute before heading back to school.Once I stepped into VSI I knew I was going to be takencare of and in good hands.“Emily came into our office as a 20 year-old collegiateswimmer from Virginia Tech who had been sufferingfrom back pain for months. Especially for our youngathletes, we like to approach spine care with non-operativemeasures first and foremost,” noted Thao Nguyen,PA-C at the Virginia Spine Institute after her first visitwith Emily in January, 2012. “Our primary objectivewith Emily was to treat her symptoms so she could returnto competitive swimming. It is standard to haveathletes suspend participation in their sports to reducesymptoms; so unfortunately, Emily was advised to discontinueswimming andfocus on physical therapyand the foundationof spinal health– corestabilization, strengthening,and aerobic conditioning.Dr. Schuler andI discussed with Emilyand her family that we alwaysexhaust all non-operativetreatment beforesurgery is considered.After rounds of physicaltherapy and medications,Emily was not having thesymptom relief we allhoped for; we added injectionsnext.”After these interventions,I returned toschool, but I was unableto redshirt, which meantI could not suspend mystatus as a collegiate athletein order to elongatemy competitive eligibility.I adjusted my goalsto be able to compete se-Figure 1. The pre-op MRI with twodisc herniations.Figure 2. An x-ray after the anteriorlumbar fusion surgery at L4-L5.9 Journal of The Spinal Research Foundation FALL 2012 VOL. 7 No. 2
FALL 2012Spines in Motion: The Biomechanics of the Spinenior year. I came homein May and was frustratedthat I was stillin pain, so I scheduledanother appointmentwith Dr. Schuler.“Emily did not respondto the therapyand injections, so sheunderwent a procedurecalled a discography”Dr. Schuler recalls.“This test helpsus receive informationon whether her discsare the cause of her pain and helps us determine if she isa candidate for surgery. Our decision making reviewedEmily’s ongoing history, a physical examination, diagnosticimaging, her response to previous treatments,and the results of the discography. We recommended ananterior lumbar fusion surgery, which is a minimally invasivetechnique that would optimize her recovery withthe goal to return her to swimming.”After discussing surgery with my parents and doingsome personal research on the surgical procedure, Idecided to give it a go.“Emily did extremely well after surgery and hada great support group– her family. She started physicaltherapy the day after surgery by walking the hallsof the hospital, and she went home the next day afterthat,” Thao commented.After surgery I was able to swim competitively forall of my senior year at Virginia Tech. Prolonged sittingno longer caused pain.It has been a little more than one year after surgeryand I am able to run, bike, and do any other activitiespain-free. My advice to anyone suffering from back orneck pain is to seek treatment immediately. Your neckand back health are crucial for your entire lifetime.VSI is uniquely exceptional because of its comprehensivecare. The clinic, the pain management center,and the Virginia Therapy and Fitness Center are allunder one roof. Overall, I had an amazing experienceFALL 2012 VOL. 7 No. 2with VSI! I was so impressed with the quality of serviceand care I received as a patient, that I applied for ajob as a medical assistant with VSI. Today, I am a VSIemployee and am able to help people who are goingthrough the same type of pain I went through.Dr. Schuler and Thao were inspired by Emily’sstory. “Emily went on to compete in the swimming pre-Olympic trials after her lumbar fusion surgery, makingher a primary example of a true spinal champion!We are proud to share her exceptional story of successthrough determination and devotion to her passion ofswimming.”Thao Nguyen, PA-C, M.P.A.S.Thao is a highly skilled Physician Assistantat The Virginia Spine Institute(VSI). She received her Master of PhysicianAssistant Studies degree fromShenandoah University, VA and a Bachelorof Science in the College of Humanitiesand Science from Virginia CommonwealthUniversity. She completed her residency in medical andsurgical management of spinal disorders and is licensed by theVirginia Board of Medicine.Thomas C. Schuler, M.D.,F.A.C.S.Dr. Schuler is a distinguished spinesurgeon and founder and CEO of theVirginia Spine Institute (VSI). His knowledge,drive, and innovative techniqueshave revolutionized spinal healthcarein the Washington D.C. metropolitanarea. Dr. Schuler is double board certified in spine surgery andorthopaedic surgery. He is nationally recognized as a leader inthe treatment of cervical and lumbar spine disorders and wasnamed among the 100 Best Spine Surgeons and Specialistsin America. Additionally, U.S.News & World Report has recentlynamed him among the top 1% of physicians in his specialty nationwide.As the spine consultant to the Washington Redskinssince 1993, he returns elite athletes to the playing field safelyand quickly using non-operative and operative techniques. Dr.Schuler also serves as the President of the Spinal ResearchFoundation (SRF).Journal of The Spinal Research Foundation 10
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