Robotic Backbone Surgical procedure Restores Younger Man’s Lively Way of life

For Brian Graham, a surfer and multisport athlete, persistent again ache began disrupting his life at an early age. Diagnosed with bulging discs in his backbone as a teen, Graham endured years of debilitating ache that radiated from his decrease again down his legs. Although he performed soccer and wrestled at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, the ache typically sidelined him from actions.

Graham spent years attempting nonsurgical remedy choices, together with injections, acupuncture, bodily remedy and delicate medicines, for ache administration. Despite these efforts, the again ache persevered as he attended faculty at UC San Diego and into his 20s.

“I couldn’t stand for more than 20 minutes,” Graham mentioned. At occasions, the depth of the ache would even trigger him to vomit.

Graham’s seek for aid finally led him to the neurological backbone care program at UC San Diego Health, the place he was referred to Martin Pham, MD, a neurosurgeon specializing in backbone care and minimally invasive procedures. From the primary appointment, Graham felt a shift not simply in his remedy plan, however in how he was handled as a younger grownup with again ache.

“Dr. Pham took the time to go over my MRI results and explained everything in a way that made sense. He respected me and truly listened,” Graham mentioned.