My Comeback Story: RICHARD S.

I have suffered from an achy back most of my life due to my profession (machinist). I had a back surgery performed in 2017 in the Fort Worth area by a spinal surgeon for bulging discs at L2, L3, and L4, which worked for about 4 years, and then I started to get spasms and a constant backache. I tried PT, stretching, and chiropractic sessions, which only worked very short-term, and then went back to square one. On the advice of the chiropractor, he suggested I go to the South Texas Spinal Clinic to see Dr. Antonio Webb. I consulted with Dr. Webb, and after X-rays, he told me that I had no shock absorbers left in my lower back and suggested back surgery to correct the problem. It would be a long road to recovery, but better than the alternative, doing nothing and taking pain killers, or continuing chiropractic work, which has the effect of only a band-aid. Surgery lasted about 4 1/2 hours, and the new discs were inserted through the abdomen and secured with a titanium cage and 6 screws. I have not had any pain in my back since the day of the surgery, 08/19/25, only a slight ache which does go away with PT. I did wear a back brace for around ten weeks during the day and also when I drove, but took it off to sleep at night. My PT has now finished, and I am simply doing stretches about 3-4 times a week at home. I can now drive long distances, walk as long as I want, put my socks and shoes on without any assistance, but as of yet, I am not yet allowed to swing a golf club. It was the absolute best decision I made to have the surgery, and Dr. Webb told me the road to recovery would take between 9 months to a year, and everything he told me would happen during recovery has happened exactly as stated, (aches, pains, mobility, temporary numbness in the surgical area). But it has only been 5 months, and I am at 70% now and getting better every single day. The medical staff at the clinic has been top-notch and are very kind and considerate with all the patients. I definitely would recommend this clinic to anybody who has a back issue.