Healing Our Heroes: A Veteran’s Victory Over Back Pain

As we honor veterans and our nation’s heroes on Veterans Day, we must recognize that their bravery often comes with a cost—severe and debilitating pain. For those suffering from chronic back pain due to the physical demands of a military career or service-related injuries, is there hope for resolution? Dr. Jazini’s patient, Aaron Harper, emphatically says yes! After a back injury during Desert Storm in 1991, Aaron spent over 30 years battling pain that seemed impossible to escape. He endured countless treatments, surgeries, and years of suffering—until he found VSI and Dr. Jazini.

From Operation Desert Storm to Chronic Back Pain

Aaron’s journey started in the Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm, where he sustained a low back injury due to numerous rocket attacks in North Saudi Arabia in early 1991. This led to a ruptured disc at L5-S1 and a disc bulge at L4-5. In late 1992, the Navy performed a laminectomy/partial discectomy surgery at L5-S1, which helped him walk again. However, the injury ended his career in the Marines, and he was medically retired in 1993.

By the age of 29, Aaron had undergone four surgeries, but the back pain persisted—for 33 years in all. “There were plenty of times where I was using a walker and cane, and I was heavily medicated. It was a pretty rough, frustrating time,” Aaron says. “If you’re constantly dealing with a state of pain, you know, you grin and bear it and try to do your best and live your life, but it takes a mental toll because you’re just like, man, I just wish I could get out of this.”

The Turning Point in Recovery

In 2023, he happened to witness a car accident and jumped into action to rescue someone. As he did, he felt his back pain worsen and spread. Doctor after doctor in his hometown of Charlotte, NC, suggested he needed a spinal fusion, but he was curious about disc replacements. Unable to sleep from the pain, he was Googling for solutions one night at 3 a.m. and discovered VSI in Reston, VA. He made an appointment and met with Dr. Jazini to get a second opinion.

Life-Changing Surgery: Hybrid Fusion and Artificial Disc Replacement

On April 3rd, Dr. Jazini performed a hybrid fusion and artificial disc replacement surgery, and it was very successful. Aaron says he was amazed at how quickly he felt relief in his back and legs. “To go from having to be in a wheelchair off and on between December of 2023 till the time of surgery and using a walker, not being able to go to work, laying in the bed—right after surgery was a significant challenge,” he explains. “Out of the recovery room they wheel you to your room to rest and they asked me to walk to my bed and I really wasn’t in that much pain. The change was that fast that I was able to feel that difference.”

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From Wheelchair to Cycling Across the Country

Aaron has been pleased with how his recovery has gone ever since. By July 4th, he was able to return to his passion for cycling, completing a 30-mile ride. On July 27-28th, he and his 11-year-old son participated in the 24 Hours of Booty ride where they completed 50 miles together. In September, he joined the Air Force Cycling Team on a 350-mile journey from the Wright Brothers Memorial to the Air Force Memorial. In October, he supported paralyzed hand cyclists on a 180-mile ride from Monroe, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC.

Inspiring Other Veterans: Don’t Accept Pain, Seek Solutions

“That’s something I couldn’t have imagined before surgery. I’m still recovering, but the improvement in my quality of life is remarkable,” Aaron says. “You know there was a time I could not walk and now I can so I can’t complain at all because three of the guys who I was riding with can’t. I have the opportunity to do this and I’m going to keep on doing it as long as I can thanks to VSI.”

His advice to other veterans—don’t accept and live with pain. Seek out second and even third and fourth opinions if necessary, and don’t give up hope. “I just wish that I would have known about this opportunity back in 1992.”

“Dr. Jazini and the entire VSI team have given me back a sense of normalcy, and I cannot thank them enough,” Aaron says. “I am incredibly grateful for the life-changing care they provided me. They’ve made it possible for me to enjoy life with my family and return to activities I love. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”