Disc Replacement & Fusion: The Ultimate Back Pain Solution

Half of the global workforce spends at least 75% of their time standing. This includes professions like educators, hospitality workers, first responders, and military personnel. For people like Chris, a middle school principal, this reality can lead to debilitating back pain, especially given the high activity levels required in his profession.

Educators Walk More Than Most—And It Takes a Toll

While the average American walks 3,000–4,000 steps a day, educators like Chris often exceed 12,000 steps daily. This constant movement contributes to significant back pain or worsens preexisting issues. Chris’s daily routine is a prime example of the physical demands placed on educators. “I routinely get over 12,000 steps from walking from class to class, being in the cafeteria at lunch, leading professional development meetings and more. I’m certainly on my feet a majority of the day,” Chris explains.

For years, Chris battled persistent hip and leg pain, making it difficult to maintain his leadership style. Despite trying various treatments like physical therapy, he couldn’t find lasting relief. His pain became a constant hindrance, impacting both his professional and personal life. For an educator who wanted to have an open door policy, it was difficult.

“It got to the point where if I was in meetings, I couldn’t sit for longer than five minutes and I’d have to stand. During COVID I got a standing desk for all my virtual meetings. When we were back in school I took my yoga mat to school and every single day, my day started with getting up and doing yoga stretches for 15 minutes and then around 11 or 11:30 I’d have to do them again. I was not down in the cafeteria as much as I wanted to be. I just wasn’t being the principal and educator that I wanted to be and pain was always at the forefront of my mind,” he explains.

How Back Surgery Became the Solution for Chris

“By the time I got to Dr. Haines, I ended up missing work for about two weeks. I was bent over. I was in sheer pain. I was just miserable. And even then, I was trying to look at my options that weren’t surgical,” he recalls. After exploring non-surgical alternatives with Dr. Haines, including injections, stem cell therapy, and acupuncture, he underwent a hybrid spine surgery in December 2022. The surgery involved a spinal fusion and an artificial disc replacement, addressing his herniated disc issues. Dr. Haines removed two large herniated pieces from his spine and did a hybrid procedure — a spinal fusion of his L5 S1 and a disc replacement for his L4 L5.

Post-surgery, Chris experienced a dramatic transformation. By prioritizing rest and recovery, he returned to work eight weeks later as a “new educator,” free from the physical limitations that once held him back.

Learn More about Chris’ Treatment

Beyond his professional duties, Chris regained the ability to enjoy activities like jogging, weightlifting, and hiking. He now lives pain-free and cherishes the new lease on life that surgery has given him.

“Before my surgery I was always worried that I wasn’t being the principal that my school deserved. If there was an issue that needed my attention, I couldn’t get there as quickly as I wanted to. I hated closing my door to stretch out my back. I felt I wasn’t being the leader they deserved or needed. And I did feel guilty for taking time off for back surgery,” Chris says. “But honestly I had reached a point in my life where it was the only option. All that feels like a lifetime ago. I’m in such a different place and I don’t take this for granted. Now I’m able to do whatever I need to at work without worrying if my back will flare up and it’s such a relief.”

Advice for Others Facing Chronic Back Pain

In addition to what he’s able to do at work, Chris began jogging again. He’s lifting weights and he’s been able to return to doing vigorous hikes at national parks around the country with his family — without experiencing any pain. “So many people are just amazed at what I’m able to do. I get around better now than I ever have. It’s amazing how I got used to being in pain. And now sometimes I just pinch myself because I just don’t have back pain,” he says. “ I wish I would have done this sooner. I gave away months of my life trying to put off surgery when it actually gave me my life back. Dr. Haines gave me my life back and I couldn’t be happier and more thrilled. I’m eternally grateful for it.”

Here are 3 lessons Chris says he learned along the way that he hopes helps others looking for relief from back pain so they can do a job that requires them to be on their feet all day. Chris offers three important takeaways for anyone struggling with back pain:

Explore Your Options

Back pain treatments have advanced significantly. Seek expert advice to find the best solution for your situation.

Don’t Wait Too Long 

The longer you wait, the worse things can get. The longer you put off getting help, usually the worse conditions get and it may get to the point where surgery is the only option.

Modern Spine Surgery Is Safe and Effective

Thanks to surgical technological advances, surgeries are minimally invasive, with faster recoveries and outstanding results. “I grew up hearing such bad things about back surgery and it was something I just didn’t want to do,” Chris says. “But with the modern advances in technology, it’s minimally invasive, recoveries are quicker — it’s just been amazing.”