The Bertolotti Breakthrough: From Suffering to Solution
Bertolotti syndrome is a significantly under-recognized spine condition that can lead to debilitating lower back and leg symptoms. Despite its impact, it is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed entirely. In this powerful episode of the Get Back to Your Life® podcast, spine surgeon and Bertolotti syndrome expert Dr. Colin Haines and his patient Janel share an emotional and educational look at what it takes to get an accurate diagnosis and real relief through Bertolotti resection surgery.
In this special episode, you’ll learn:
- How Bertolotti syndrome causes lower back and leg pain
- Why it’s often overlooked by doctors
- The difference between fusion vs. resection surgery
- How to identify red flags and advocate for yourself
- What recovery and life after resection surgery can look like
What Is Bertolotti’s Syndrome?
Bertolotti syndrome occurs when the transverse process of the L5 vertebra rubs against the sacrum, creating a pseudo-articulation. As Dr. Haines explains, “Essentially you get bone-on-bone arthritis where there shouldn’t be.” This false joint can cause chronic pain that radiates through the lower back and legs, and yet many doctors do not connect the symptoms to this condition.
“Oftentimes it starts with the physical and when bone grinds on bone, it hurts,” said Dr. Haines. “But we have this artificial carve out for this one condition called Bertolotti syndrome where many doctors say you know what that’s the one part in the body where if bone grinds on itself yeah it probably doesn’t hurt.” While this condition isn’t always symptomatic, Dr. Haines explains that this divide is why symptomatic Bertolotti’s sufferers are often dismissed by their doctors.
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Years of Pain and Dismissal
Janel first experienced lower back pain as a teenager, but things worsened dramatically in her thirties. “I can’t even stand in my kitchen long enough to cook a meal,” she said.
A fitness instructor and bodybuilder, Janel visited six different doctors in Iowa. “I went to about six different doctors in the state of Iowa. All different cities. I drove all over the place.” While some mentioned Bertolotti syndrome, none took it seriously. “They’re like oh let’s just try…a series of injections and see if that helps.” Her experience echoes another brave Bertolotti sufferer, Jakki, who experienced medical gaslighting also found a solution to her pain with Dr. Haines.
Even when her imaging showed abnormalities, she was told, “You have Bertolotti’s but it shouldn’t hurt.” This led to years of emotional exhaustion. “I hurt. I’m not living my life. I’m not functional.”
Finding a Bertolotti Syndrome Expert
Janel’s breakthrough came through persistence and research. “I found a group on Facebook which helped a bit. There’s a few thousand people in there that have it. And Dr. Haines was mentioned in there a few times.”
Eventually, she saw one of Dr. Haines’ videos on Instagram. “I did a search on Instagram like hashtag Bertolotti syndrome or whatever. And one of his videos came up and was like is this even real?”
After a virtual consultation and further testing, Janel made the trip to Virginia for treatment. “Once I found him and I did the consultation with him and everything, I just, his knowledge of it, he made me feel so comfortable and confident that like he could help me one way or the other.”
Personalized Diagnosis and Bertolotti Resection Surgery
Dr. Haines initially considered spinal fusion and disc replacement, but changed course based on testing. “She needed what’s called a resection.” In Janel’s case, removing the pseudo articulation through a Bertolotti resection surgery was the key.
“There are a few major principles when it comes to Bertolotti’s syndrome,” said Dr. Haines. “If there’s a gap, the bone doesn’t rub on itself.” If the bone doesn’t rub on itself, the cause of the pain is removed.
The surgery was successful, although it was complicated by a rare infection. Still, Janel says, “The care that I received and everything that Dr. Haines did for me while I was there was just like beyond anything that I ever could have expected in my life.”
Resection Surgery Recovery
Since her resection surgery in fall of 2024, Janel has made a remarkable recovery. “No pain whatsoever ever since surgery day one, like none.” She is back to teaching yoga, bodybuilding, and lifting heavier than ever. See another weightlifter’s surgery success here.
“I feel like I’m gaining a little bit more of a range of motion back again in my left side,” she said. “Before my pain even got really bad before my surgery, I’d say if I was doing a squat in the gym the heaviest I probably ever went was 185 (pounds).” Now, she’s squatting 225 pounds and deadlifting 265.
“It feels awesome,” she said. “I went from I mean essentially like a state of depression you know and just being in pain all the time like I’m never going to be able to have this part of my life back to… maybe I can actually do this.”
Advice for Bertolotti’s Sufferers
If you are dealing with unexplained back pain, Janel offers this advice: “Just don’t don’t give up like you are it’s your life you need to be able to live it.” She urges patients to push for answers: “You need to be your own advocate unfortunately.”
Dr. Haines agrees. “Keep fighting. Keep investigating. As I mentioned earlier, I think my most knowledgeable patients about the spine in general have Bertolotti’s. And it’s because it’s taken them years of their own research to finally come to me.”
He also recommends checking your imaging reports: “Review your radiologist report. A lot of times the radiologist mentions it… but the doctor may not believe it so they just pass it on.”
There Is a Path to Pain-Free
Janel’s story is proof that healing is possible with the right diagnosis and care. “You just you need to you need to be your own advocate.” Her journey from pain and frustration to strength and confidence is a powerful reminder that your pain is real and treatable. With in-person and telehealth appointments available, we are here when you are ready to take that first step.
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