This post is part of The Ultimate Guide to Back Pain Relief
Mason Campbell crossed the finish line for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon for the 17th straight year in a row. With a time of one hour and 55 minutes, Mason was proud of his accomplishment; not only because he finished, but because he did so only eight weeks after back surgery.
A few months before the mini-marathon, Mason had been experiencing back pain. The pain kept Mason from running and bending forward. After gently stretching and trying to rest, the pain still wouldn’t go away. Mason decided to make an appointment with Dr. Kevin Sigua, an OrthoIndy pain management and physiatry physician.
“I was somewhat anxious about my visit to OrthoIndy,” said Mason. “But I wanted to get rid of my pain so I knew I needed to be at one of the best orthopedic practices in town. I am happy to say that OrthoIndy performed to my expectations.”
Mason was diagnosed with an L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation. Sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc most often occurs in your lower back. It is one of the most common causes of low back pain, as well as leg pain.
“My first procedure was a spinal injection by Dr. Kevin Sigua,” said Mason. “This seemed to dull my pain, but the constant pressure was still there. Dr. Sigua then set up a consultative appointment for me with Dr. Kevin O’Neill.”
Dr. Kevin O’Neill is an OrthoIndy spine surgeon.
“During our first consultation Dr. O’Neill was able to provide several options for my recovery,” said Mason. “However, he let me make the ultimate decision and was compassionate throughout all aspects of my care. After a few words of caution, he was also supportive in letting me return to running.”
Back surgery
Mason ultimately decided that surgery was the best choice for him and he had his procedure at OrthoIndy Hospital.
“I felt like everything was like clockwork; from the moment I registered, to having an X-ray, an MRI, an injection and in my appointments with the physicians. All the staff was friendly and helpful,” said Mason. “Everything was always timely, except for the day of surgery, but even then I was warned that there may be a delay due to surgeries before mine. Dr. O’Neill even provided my family with lunch tickets for the cafeteria to make up for the delay.”
Life after back surgery
Mason is now back to doing most of the things he was doing before surgery, including cycling, running and weight training on a daily basis. After the mini-marathon he competed in a sprint triathlon and a group endurance race. Next spring he hopes to complete a half ironman.
“I have also been able to return to my most important role as an active husband and father of two girls. I can play games on the floor, jump on the trampoline and play their favorite game ‘chase daddy’,” said Mason. “I am delighted with my recovery, and will be forever grateful to Drs. Sigua and O’Neill. I would not hesitate to recommend them or use their expertise again in the future. I am truly thankful for them and all the staff members at OrthoIndy.”
To schedule an appointment with Drs. Sigua or O’Neill. please call 317.802.2000 or learn more about OrthoIndy Spine.
Schedule an appointment
Your well-being is important to us. Click the button below or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
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