Jacque Green’s journey with OrthoIndy started in 2015, when she experienced persistent nerve pain in her lower back. At the time, she thought she was dealing with sciatica, a common condition that causes pain to radiate from the lower back down the leg. Looking for relief, she turned to OrthoIndy spine surgeon Dr. John Dietz, where her treatment started with a conservative approach.
Diagnosis
After scheduling an appointment that included imaging and a thorough evaluation, Jacque was diagnosed with spinal stenosis with instability. This condition narrows the spinal canal and, along with spinal instability, limits mobility. Her quality of life was steadily declining. “I was surprised about my diagnosis and fearful,” said Jacque. “But I was ready to take the next step.”
From 2015 to 2024, Jacque received a series of cortisone injections. They offered some relief, but by mid-2023, she knew the pain would keep returning and that it was time for a lasting solution.
A Permanent Solution
When Jacque was ready to explore surgery, she appreciated that Dr. Dietz never made her feel rushed and respected her pace. She knew the decision had to be hers, and hers alone.
“They were never pushy,” said Jacque. “They gave me several options and made sure I was comfortable before moving forward with any of them.”
Jacque wanted to get back to living without constant pain. As her mother’s primary caregiver and a source of support for her kids and grandkids, staying physically capable mattered both for her family and for herself.
And as a lifelong fitness enthusiast, she longed for the freedom to move without discomfort.
Due to these factors, Jacque went ahead and scheduled a procedure with Dr. Dietz in July 2024. Looking back on it now, Jacque says it was “the best decision for my health that I ever made.”
A New Life
Recovery required patience, but Jacque was determined. She spent the first three months after surgery on strict rest, with walking being the only activity permitted. Once her initial healing phase was complete, she began easing back into a normal routine with the help of physical therapy. By early 2025, she had come out of all post-surgical restrictions and was finally able to resume the active lifestyle she had missed for so long.
“I am very thankful to have had the best orthopedic doctor,” said Jacque. “Dr. Dietz and his team were great from start to finish. And, to think that he did all of this for me? I am truly amazed at his life-changing work!
Jacque also offers a word of advice to others who are suffering from back pain but are hesitant to pursue surgical treatment:
“Technology has come a long way, especially with the techniques they use at OrthoIndy,” said Jacque. “If you have back pain, don’t be afraid to seek out a good orthopedic surgeon who can perform a surgery that could change your life.”
Today, Jacque is enjoying her renewed mobility, spending quality time with her family and getting back to the things she loves. Thanks to the expert care at OrthoIndy, she’s not just managing pain, she’s living well again.
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Learn how OrthoIndy’s team of specialists can help you get back to what you love doing most at orthoindy.com.
