Heather Elkins had lived with back problems since her early 20s, managing symptoms and adjusting activities as needed.
“I always knew I had a bad back, so for most of my life, limited activity was all I really knew,” said Heather. “It wasn’t ideal, but I managed to get by.”
However, just a few years ago, a new level of pain appeared, and she knew it needed to be checked out. The effects reached every part of her routine: walking became difficult, sitting for long periods at her desk as an office manager was nearly impossible, yardwork that once felt routine required days of recovery and her quality of sleep depended on muscle relaxers.
At just 45 years old, Heather even relied on a cane to get around.
Enough was enough – Heather knew she needed to find a solution for her pain.
A team that listens and plans carefully
Heather’s health insurance directed her to OrthoIndy, where she selected fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. M. Craig McMains after researching his background and advanced approach to spine care.
From the first appointment in February 2025, Heather experienced a process centered on clarity and careful evaluation. “I knew I was going to be in the right hands at OrthoIndy,” said Heather.
Imaging confirmed Heather had been dealing with degenerative disc disease, and MRIs revealed the full extent of the damage. For the first time, Heather finally had an explanation for the pain she had been experiencing.
After discussing her treatment options with Dr. McMains, Heather’s care plan began with targeted testing to confirm the source of her pain. An injection helped rule out other causes of her pain and supported a treatment plan to alleviate discomfort from degenerative disc disease.
Surgery with a purpose and a plan
With a clear diagnosis and a focus on restoring mobility and comfort, surgery was scheduled.
During the procedure, Dr. McMains removed the worn-out discs in her lower back and placed a spacer between her vertebrae – a two-part procedure that restores disc height and stabilizes the spine.
Afterwards, Heather stood up and felt the difference right away. “I looked at my husband and told him, ‘I’m cured!’” she said.
Over the next several months, recovery included structured movement, regular walks and clear activity guidelines that supported healing. Heather found herself comfortable sitting – even during car rides – and returned to gardening and yardwork.
“The sense of relief I felt was so powerful – it was almost indescribable,” said Heather.
Care that feels personal from start to finish
Heather describes her experience across clinic visits, hospital care and recovery support as “consistently attentive.” She remembers the dedication of the nursing team, noting how every interaction reflected a commitment to patient well-being. For Heather, communication always felt clear, and support felt constant at OrthoIndy.
Today, Heather reports feeling fantastic and continues her follow-up care with confidence. She shares her gratitude with emotion because daily life is open to her again.
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Are you experiencing chronic spine pain? Our orthopedic specialists at OrthoIndy can help. Call us to learn more at 317.802.2000.
