Eric Wood, a former Buffalo Bills NFL player, and Dr. Rita Roy delve into the lesser-seen struggles and rehabilitation efforts in professional sports. Their discussion highlights the pivotal roles played by athletic trainers and medical staff in facilitating athletes' returns from injuries. Wood's own NFL journey, was marked by resilience in the wake of multiple injuries, a Pro Bowl nod, and ultimately a career-ending neck injury. The injury, coinciding with his son's birth, became a catalyst for new beginnings, including advocacy and speaking opportunities. Wood's proactive approach to managi ..read more

Monte Clair, experienced discomfort in her low back since her college days and throughout her early 30s. She managed her chronic pain through non-operative treatments for many years. But, while packing for a trip in 2011, she unexpectedly threw out her back just as she headed out with some friends for a road trip. She later found out she had ruptured a disc which required surgery. Hear her insightful journey to definitive treatment and living her best life. Support the show ..read more

In this month’s episode, Dara Strader, a wife, mom, and grandmother, whose back issues began when she was injured at her job over 40 years ago. Dara has had low back pain for most of her adult life and was eventually diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and ultimately, a herniated disk. After years of pain management treatment, surgery ultimately relieved her of her pain and she’s now enjoying her exercise classes at the local YMCA 9 months later. Support the show ..read more

Naz Kabanni grew up in the United Kingdom where playing soccer was a way of life! He began playing at a competitive level beginning at the tender age of 6. As he grew, and the competitive levels increased, he began having back issues. Through working with physical therapists and athletic trainers, he learned that his hip alignment was off due to one leg being slighter longer than the other. Those mere centimeters difference was enough to create malignment resulting in excruciating lower back pain. As a result of working with athletic trainers, he was able to manage his back pain through non-op ..read more

Debbie Fox began her journey when she began having back and neck pain following the birth of her second child. As the pain progressed, she felt dismissed, thinking she was probably just depressed. As her pain worsened, Debbie saw a neurosurgeon who diagnosed her with scoliosis. She spent years in treatment and finally saw a complex spine surgeon when her daily life activities were becoming more painful and limiting, Since her surgery, she has had a challenging journey, but considers her surgery a success in spite of everything. Support the show ..read more

Tennis Pro Mike Kotz experienced sudden and severe leg pain, leading to a diagnosis of a herniated disc. After a successful microdiscectomy, he swiftly returned to teaching and playing tennis with remarkable post-operative results. Support the show ..read more

In this episode of Get Back To It, Sheryl shares her remarkable story. In 8th grade, she was diagnosed with scoliosis after falling off a horse and wore the Milwaukee brace throughout high school. Despite her initial 56-degree curve, she opted for non-operative care over surgery for most of her life. This seemed to manage her pain until her husband fell ill with cancer and eventually required full home care, which took a huge toll on her spine health. At 64 years old, Sheryl’s health was changing, and she knew she was running out of time. Her curve was now 100 degrees, and her ribs were almost ..read more

When Air Force Veteran Jack Allen went on a treasured family hiking and camping adventure with his sons, he had to stop in his tracks so often, he couldn’t complete the hike because his back hurt so badly. His son, NSHF Research Assistant Brandon, had been studying that exact scenario. He urged his dad to get it checked out with a spine specialist. Jack had been suffering for 17 years with bouts of pain that would flare up and put him in bed for days at a time. This all seemed to stem from an incident in 2006 when he was moving furniture and felt that he had thrown out his back. Now, after a 2 ..read more

Discover an insightful and inspiring podcast episode where Dr. Stephen Hochschuler, a distinguished and pioneering spine specialist with a 40 year history as a world renowned spine surgeon, engages in a conversation with Dr. Rita Roy, the CEO of the National Spine Health Foundation. Immerse yourself in their dialogue as they explore Dr. Hochschuler's personal journey from a prolific spine surgeon to becoming a spine patient himself. Dr. Hochschuler shares his experience with enduring hip and thigh discomfort over several months, despite his high pain tolerance stemming from his medical history ..read more

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Get Back To It Podcast featuring Paul Llewelyn Franklin, a 64-year-old Spinal Champion. Despite enduring a fractured neck as a young teen and undergoing multiple spine surgeries later in life, Paul has accomplished incredible feats. From cycling through 20 countries to walking the Camino trail and the length of Ireland, he has raised funds for charities and inspired many. Recognized as a nominee for the "Most Inspirational Person of the Year Award," Paul's unwavering determination and resilience shine through as he shares his remarkable journey of triump ..read more