Patient Success Stories

Spine Surgery | YESS Procedure | Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery | Adolescent Scoliosis | Adult Scoliosis

Back outdoors thanks to surgery to correct a spinal curve

Marilyn was diagnosed with scoliosis as an adult. She had struggled with varying levels of pain symptoms for many years, including a dull, constant back ache. Her symptoms did not stop her from maintaining an active lifestyle though. “I love spending time with family, attending college football games, working in the yard and other outdoor activities,” Marilyn says.

It was in 2007 that Marilyn noticed her condition worsen considerably. She was taking anti-inflammatories on a consistent basis. Marilyn started having pain and burning in her groin. “It felt like a knife was digging and twisting into me, the pain was so sharp it almost brought me to my knees,” Marilyn reflects.

She made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to seek some relief from her symptoms. Diagnostics were performed that confirmed her spinal curve was worsening. Initially, pain relieving injections were used to relieve pain symptoms, but they provided no lasting benefit.

Marilyn ultimately was referred to Dr. Matthew Geck, a dual pediatric and adult fellowship-trained scoliosis and spine surgeon at Texas Spine and Scoliosis in Austin, TX. When she first met with Dr. Geck, she was immediately impressed. After Dr. Geck viewed her diagnostics, he talked with Marilyn in detail about the surgeries needed to correct her condition.

In scoliosis, the spine is not only curved, but also twisted. Marilyn’s severe scoliosis had worsened to the point that her muscles and ribs were within an inch from touching her hip bone. In her existing condition, Marilyn knew she was missing out on many of the activities she enjoyed the most, including time with her grandchildren and outdoor activities. She decided to move forward with the surgeries.

Dr. Geck performed the successful surgeries to relieve her severe scoliosis and stenosis. Marilyn knew her recovery would not be easy and carefully followed the post surgery instructions provided by Dr. Geck. Today, she’s back to activity. “Now I can work outside in the yard, ride on the four wheeler and help pick up leaves — it makes be tired but it feels so good,” she exclaims.

Click here or select the image above to download a PDF of Marilyn's experience with Dr. Matthew Geck.

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