Degenerative disc disease surgery: Andrew's story | Ohio State Medical Center

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Narrator: It wasn't long ago that walking on a treadmill was impossible for Andrew Austin. His degenerative spine disorder caused pinched nerves, which led to severe back pain. Physical therapy and medication didn't relieve the pain, so Andrew made a spine care appointment at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Andrew Austin: I was in too much pain. I was not afraid. No, I was ready. Go. Let's set the goal.

Narrator: With a minimally invasive procedure, pressure was taken off the nerves in his back and Andrew was up and out of bed quickly.

Andrew Austin: They had me up walking that day, the very next morning, occupational and physical therapy. And you should have saw me the first time. I was just with the walker going like this. But I walked all the way around the hallway and back to my room.

Narrator: Three months later, Andrew was back at work.

Andrew Austin: That was a big day. Yeah. I was taking baby steps and all that. But it quickly changed to faster steps, longer strides. Yeah, that was a big day.

Narrator: Andrew credits the entire staff at Ohio State Spine Care for getting him back on his feet.

Andrew Austin:
The service I got, the care afterwards, the way the nurses treated me, the techs, everybody was just really giving, and it was more like you felt like you were a member of a family.

Narrator: Now Andrew is pain-free and is glad to give up his walker in exchange for a treadmill.

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[Text on screen:
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center]