Finding Relief

Adam Mansfield’s Journey to a Pain-Free Life

Adam Mansfield’s back pain had been part of his life for nearly 15 years. But when nerve pain began traveling down his leg, his condition became increasingly difficult to manage.

Adam had two ruptured discs pressing on his sciatic nerve, causing constant nerve pain. Over time, the pain became so severe that even walking a few steps was difficult.

“It was progressively getting worse to the point where I couldn’t even walk more than a few steps without having to sit down or reposition for some kind of relief,” Adam said.

For about two years, Adam tried to manage the nerve pain through therapy, injections, and medications. Nothing provided lasting relief.

Eventually, he reached a point where he felt he could no longer physically do the things he wanted to do.

That’s when he began seriously considering surgery.

Having never undergone surgery before, Adam was understandably hesitant. He spoke with people he trusted who had experienced spine surgery themselves, and their stories helped ease his concerns.

Adam also spent considerable time researching spine surgeons across the country. After reading patient reviews, talking with friends who had worked with Dr. Troy Caron at Ozarks Healthcare Orthopedics and Spine, and meeting with Dr. Caron himself, Adam felt confident in his decision.

“After that meeting, his confidence level and experience in my specific situation led me to choose him and Ozarks Healthcare,” Adam said.
From the beginning, Adam said he felt supported by Dr. Caron and the care team.

“I remember never feeling uncomfortable and never having to ask for anything,” he said. “They literally took care of me from start to finish.”

The team communicated what to expect throughout the process and allowed Adam to move forward at his own pace. His recovery went well, although the first few days were difficult - something the care team had prepared him for ahead of time.

But Adam noticed an important difference almost immediately.

“As soon as I woke up from the surgery, I could feel that the nerve pain was gone,” he said. “It almost felt surreal because I had had that pain for so long it had almost become my new normal.”

Within a week, Adam was walking more and more, and by two weeks, he was feeling significantly better.

Today, Adam says his quality of life has improved dramatically. He no longer has to plan his life around his pain, and something as simple as walking has become something he appreciates in a whole new way.

“I can walk,” Adam said. “It’s such a simple thing that we all take for granted when we can do it, but it’s such a blessing to be able to move freely pain-free.”

Looking back on his decision, Adam says the choice to undergo surgery was difficult at the time, but he has no regrets.

“I wish I would have done it sooner,” he said.

For Adam, spine surgery wasn’t simply about relieving pain. It was about getting back to living without constantly thinking about what his body could - or couldn’t - do.

“I feel better,” Adam said. “I am not planning everything around my pain, which is a huge change that I am thankful for.”