Before my back pain started, I led a very normal life. I was 38 years old and employed as an accountant. My wife is an attorney and we have two children. I don’t know what started my back pain three years ago, but my problem was very cyclical and involved the muscles in my upper back. Early in this process, I was treated with narcotic pain killers, local physical therapy, and chiropractic care. At the beginning of 2007, the muscle problems settled in and never went away. The severity of the pain changed over time, but it never really went away.

I saw a dizzying array of doctors including orthopedists, rheumatologist, and pain clinic specialists and went through too many tests to count. One doctor told me I had arthritis, the rheumatologist told me I had fibromyalgia, and the pain clinic specialist told me he couldn’t help me, because my pain was muscular. Then he prescribed muscle relaxers and said, “Good luck.” The answer was always the same, “We can’t find anything wrong with you, here is some medicine, good luck.” I was miserable with no real hope in sight.

I was finally referred to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where I began treatment with Dr. Robert Yang. He took an interest in my case and helped me find answers.

I had a great experience in the UI Spine Rehabilitation Program. I learned an entire arsenal of tools to use to battle my pain. I was with a fantastic group of four Army National Guard soldiers, who had either been injured in Iraq or while training for Iraq, along with another civilian like me. We bonded as we went through the grueling physical training together, with good humor. We shared our personal experiences in our psychological coping sessions. I really wanted to get better, and watching everyone work hard in the Spine Rehab program inspired me to work hard too.

All of the tools I learned have been put to good use. I have been following the physical exercises, as well as the relaxation and pain management techniques, and I’m starting to feel less pain. My muscles are more pliable and it’s easier for me to work through my days. I am more flexible than I ever have been in my life, and in good cardio shape. I have realized that this is going to be a new way of life for me. I cannot stop if I want to get well.

This program takes hard work and dedication. Most of the changes taught are actually simple, small changes that make an enormous difference. It takes a lifestyle change. However, it has given me hope that I don’t have to live with my pain for the rest of my life. I don’t have to take narcotics for the rest of my life. I can actually participate in my family and other social activities again!

I promise that if you suffer from chronic back pain and go through the Spine Rehabilitation Program, you will leave with all the tools you need to manage your pain and live your life. This is information you will not get anywhere else, and the caring, high-performance team at UI Spine Center will help you learn what you need to take care of yourself.