When thinking about neurosurgery, many of us probably focused on surgical treatments related to the brain. However, neurosurgery includes much more than this. It also includes the spine and peripheral nerves, to name a few. In fact, there are more than 600 diseases of the nervous system that can be managed with hundreds of different neurological procedures.
Our Mercy Health – Springfield neurosurgery program was first introduced in December of 2020 and performed its first surgery on Jan. 12, 2021. On June 3, 2021, the program officially treated its 75th case, a successful minimally invasive left L5-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedure. In other words, a procedure that removals a disc from between the vertebrae and replaced it with a cage that is then secured into place with rods and screws.
This 75th patient is Linda Joslin from Fairborn, OH. She describes her experience with neurosurgery as a life-changing one.
For six years, Linda’s sciatic nerve pain had progressed into severe lower back pain, leg and foot numbness as well as severe ankle pain.
“I could barely stand up straight,” Linda shares regarding the amount of pain she was feeling.
As treatments became progressively more ineffective, Linda began to seek a surgical option that would help give her the quality of life she once had. After a discussion with her doctor, Linda was given a referral to see Kamal Woods, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon affiliated with Mercy Health-Springfield.
“I truly feel like God sent me to Dr. Woods,” Linda says.
Dr. Woods adds, “Mostly everyone can relate to back pain. We have either had back pain ourselves or know someone with back pain. Spine surgery has come a long way over the past couple decades! New technologies and techniques allow us to achieve better outcomes. One of my special interests as a neurosurgeon is minimally invasive spine surgery. I am so proud of what we offer here at Mercy Health- Springfield.”
After working in the medical field for many years, Linda says that she was thoroughly impressed with the facility, the staff and the overall attention to detail given to her throughout her visit. She hopes by sharing her happiness and outcome, others will be encouraged to seek help and know this care is available close to home.
“I feel like I have started life over again,” Linda says. She is thrilled to have this new outlook.
“The staff, they are the best. They are wonderful people,” Linda continues. “I would recommend all people to Mercy Health.”
Learn more about the neurosurgery services we provide at Mercy Health.
