Success at the Top of the World

Jay VanConant started experiencing back and neck pain several years ago but continued to work through it. However, the pain became so intense that he was unable to complete his day-to-day activities. Jay sought medical advice from Dr. E. Neil Pasia, orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron.

When months of nonsurgical treatment did not relieve Jay’s pain, Dr. Pasia recommended that Jay have an anterior cervical decompression and spine fusion procedure. “Patients who have undergone this type of treatment often recover the quickest, only have to spend one night in the hospital, and in most cases, are able to return to normal activities fairly quickly,” says Dr. Pasia.

Through these procedures, Dr. Pasia was able to take discs out from the front of the neck to alleviate the pressure on the nerves. After surgery, Jay noticed an immediate difference.

“I felt an instant relief of pain,” explains Jay. “I wish I would have sought medical treatment sooner because I was miserable for years with a lot of pain and numbness.”

Four years later, Jay was back at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron to receive epidural steroid injections to treat a different back condition involving two herniated discs. Dr. Matthew Sciotti, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, performed the injections on Jay.

“Epidural steroid injections are very precise and allow patients to see a quick outcome,” explains Dr. Sciotti. “It is our spine team’s goal to treat new spine injuries quickly, speed recovery, and restore function to the best of our ability.”

Three months following his injections, Jay embarked on his climb up Mt. Everest after only two months of training. Jay returned with some great stories and hundreds of stunning photographs. When time allows, Jay hopes to climb again.

If you are experiencing back or neck pain that is preventing you from performing your day-to-day activities, contact the spine team at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron today at (810) 985-4900 to make an appointment with a specialist.