Defying Age: 88-Year-Old Overcomes Pain With Life-Changing Back Surgery

At 88, Larry Craver was told his debilitating back pain was untreatable, and surgery was deemed too risky. Yet, his inspiring journey challenges the notion that age should limit access to transformative care. No matter how old you are, you deserve quality medical care that helps you retain your mobility and independence. A Baltimore, MD, back pain doctor can determine the root cause of your back pain and develop a custom solution to get you moving again.

Larry, once an energetic handyman, was overwhelmed by chronic back pain that made even walking unbearable. “If I’m in great pain, I cannot think. I certainly can’t help other people,” Larry shared. His condition left him feeling hopeless until a breakthrough came when a neurosurgeon saw beyond his age.

Dr. Timothy Chryssikos of the University of Maryland Medical Center reviewed Larry’s case. Despite scoliosis, a spinal cyst, and spondylolisthesis (a vertebra slipping out of place), Dr. Chryssikos believed these weren’t the primary causes of Larry’s pain. Instead of a high-risk spinal fusion, he opted for a standard decompression using an operating microscope.

“Our goal was to remove bone and ligament causing severe nerve root pinching,” explained Dr. Chryssikos.

The results were remarkable. Six months post-surgery, Larry is pain-free and more active than he’s been in years. He even does push-ups off his bedroom dresser, an activity once unthinkable.

“Larry’s transformation is amazing. He’s living a life he thought was lost,” said his wife, Mary.

Open decompression surgeries like Larry’s, with slightly larger incisions than minimally invasive techniques, can offer faster recovery and less muscle damage compared to spinal fusions.

Larry’s next goal? Snorkeling on a beach trip for his birthday—a testament to the possibilities of aging with hope and the right care.

Alternatives To Surgery For Back Pain

Back pain is a common issue that can significantly impact daily life. While surgery is an option for severe cases, many non-surgical alternatives can effectively manage and alleviate back pain. These options are often less invasive, with fewer risks and shorter recovery times.

One popular approach is physical therapy, which focuses on targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and support the spine. A customized therapy plan can reduce pain, enhance mobility, and prevent future injuries.

Chiropractic care is another alternative. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and manipulations to correct misalignments, reduce nerve pressure, and restore function. This method is particularly effective for conditions like herniated discs and sciatica.

Massage therapy helps relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing discomfort. Similarly, acupuncture, an ancient practice involving the insertion of thin needles at specific points, is known to alleviate chronic back pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms.

For those seeking pain relief without invasive procedures, medication and injections are options. Over-the-counter or prescription drugs, such as anti-inflammatory medications, can help manage pain. Epidural steroid injections may provide temporary relief for nerve-related pain.

Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and engaging in low-impact exercises like yoga or swimming, are essential for long-term back health.

The professionals at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic can help you explore these alternatives and help you effectively manage your back pain without surgery. Call us today to see how we can help improve your quality of life.