From Homebound to Hiking Again: Christina’s Spinal Stenosis Recovery at OrthoIllinois

Just a few months ago, Christina’s world had grown painfully small. Chronic back pain made walking difficult, work exhausting, and even simple household chores overwhelming. Her simple routine became a daily struggle, and the pain was only getting worse.

“I could barely get through the day,” Christina recalls.

When the discomfort became unbearable, she knew she needed answers and relief that would actually last. That’s when she walked into the OrthoIllinois Injury Express, hoping to finally reclaim her life.

Today, after expert care from Dr. Michael Roh and the OrthoIllinois team, Christina is pain-free, walking with ease, and planning a year of adventures she once thought were out of reach.

“Emotionally, I’m a completely different person than I was before,” Christina says.

A Clear Diagnosis and a Real Path Forward

After a consultation and examination, Dr. Roh identified the root cause of her pain: spinal stenosis, a condition that explained both her limited mobility and persistent discomfort. An MRI confirmed that surgery would be her best option to fully restore her quality of life.

Hearing that surgery was recommended came as a shock. And although Christina felt hesitant throughout the process, she never felt rushed or left in the dark.

“From day one, everything felt positive,” Christina said. “From pain management to minimal wait times for appointments – everything was incredibly efficient.”

“What my friend told me about OrthoIllinois turned out to be completely true,” she says. “They take everything off your plate so you don’t have to worry.”

Even before a final treatment decision was made, OrthoIllinois prioritized Christina’s comfort with pain management and clear communication every step of the way.

Recovery That Exceeded Expectations

After Dr. Roh discussed the benefits and process of what the surgery and recovery would look like, Christina decided to move forward with the surgery. She underwent an L4–L5 spinal fusion and was surprised at how quickly she recovered.

“I had surgery on a Thursday morning and was back at work by Monday,” Christina says. “Every ounce of pain was gone.”

Post-surgical physical therapy helped her rebuild strength and confidence, and her progress continued steadily. Within six weeks, Christina felt like herself again: strong, capable, and ready to return to the active lifestyle she loved.

More Than Physical Healing

For Christina, the biggest change wasn’t just physical, it was emotional. Living with constant pain had taken a toll on her mental health, leaving her feeling stuck and disconnected from the life she wanted.

“Last summer, I felt so depressed and trapped in my own body,” she explains. “Now, I feel like I can do anything.”

Today, Christina is planning to go hiking in Hawaii, walking miles through amusement parks, and staying active without fear of pain stopping her.

“It completely changed my life,” she says. “I honestly can’t imagine where I’d be without OrthoIllinois.”

Christina’s Message to Others Living with Back Pain

Christina’s journey is a reminder that chronic back pain doesn’t have to define your future. With expert care from OrthoIllinois, a clear plan, and the courage to take the next step, relief is possible.

Christina says, “My advice to anyone navigating long-term pain is to advocate for yourself, ask questions, and stay involved in your care.”