A Spine Surgery Success Story in Dayton, Ohio
When Your Life Shrinks, and No One Has Answers
Meet Danielle, a 51-year-old small business owner from Dayton, Ohio. She’s a mom of three, a weekend hiker, and the kind of person who says “I’ve got it” even when she doesn’t.
Two years ago, her life began to narrow.
It started as a dull ache in her right hip when driving. Then, long walks with her daughter turned into short ones. Sitting through meetings became a fidgety struggle. By the time Danielle found her way to Vertrae®, she had:
- Tried 6 months of physical therapy
- Received two rounds of injections
- Been told “it’s just arthritis” by one provider, and “try stronger meds” by another
But deep down, she knew it wasn’t just age or posture. She knew her body, and something was wrong.
“I Was Tired of Explaining My Pain”
Danielle remembers her first appointment at Vertrae®.
“Dr. Woods didn’t just look at my MRI. He listened. He asked about stair climbing, how I sleep, and even how I carry grocery bags. No one had connected the dots before.”
Through a targeted exam, imaging, and a diagnostic SI joint injection, it became clear: Danielle had sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and it was severe.
But here’s the Vertrae® difference: no one rushed her into surgery.
Instead, her team walked her through a step-by-step treatment plan.
Trying Everything First: A Conservative Path
At Vertrae®, surgery is never the first step. Danielle began with:
- SI-focused physical therapy for core strength and alignment
- An image-guided injection to confirm the pain source and offer temporary relief
“The injection gave me a window. It confirmed what Dr. Woods suspected. But when the pain came back full force… I was ready.”
The Turning Point: SI Joint Fusion at Vertrae®
Danielle made the choice to move forward with minimally invasive SI joint fusion, right at the Vertrae® Surgery Center in Miamisburg.
Here’s what made her experience different:
🔹 Outpatient procedure – no hospital, no overnight stay
🔹 Tiny incision – less than an inch
🔹 Guided precision – implants placed with advanced navigation
🔹 Supportive team – from pre-op to post-op rehab
She walked the same day. Slept in her own bed that night. And within a week, she wasn’t wincing every time she stood up.
Recovery, But Not Just Physically
Danielle’s post-op journey wasn’t just about pain relief but about reclaiming joy.
“I went for a walk with my daughter last weekend. No limping. No mental math of how far I could make it. Just… walking. Like before.”
She followed her rehab plan carefully, focusing on core strength, balance, and real-life movement strategies. By 6 weeks, she was back to running her business full-time. By 3 months, she booked a hiking trip to Hocking Hills.
Why Her Story Matters
Danielle isn’t rare. She’s not extreme.
She’s you, your neighbor, your coworker, the person quietly adapting to pain and waiting for a clear path forward.
Her journey shows that:
- SI joint dysfunction is real
- Conservative care has a place
- But when it’s time for surgery, motion-preserving SI fusion works
- And Vertrae® is the place to get it
Could Her Story Be Yours?
You might be ready if:
- You’ve tried PT, injections, and pain persists
- Sitting, walking, or sleeping are daily challenges
- One side of your body feels unstable or “off”
- You’re looking for a solution that doesn’t steal your mobility
At Vertrae®, we treat every patient with the same care, clarity, and collaboration Danielle experienced.
Proudly Serving Dayton, and All of Southwest Ohio
Vertrae® is a dedicated spine surgery center, not a general outpatient clinic.
Our team is led by Dr. Kamal Woods, a dual-fellowship spine surgeon trained at Cedars-Sinai and backed by a spine-specialized care team.
We exist to help people like Danielle and like you get Back on Track.
Ready to Start Your Comeback Story?
Book your SI joint consultation today:
