How One Patient’s Story Could Help You Avoid a Second Surgery
From Vertrae®, Dayton’s Leader in Minimally Invasive Spine Care
“If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be this…”
Hi. My name is Jason. I’m 42 years old, work a desk job, and love to hike with my kids on the weekends. At least I used to.
About two years ago, I started having sharp pain down my leg. Turns out it was a herniated disc in my lower back. After months of physical therapy and injections, I finally had surgery. The pain went away… and I thought I was done.
But within a year, the pain came back: same spot, same nerve. And that second MRI? It showed another disc herniation in the same place.
Here’s what I’ve learned since then, and what I wish someone had told me before my first surgery.
Why Some Herniated Discs Come Back (Even After Surgery)
When I had my first discectomy, my surgeon removed the part of the disc that was pressing on the nerve. That helped. But what I didn’t know is that the outer wall of the disc, the annulus, is usually left open after surgery.
For more minor tears, that’s fine.
But mine? It was larger than a pencil eraser.
That hole became a weak spot. And eventually, more disc material pushed through it, leading to a repeat herniation and a second surgery I didn’t want.
I later found out that 73% of all repeat surgeries happen in patients with large disc defects, just like mine.
What Could’ve Made a Difference: Barricaid®
During my second surgery, I was treated at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio. That’s when I learned about a device called Barricaid®—a small implant placed during discectomy to seal the hole in the disc wall and prevent re-herniation.
It’s not for everyone. But for people like me—with larger annular defects—it’s a game-changer.
Here’s what it does:
- Acts as a barrier to stop remaining disc material from pushing out again
- Anchors to healthy bone for secure support
- Reduces the risk of needing another spine surgery by 81%
- Adds only a few minutes to surgery time
- FDA-approved and used in 11,000+ patients worldwide
If I’d had Barricaid® during my first surgery, I might never have needed a second.
Is It Right for Everyone?
No, but it might be right for you.
At Vertrae®, Dr. Kamal Woods and his team use preoperative imaging and real-time surgical assessment to determine if a patient is at risk for repeat herniation. If the disc wall is compromised, Barricaid® provides a proactive way to protect the spine.
It’s about doing the job right the first time, not rushing to finish it.
What I Tell Friends Now
If you’re preparing for your first spine surgery, here’s my advice:
- Ask your surgeon if you have a large annular defect
- Talk about long-term outcomes, not just short-term relief
- Don’t be afraid to bring up Barricaid®—if it’s a fit, it could change everything
- Choose a spine center that thinks ahead—like Vertrae®
You Only Get One First Surgery—Make It Count
At Vertrae®, I wasn’t just treated. I was heard. They helped me understand why my first surgery failed and gave me a plan I could trust the second time around.
You don’t need to wait for things to go wrong.
You deserve to get it right the first time.
Schedule a consultation at Vertrae® today
Let’s talk about your symptoms, your spine, and whether Barricaid® could help protect your future.
