More Than Manageable

After having undergone laminectomy and fusion procedures to help his lower back, David Dunlap, 66, was getting a sense of déjà vu.

“I started recognizing the same sensations,” says the East Tennessee native, “but instead of being in my legs, it was now going on in my arms, shoulders, hands and fingers.”

The tingling, numbness and discomfort weren’t the only problems. Dunlap literally lost his grip, dropping things that he couldn’t keep in his hands.

Quality of Life

Before retirement, Dunlap had a thriving career as a certified therapeutic recreational therapist. He has been active throughout his adult life and wanted to keep moving through his retirement. “I want quality of life, not just a manageable life,” he says.

But Dunlap was losing the ability to swing a golf club and manage the strings on his guitar. While he was losing the ability to effectively use his fingers, he could feel his quality of life slipping through them at the same time.

Jeffery Albea, MD, a neurosurgeon at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, says Dunlap was suffering from pressure on nerve roots.

“When there is pressure on the nerve roots and they are dysfunctional, multiple symptoms can occur including pain, numbness and tingling, weakness, and dis-coordination,” Dr. Albea says. “Symptoms occur due to mechanical compression as well as reduced blood flow to the nerve roots.”

Finding an Answer

“There are various techniques to relieve this pressure and, in this particular case, an anterior cervical approach was optimal,” Dr. Albea says. 

Anterior cervical fusion is a procedure to remove a herniated or degenerative disc in the neck. It can relieve neck or arm pain caused by pinched nerves.

The anterior cervical fusion was performed in January 2020. As soon as Dunlap returned home he was able to strum his guitar again. Before summertime, he was back on stage with the band, and knew that golf wouldn’t be far behind.

At times when the recovery process was difficult, he counted on Dr. Albea and staff for help and support.

For anyone in pain from spine and nerve problems, or for those who may be afraid of spine surgery, Dunlap says he simply recommends trusting the experts like he did, from start to finish.    

“You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes in the quality of your life,” Dunlap says.

To learn more visit covenanthealth.com/spine/ or call (865) 331-2835.