As an active senior enjoying hiking, tennis, and the normal activities involved with grandchildren, I started experiencing lower back pain that became progressively debilitating and impacting my normal way of life. I tried physical therapy, acupuncture, exercise, heat, ice, drugs.... anything that would alleviate the constant pain. It eventually became difficult to stand erect, walk more than a quarter of a mile, sleep, and do normal daily activities. During my initial appointment with Dr. Alexander Hughes, he explained the condition in my spine and suggested surgery to correct it. Within 2 weeks of the appointment I had a laminectomy and spinal fusion that was the best thing that could have happened. After 6 months of recovery and physical therapy I was pain free and able to resume my normal list of activities! I was finally able to stand upright and take the most important walk of my life.... down the aisle with my new husband!