Faster Appointments For Intense Back Pain

Sheila Wilder experienced muscle spasms and back pain radiating to the bottom of her feet for more than a month.

At times, the pain was so intense, the 58-year-old Indianapolis small claims clerk could barely walk.

With the help of Franciscan Health’s Spine Triage Referral Program, she was referred to Gregory Strock, MD, with Franciscan Physician Network Neuroscience Specialists Mooresville. The Spine Triage referral program is an expedited process to help patients be seen sooner for acute pain.

With the help of Dr. Strock, Wilder soon found herself on the road to recovery.

"We see a lot of patients with the same general problems but not usually as severe or as debilitating as Mrs. Wilder’s pain was at the time," said Dr. Strock, a pain management specialist board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

During the first visit, Dr. Strock reviewed Wilder’s MRI results and discussed treatment plans. Wilder discovered that the left sciatica nerve pain was from degenerative discs and joints. Dr. Strock recommended a spinal injection procedure — a left-sided transforaminal lumbar epidural — to help ease her pain.

"These injections are done with X-ray guidance to ensure proper placement," Dr. Strock said. "Studies support them for the leg pain, which she had as a primary complaint."

Wilder said Dr. Strock kept her at ease throughout the process.

"He explained every step to me before and as he was doing the procedure," Wilder said. "He just took all the fear and anxiety away. I thanked him for allowing God to use him and for his bedside manner. I mean, he is just excellent."

He told her the injection could take days to a couple of weeks to take effect, but in just three days, she could feel a significant change and could walk up and down the stairs again.

"After seeing Dr. Strock and following his instructions, along with the spinal injection, my quality of life is back to about 90 percent," Wilder said.

In addition to her praise for Dr. Strock, Wilder commended the office staff, saying they were always welcoming, patient and empathetic.

"I believe we have really dialed into a multidisciplinary approach with physical therapy, imaging and injections or surgery when needed," Dr. Strock said. "We have access to the spectrum of treatment needs and good communication between those disciplines."