Summary
A Texas ultramarathon runner had been sidelined since December 2021; nearly three years after stepping in a pothole during a race and developing piriformis syndrome on the right side, along with pinched nerves in her lower back causing debilitating sciatica down her leg. When a local surgeon recommended a three-level spinal fusion, she knew that would end her running career and began searching for alternatives. After finding Dr. Deukmedjian online and watching his videos, she traveled from Texas to Deuk Spine Institute for both the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® and the Deuk Piriformis Release®. A minimally invasive outpatient procedure using a four-millimeter incision. Less than 24 hours after surgery she reported zero pain in her leg for the first time in nearly three years, no pain medication needed, and was already looking forward to running again as soon as possible.
Transcript
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Dr. Deukmedjian, CEO and founder at Deuk Spine Institute. I have a lovely patient who came from Texas to Deuk Spine here in Florida for piriformis syndrome. Which we’re learning more and more about is a major cause of lower back pain and sciatica. The piriformis syndrome is a pain syndrome that occurs in the top of the buttock. It can be right or left or both. In her case it was the right side. She had horrible back pain, it caused sciatica as well, and she had some pinched nerves in her lower back. So she had the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® as well as our piriformis release. This was done yesterday. Less than 24 hours ago. How do you feel today?
Patient: Wonderful. I have zero pain in my leg, and I’ve had pain in my leg since I stepped in a pothole during a race. It’s gone. It’s just gone.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: How long ago did you step in the pothole?
Patient: December 12th of 2021. So almost three years now.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: You are a runner.
Patient: I am.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: You’re an ultramarathon runner, aren’t you?
Patient: I am.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: How did having that piriformis syndrome and the back problem affect your running?
Patient: It shut it down. I couldn’t run at all. It just stopped me.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: And how do you feel now?
Patient: I’m looking forward to running again as soon as possible.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Why did you choose Deuk Spine Institute to come and get the piriformis release; which we do minimally invasive with a small four-millimeter incision, done outpatient. We go in and release the piriformis muscle off the top of the hip. You can see that in the video. Why did you choose Deuk Spine Institute for that procedure?
Patient: Because the surgeon that I talked to previously wanted to do a three-level fusion and I knew that would end my running career. I found you on the internet, watched your videos, and said I need to talk to this guy. And I’m glad I did.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: She made the right decision, isn’t that right?
Patient: That is right.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Well, I’m happy you’re doing well. Before I ask. Are you on pain medication since your surgery?
Patient: No.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: You don’t need pain meds after our surgeries. Anything you want to tell the rest of the world out there?
Patient: If someone tells you they want to fuse your back… run. Call this guy. He is a miracle worker. I’m telling you, I haven’t felt this good in years. My leg doesn’t hurt. I love it.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: She said run and I know what she means. Run fast and run long, right?
Patient: Absolutely.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Well, congratulations. Enjoy the rest of your life in Texas. It’s a pleasure meeting you and thank you for your kind words.
Patient: Can’t thank you enough. You’re a miracle worker. You absolutely are.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure. Let’s get you guys out of here.
Deuk Piriformis Release® & Deuk Laser Disc Repair®
This patient underwent both the Deuk Piriformis Release® and the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® at Deuk Spine Institute to treat piriformis syndrome on the right side and pinched nerves in the lower back. Conditions that had caused nearly three years of sciatica and completely halted her ultramarathon running career. The Deuk Piriformis Release® is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed through a four-millimeter incision that releases the piriformis muscle from the top of the hip, eliminating the source of sciatic nerve compression and buttock pain. Combined with the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® to address her pinched lumbar nerves, both procedures were completed in a single outpatient visit. With no fusion, no hospitalization, and no narcotic pain medication. restoring complete leg pain relief within 24 hours. Patients who have been recommended a spinal fusion for back pain or sciatica are strongly encouraged to explore minimally invasive alternatives with a complimentary MRI review and virtual consultation at Deuk Spine Institute before proceeding.