Ten Years of Back Pain Nearly Broke Him—Then Mark Rebuilt His Life

Meet Mark: Living in the Shadow of Back Pain

Mark’s life is a balancing act. As a television sports editor and father of two energetic young kids, his days are packed—but not always active. Long hours at a desk took a toll, and as far back as 2009, Mark began battling persistent back pain.

The first major back pain episode hit him hard, and at the worst possible time. Mid-flight, the pain struck so intensely that he could barely stand. That same evening, while attending a family dinner, the pain again became unbearable. He collapsed on the restaurant floor and had to crawl out, unable to walk.

Over the years, Mark had countless flare-ups—some minor, others so severe they sent him to the Emergency Room. Reflecting back, Mark recalled, “It got so severe that I would have to have an EMT come to scrape me off the floor and take me to the hospital.”

He never knew when the next episode would strike. The uncertainty became a constant source of stress. Simple, everyday tasks—like putting on socks—started to feel impossible. More than anything, he feared not being able to keep up with his kids and do his job. Desperate for answers, he visited doctor after doctor, but real solutions were hard to come by. That changed when he turned to Commons Clinic.

His first visit with Dr. Sanjay Khurana revealed a serious issue in his cervical spine (neck) that needed to be addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Khurana recommended decompression and fusion surgery, and for a while after surgery, his back pain seemed to improve. The worst of the episodes faded, and life started to feel manageable again.

But over time, the pain crept back in. Mark realized the underlying issue, including his sedentary lifestyle, hadn’t been fully resolved—and this time, he didn’t hesitate. He knew exactly where to go.

His Diagnosis: Nonspecific Low Back Pain

When Mark returned to Commons Clinic, he wasn’t looking for a quick fix. He wanted a comprehensive, thoughtful approach—something that might spare him from another surgery. He hoped for someone who would truly take the time to understand the full scope of his back pain, which had now spanned more than a decade.

That someone turned out to be Dr. Allyson Estess, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. During his first visit, Mark came prepared to share it all—from his very first flare-up to every ER visit, every failed treatment, every moment the pain had disrupted his life. It was a long story, but Dr. Estess gave him the time to tell it.

She listened fully, patiently, and without rushing or interrupting. For the first time in a long time, Mark felt seen.

When he finished, she looked him in the eye and said: “I think I can help you. Here’s what we need to do.” In that moment, everything shifted. Mark no longer felt like a patient being shuffled through the system. He had a partner. A plan. And hope.

The diagnosis: nonspecific low back pain with significant associated weakness and mobility limitations. It wasn’t news he hadn’t heard before—but for the first time, it came with a real path forward. And now, he wasn’t facing it alone.

“Just the way she listened was nothing I had experienced with the multitude of doctors I had seen before.”

His Treatment Plan: Rebuilding Strength—and Life—One Step at a Time

With a clear diagnosis in hand, Dr. Estess designed a focused, intensive treatment plan centered on physical therapy—aimed not just at relieving Mark’s pain, but at restoring what the years of back issues had taken from him: his strength, his freedom, and his confidence.

What followed was a slow but steady climb. Week by week, session by session, Mark committed himself to the work. Physical therapy became more than just rehab—it became a turning point. Every stretch, every rep was a step away from the cycle of pain that had burdened his life for too long.

And through it all, Dr. Estess remained closely involved—tracking his progress, adjusting his plan, and staying connected to his goals. It was an ongoing partnership, rooted in trust.

Together, they weren’t just treating symptoms. They were rebuilding his life.

His Result: “They Rebuilt Me.”

Before finding Commons Clinic, Mark lived with constant uncertainty. He didn’t know what the future held, and that fear weighed heavily. Would his back hold up through another workday? Would he be able to chase his kids around the yard? Every day was a gamble, and the anxiety about his back pain was relentless.

Today, that fear is gone.

Stronger, more flexible, and finally free from the cycle of episodic pain, Mark reflects: “I’m a completely different person than I was three years ago.”

The transformation wasn’t just physical—it was mental. The dark cloud that had followed him for over a decade had lifted. He no longer wakes up bracing for the worst. He trusts his body again. And he’s back to living the life he thought he might lose.

The road wasn’t easy—or quick. Rebuilding a life after so many years of pain takes time. It takes commitment. And it takes the right team. But as Mark’s story shows, with perseverance and the right care, it is possible.

“Before Commons Clinic, I wasn’t sure where the future was headed. I’m grateful I found them—and now, going forward, there’s a lot to be optimistic about.”

Why Commons Clinic?

Mark had seen his share of specialists over the years. He had told his story—often in rushed appointments, where the depth of his pain was met with unclear solutions. But from the moment he stepped into Commons Clinic, he sensed this experience would be different.

He came in vulnerable, exhausted, and ready for change. And when he met Dr. Allyson Estess, something clicked.

He laid it all out—over a decade of pain, frustration, and fear. And when he finished, she looked at him and said, “I think I can help you.”

That simple moment changed everything. For the first time, he felt heard. Respected. Partnered with.

“They’re willing to listen to the person who’s experiencing it so they can work with them to get the problem solved.”

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Together, We Can Rebuild.

At Commons Clinic, care isn’t just about the diagnosis—it’s about you, the person behind the pain. It’s individualized, collaborative, and deeply invested in your outcome.

Whether you’re struggling with chronic back pain, considering surgery, or looking for expert-guided physical therapy, the Commons Clinic team is here to help you reclaim your life.