Below is the incredible story of Patrick Cornelius – a father, musician and all around inspiration. Read Patrick’s Story:
I had been dealing with infrequent neck/back spasms since I was a teenager. I assumed at the time they were just a normal part of life for everyone. However, as I entered my 30s, they became so infrequent and disruptive to my everyday life, that I felt it was time to see a specialist. At the same time, some quite debilitating chronic nerve pain developed in both my arms and hands. 3 years ago, the pain became so severe that I actually had to stop working as a professional musician (saxophonist). This was DEVESTATING, both financially and personally. Music is not only my job, but my passion. not being able to play the saxophone without crippling pain was one of the lowest points of my life.
I found Dr. Senatus based on his sterling credentials and reputation. He was able to identify that the regular muscle spasms and chronic nerve pain were both symptoms of two severely herniated discs in my lower neck, most likely caused by a combination of heredity and poor body mechanics. We worked together for 2 years trying to manage the symptoms through medication, physical therapy, and exercise. Dr. Senatus was completely supportive of my desire to exhaust conservative therapeutic options and never once pressured me to elect surgery. In the end, though I did reach the conclusion (on my own) that surgery was the right decision. I had tried everything else from Sarno seminars to yoga, chiropractors, acupuncture, etc, and the problems only got worse, not better.
It’s now been nearly a year since Dr. Senatus performed bilevel ACDF, and from the moment I woke up from surgery the chronic nerve pain and spasms have been gone. They haven’t come back ONCE. Granted, I have had to work hard to regain strength and mobility after the procedure through physical therapy and ergonomic awareness, but overall I would consider the decision to have Dr. Senatus correct the herniations life-changing. I have returned to my previous life of performing, writing, and teaching music, and can once again engage my young, rambunctious children in physical activity without fear of debilitating spasms that can throw my back into knots for days.
As an aside, I want to add that my physical therapist and primary care physicians described my post-op and 6 month X-Rays as the most beautiful work they’ve ever seen. This speaks to Dr. Senatus’ exemplary technical skills. He’s also a very warm, sunny, individual, who shows genuine personal care and concern towards his patients. I can’t recommend him or his excellent team of support professionals (who have always been responsive and supportive) highly enough.
Dr. Patrick Senatus is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon in New York City with extensive experience in Minimally Invasive and Restorative Spine Surgery. Dr. Senatus employs a personalized patient-centered approach that prioritizes optimum functional outcome and well-being. Each consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Senatus designed to create an individualized evidence based treatment plan which includes the patient, family, and collaborating providers.
Following a conservative treatment philosophy, Dr. Senatus offers his patients solutions using the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery. His approach is to perform the most effective and least invasive intervention available, specifically tailored to each patient, guided by the principal that surgical options be considered only after all reasonable non-operative therapies have been exhausted. Returning his patients to a functional pain free lifestyle is the ultimate objective. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Recent Comments