For Whit Turnbow, president of the Tennessee Golf Foundation, golf has been a part of life for more than 40 years. Over the decades, countless swings and rounds on the course took their toll on his back.
Around 2010, Whit began experiencing back problems. By early 2020, the pain had become unbearable. Despite trying numerous treatments, including pain medications, decompression treatments, and chiropractic care, he continued to struggle with severe pain radiating down both legs.
The pain was more than uncomfortable. It could cause stomach pain, cold sweats, and significant difficulty moving. After exhausting other options without finding lasting relief, Whit decided to pursue surgery.
He underwent a microdiscectomy and laminectomy at the same spinal level to address the problems contributing to his symptoms.
Before surgery, Whit could barely make it into the surgery center. Afterward, he walked out pain-free.
Most remarkably, he reports that his pain has not returned since the procedure. He has continued playing golf and hitting the ball, getting back to an activity that has been an important part of his life for decades.
Whit describes himself as living proof that spine surgery can work.
His experience highlights how debilitating spinal conditions can become when pain interferes with everyday activities and passions. While outcomes vary depending on the individual and the underlying condition, the right surgical procedure can make a meaningful difference for appropriately selected patients.
For Whit, the result was more than pain relief. It was the opportunity to get back to doing what he loves.
Spine surgery isn’t just about addressing a spinal condition. For the right patient, it can be about reclaiming the activities that make life meaningful.