Utah Teen Finds Surgical Relief From Debilitating Pain In Panama City
A year ago 18 year old Danelle Devine couldn't imagine being able to walk without assistance, much less go to college.
The competitive ski racer was in so much pain, she could barely get out of bed.
"I talked with my physical therapist and we tried taping my neck, we tried injections, we went to a migraine specialist and neuro opthalmologist. Over that summer we tried to figure stuff out but nothing was really working" says Danelle.
The pain started when Danelle broke her back at the age of 12 during one particularly hard fall while skiing.
She didn't fall often, but when she did, she fell hard.
"Danelle says "after my concussion in 2010 things just never went back to normal. It was clear that something was really, really wrong."
During a summer ski camp her vision went black causing her to fall.
Danelle went in search of help....again.
She says "we went from doctor to doctor to doctor to Dr.
Each of them saying -- we can't help you, go see this guy....or we can't do anything for you, go see this guy. Sorry I don't know what's wrong - go see him."
Nothing helped ease the pain and Danelle found herself unable to do the most mundane every day tasks.
"I was pulled from school because it had worsened to the point where I couldn't read without throwing up. I couldn't really walk very well by myself."
Danelle ended up in the hospital in November of 2011.
"When we were there nothing was accomplished. It was just from Doctor to doctor, test to test.."
Danelle's physical therapist started doing some research and
came upon an article written by Bay Medical neurosurgeon Dr. Joel Franck.
A call, then visit, to his panama city office gave her hope that finally something might be able to help.
Dr. Franck says his expertise in neurosurgery coupled with a high tech machine at a local chiropractors office is what's making the difference.
Next Wednesday we'll take a look at the procedure, how it works and how it finally got Danelle back on her feet.
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