Sarah is the picture of a full life. She’s 81 years old and works part-time in the tax preparation industry. She is very active in her church and likes to go to the gym with her husband. But in 2006 back pain had become a constant in her life. She saw Dr. Lincoln for conservative treatments and was able to get some relief for a while, but when the treatments no longer worked, Dr. Lincoln referred her to Dr. Spruiell, a well-known spine surgeon with TOC (The Orthopaedic Center).

Sarah was desperate for relief. After meeting Dr. Spruiell, Sarah felt an instant rapport with him, one of the factors she credits for the success of her healthcare journey. “He connects with his patients, and was my cheerleader; I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.”

It was decided that surgery was the only recourse left. It was not an easy decision, but for Sarah it was the only one left. She had suffered for a long time with pain and could not live this way for the rest of her life.

In October 2019, Sarah underwent spinal fusion surgery. Seven months later, after recuperating and faithfully doing all the things that Dr. Spruiell asked, she is doing great. “I am now back to greeting church members and visitors at my church and getting around 75 hugs every Sunday.”

“I love Dr. Spruiell and his team. He is my cheerleader! Surely if he can help me find this much relief, he will for others, and that’s why I refer him to all my friends.”

Dr. Spruiell is an orthopaedic surgeon with additional fellowship training in spine surgery; he focuses his practice on all aspects of adult spinal surgery, including cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal disorders.

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From triathlons to long-distance running, Julie has always lived an active lifestyle. But being in government contracting, she sat at a desk all day. One day, while getting out of her car, Julie experienced excruciating pain in her lower back. Unable to walk, she had to go to the emergency room. Many questions ran through her mind: Who would help her? Would she be able to return to her active lifestyle?

She immediately called Dr. Howard Miller of TOC, who worked with Julie when she had knee issues, and he referred her to one of TOC’s spine specialists, Dr. Craig Lincoln. After meeting Julie, Dr. Lincoln diagnosed her with disc-related problems of the lower back.

When asked about her impression of Dr.  Lincoln, Julie noted that she was so pleased with the way that he listed to her and connected with her about her pain.  She said, “He was mindful of my active lifestyle, and was determined to find ways to get me back to a life that I could love.” 

Dr. Lincoln outlined a treatment plan of x-ray-guided spinal injections, exercises to strengthen her back, and suggested a standing-desk to help combat sitting all day. After Julie’s series of treatments, she found relief and was able to return to her active lifestyle.

What would Julie want others to know about Dr. Lincoln? Julie says, “He helped me. He is the best, caring spine and neck doctor. TOC is a great practice, and his team is attentive and unified. I have referred five people to him, and I will continue to.”

For those who are suffering like she was, Julie says, “Don’t give up; where there’s a will there’s a way, and Dr. Lincoln will be your biggest cheerleader.”

Dr. Lincoln specializes in non-surgical treatment of the spine and has received specialized training in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal injections, as well as EMG and nerve conduction studies.

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