Thirty-six-year-old Jessica Clark from Blacksburg, South Carolina, works in a warehouse operating a cherry picker. She enjoys cooking for her family, spending time with her husband and children, and being active in her church.

Recently, Jessica lifted a heavy box at work and felt a pop in her back. At first, doctors believed she had sciatica, but as additional symptoms developed, an MRI revealed cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition caused by pressure on the nerves at the base of the spine. After undergoing emergency back surgery, she researched rehabilitation facilities and chose Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute (SRI) for inpatient rehabilitation.

“I had a wonderful experience,” Jessica says. “The care and therapy I received helped me regain strength and independence.”

After returning home and making progress with outpatient therapy, Jessica began experiencing worsening back and leg pain, along with increasing bladder issues. She returned to her surgeon, who ordered another MRI that showed scar tissue pressing on her spine. She then underwent a second back surgery.

Following surgery, Jessica returned to SRI because of the positive experience she had during her first stay. “I had such a good experience after the first surgery and wanted to come back to SRI because I knew I would receive good care,” she says.

Upon arrival at SRI, Jessica was unable to walk, dress herself, use the bathroom independently, or shower without assistance. She also had significant weakness in her legs and had to follow back precautions that limited bending and twisting. She worked closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team who developed an individualized treatment plan that included physical and occupational therapy.

In physical therapy, she practiced walking with a rolling walker, transferring safely, and moving in and out of bed while protecting her back.

“I became very tired quickly and needed a lot of rest breaks,” Jessica says. “As time went on, I became stronger and eventually was able to walk 625 feet. I’m very proud of this.”

In occupational therapy, Jessica learned to use adaptive equipment to dress herself without bending and practiced bathroom tasks while working on pelvic floor rehabilitation to help improve her bladder control. “All the therapists were very patient and encouraged me,” she says. “They did a great job explaining things and were very knowledgeable when I had questions.”

After 14 days of inpatient rehabilitation, Jessica can walk with a walker, transfer independently, and dress herself. She has also gained more independence with personal care and continues working toward standing for longer periods.

Looking ahead, Jessica is excited to return to the activities she loves, including spending time with her family, cooking, and attending church.

“I’m excited to be able to go back to church and feel like part of the community again,” she says.