Helping a Longtime Scoliosis Patient Live Pain Free Again
Gabrielle Eckhardt, of Valparaiso, Indiana, has lived much of her 40 years with back pain. As a growing child, she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis by a pediatrician who described her spinal curve as a "complete S."
What Is Scoliosis? Understanding a Common Spine Condition
Scoliosis, when the spine abnormally curves sideways into an "S" or "C" shape, is one of the most prevalent spinal conditions in the U.S., with almost seven million people currently living with it. It is more common in females than in males.
Everyone's spine is naturally curved to give it more strength, flexibility, and better movement. However, if the spine loses its natural and healthy curve, it disrupts the biomechanics of the entire spine. This can cause problems ranging from unbalanced shoulders and breathing trouble to extreme pain.
How Scoliosis Severity Is Measured: Understanding Cobb Angle
Curvature size is determined by a measurement known as the Cobb angle, based on a patient's X-ray. This helps determine how far out of alignment a scoliotic spine is and classifies it as mild, moderate, or severe.
- Mild scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement between 10 and 25 degrees
- Moderate scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement between 25 and 40 degrees
- Severe scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of 40+ degrees
Endoscopic Spine Surgery for Foraminal Disc Herniation: Richard's Same-Day Recovery Story
Richard Gatewood, 54, of Versailles, Kentucky, is a digital marketing executive whose career depends on travel, performance, and staying active. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and exploring new places with his wife and three children.
In early 2026, everything changed.
Lumbar Disc Impingement: When a Familiar Problem Becomes Something Much Worse
Richard had experienced back pain before. In 2016, and again five years later, lumbar disc impingement caused significant discomfort that was successfully treated by a local provider with epidural injections. But this time was different.
"It felt like I had been electrified — like burning acid had been poured down my leg," Richard says. "I'm a very durable person, but this was unlike anything I had ever experienced."
