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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."

  • Google 748721Google

    Dr Park has been great! He's patient, takes his time to answer any questions. Never felt rushed. Did excellent with my surgery. Highly recommend him!

    ~ B M ~

  • Google 748720Google

    I’ve seen Dr. Parker a few times. He’s a highly skilled surgeon with a great personality. He patiently took his time to explain what is wrong with my spine and he listened to my concerns. Then we discussed what we need to do to solve the problem with my spine. I am following his instruc...

    ~ D R ~

  • Google 748719Google

    Dr. Park is very professional & thorough. His PA (NP?) was also the same. I appreciated seeing both. They listened carefully and answered all of my questions. Office staff were very nice & location and office setting, in Troy at Unasource were perfect for my needs.

    ~ S B ~

  • Google 748718Google

    Dr Park!! Changed my life!! I can’t thank him and his team enough!! I believe like a husband is only as good as his wife and also a doctor is only as good as his team!! You have truly changed my life style for the better God bless The STOCKWELLS

    ~ S S ~

  • Google 748717Google

    I received a 2 level Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement along with some cleanup. I am 6 weeks post Op and feeling much better than before surgery and still recovering starting PT. Dr. Park is a great Surgeon and explains things very well. My neck is feeling better than it has in 10 years. His PA K...

    ~ T S ~

  • Google 748716Google

    This was my first visit with Dr Park who came highly recommended. He was very knowledgeable and very honest with what my treatment should be. He treated me like family and was very straight forward with me. I was seen within 15 minutes of my arrival and although the office was crowded, I was not th...

    ~ D M ~

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