Finding freedom from back pain: Melba’s journey to reclaim her active life

For years, Melba had been the kind of person who stayed busy. She exercised regularly, had a bustling social life and took full advantage of the many activities offered at her senior living community. But when back and leg pain crept in and steadily worsened, the active lifestyle she loved began to shrink.

“It is so exhausting dealing with pain, both physically and emotionally,” Melba said. “It just wears you down.”

What first started as manageable discomfort eventually made even short walks difficult. The vibrant community she once enjoyed became harder to access.

“As the pain increased, the daily activities I used to once participate in became such a chore that I didn’t even want to leave my apartment,” she said.

Melba began to realize that this wasn’t just a passing ache, and it was starting to take over more than just her body.

When back pain starts to take over

According to the National Council on Aging, roughly 16 million American adults experience chronic back pain. As adults age, Dolor de espalda becomes increasingly prevalent, with almost 46% of people 65 and older affected, versus about 35% of adults in their 30s and early 40s.

Melba began to worry about what her future might look like. Would she be able to stay active? Would she lose her independence?

That uncertainty led her to reach out to her primary care provider, Jennifer Zimmer, MD, internal medicine provider on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano, who recommended Baylor Scott & White Health’s Muscle and Joint Care program.

Offering a coordinated approach through virtual and in-office visits, the program is designed to help people address joint, muscle and spine pain without unnecessary delays or confusion, from initial evaluation to treatment and follow-up.

Melba scheduled a video call with Leah Nelson, APRN, AGNP, adult gerontology nurse practitioner on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano and a provider for the Muscle and Joint Care program. Melba met her assigned care coordinator the next day and was scheduled for an MRI scan a week later.

“When I started this process, I didn’t have a lot of hope, to be honest,” Melba said. “I thought I was probably going to have to deal with the pain. But I was quickly impressed by the speed with which everything happened and the thoroughness of everyone involved.”

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A different kind of care experience

Almost immediately, Melba sensed that this approach to her care was unlike anything she had experienced before.

“From the doctors and intake process to the scheduling for tests, everything was handled with such professionalism and care. They explained my options and helped me understand what was happening with my back.”

That personalized support made all the difference for Melba, giving her direct access to a team of specialists without long waits—helping her find relief as quickly as possible.

The program’s providers address a wide range of muscle and joint conditions, from Artritis and bulging discs to pinched nerves and radiculopathy, offering tailored treatment options to help people regain strength and return to the activities they love.

Building strength and finding hope

Melba’s MRI scan revealed a clear indication of arthritis and bone spurs that were causing her discomfort, leading to an official diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy and lumbar spinal stenosis.

After discussing her options, Melba and her care team decided to begin with physical therapy.

She completed three weeks of physical therapy focused on strengthening her core, and almost immediately noticed improvement.

“I really didn’t have as much pain,” she said. “I could tell it was getting better.”

Jointly with her care team, they decided additional treatment would help her achieve her recovery goals. She received her first lumbar nerve block injection with Radhika Ravula, MD, anesthesiologist on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano.

“Within 24 hours, my pain was almost gone,” Melba said. After a second injection a few weeks later, it was completely resolved.

“I don’t have any pain at all now in my back or down my sides,” she said.

With the discomfort gone, something else returned, too: her confidence.

“As I went through the process, I began to feel stronger and more hopeful,” Melba said. “I realized that by following the physical therapy and exercise routines prepared specifically for me, I could live independently for longer. There is a lot of power in feeling stronger.”

Connected care that helps you move forward

Throughout her journey, Melba stayed closely connected to her care team.

“My care coordinator would check in regularly, asking me how my procedures went and letting me know what the next steps were,” she said.

That ongoing communication was through the MyBSWHealth patient portal, where Melba could easily message her care team, review health information and manage appointments in one place.

“One of the things I like most is their app,” she said. “All of your health records, medications and prescriptions are right there. You can send a message to your doctors through the app, or schedule and adjust appointments. It’s so easy to use.”

For someone living with chronic pain, that level of coordination and accessibility made a meaningful difference.

“When pain is ever-present, you start to panic about how far it’s going to go,” Melba said. “Having everything organized and accessible helped reduce that extra stress.”

Feeling empowered

As her strength returned and her pain faded, Melba felt empowered—something she hadn’t felt in what seemed like a long time.

“I felt like I was getting my life back again,” she said. “I could participate in activities with friends. It was awesome.”

These days, Melba is back to enjoying an active, fulfilling life, spending time with friends, staying engaged in her community and sharing memorable moments with family. She walks daily and continues to do the exercises she learned in physical therapy to keep her back strong.

“Knowing that the pain was gone, I could dive back into the things that meant so much to me,” she said. “My life is now fun, interesting and very active.”

Encouraging others who are living with back pain

Melba is quick to encourage others who may be struggling with similar muscle or joint pain not to wait.

“This journey, from beginning to a successful end, was about two and a half months, and everyone was so professional,” she said. “I am so impressed and grateful to Baylor Scott & White for the care I received. I would recommend the program to anyone living with back pain.”

For Melba, this journey wasn’t just about pain relief. It was about reclaiming her confidence and her independence.

“When you go through a process like this, you really do feel like you’re getting your life back. I can’t thank my team enough.”

Living with back pain? Take the first step toward getting your life back and schedule a virtual visit with the Muscle and Joint Care program today.