Patient Testimonials

I herniated a disc in my cervical spine in the fall and was experiencing a lot of pain and numbness down my right arm, as well as muscle spasms. I started PT with Mike Shirilla and recovered a lot more quickly than I expected to. Aside from doing traction, Mike showed me the proper exercises to help recover from my injury. He was great to work with and extremely knowledgeable. I feel back to normal now and even completed a 1/2 marathon recently. I can’t thank Mike and TCO enough for the great care I received. And, I was so pleased I did not get pushed at all into going a surgical route with my problem.

I herniated a disc in my C spine in the fall and experienced terrible pain and numbness down my right arm. I saw Dr. Bjerke, who immediately got MRIs done and recommended rest, then a course of PT. He did an excellent job. I feel completely better and I just completed a 1/2 marathon. I am thankful to TCO for helping me when I was so worried a few months back!

I’ve had some debilitating back and right hip issues and finally found Dr. Crowe. He actually listened and spent time trying to figure out what was going on. After an X-ray, it was determined I have some degenerative spine issues. He suggested trying an epidural spine shot and after a month it started feeling better. Now, I have started exercising again. It may come back but now I feel I’ve found a doctor who will listen and be there for me when it flares back up again. My next step is to strengthen my core and get back in shape to lessen any future issues. Thanks Dr. Crowe.

After 3 months of unsatisfying care through other referrals and recommendations, I asked Dr. Prebonich of North Memorial, my care provider for several years, who HE thought could help me. Dr. Ryan was his choice. She is ABSOLUTELY wonderful in every way. She listens and she articulately shares her thoughts. Her compassion for my needs seriously seems divine. Dr. Ryan’s clinical assistant, Ashley Rockey, is held equally as spectacular. If it’s Olympic style care you desire, CALL Dr. Ryan.

I have spent over 30 years struggling with back pain, and the past couple years have been the absolute worst as I had developed sciatica.

Dr. Crowe has given me my life back. In a matter of a couple weeks, the lumbar decompression he performed has permitted me do the things that I enjoy once again. My scarring is minimal too! I cannot wait until the weather breaks so my pups and I can go walking again. Thank you so much Dr. Crowe!

I had surgery for a synovial cyst on my spine in January 2017. I was quite miserable prior to the surgery, and the pain was gone after the surgery. Dr. Deal explained the proposed surgery in detail. I completed the physical therapy sessions after surgery. I was able to garden this summer and am able to do my household tasks. I am very happy with the results and thought Dr. Deal was very considerate.

After 15 years of pain and numbness radiating down the back of both legs and into my feet Dr. Deal performed a spinal fusion on my back L4, L5. I woke up after surgery with very little pain. Every day was better than the day before. My only regret was waiting so many years to have my surgery. I also have anxiety and panic issues. Dr. Deal and his nurse gave me the calm and courage to proceed. At age 69 I, for the first time in many years, feel positive about my future. I can now stand to cook and bake for my family, pain free. Thank you kindly, Dr. Deal. What a wonderful gift you have.

WOW! Nice job! I feel like a new person. Surgery on L4, L5, and S1 allows me to walk, stand, and move around without pain. I feel 20 years younger!

Dr. Christian DuBois is not only a skilled and gifted surgeon but an excellent communicator.  He has completed 2 cervical fusions for me C6&C7 2012 and C5&C6 May 2016.  Both fusions although different in technique have been highly successful in relieving constant headaches, severe arm and neck pain.  Dr. DuBois was always very conscientious in explaining options and procedure, never rushing our appointments, while always listening to my concerns.  He empowered me as a patient in letting me know the final decision was mine. To quote my husband, “He is a miracle worker.”  It cannot go without saying Dr. DuBois’ assistant Bonnie is a one of a kind, efficient, caring, and compassionate person.  She has seemed like a lifeline for me on many occasions.  I will continue to recommend Dr. DuBois and his team with the greatest of confidence. A simple thank you does not seem like enough.

Dr. Deal performed surgery on my neck (discectomy and fusion C5 and/or C6) in December 2015. I have degenerative disc disease, had a herniated disc, suddenly last year I was in total pain. My symptoms were getting worse (right arm was going numb, severe neck pain, headaches). They were making it hard to do any type of exercise or sports, even work was a struggle. My family is very athletic and outdoors. I was slowly missing out because of the pain. I cannot tolerate pain medication so that was not even an option. I couldn’t ride my bike more than a few minutes without my arm going numb. I couldn’t keep up with my children. However, Dr. Deal changed all that. I just had my 6 month appointment a few days ago and my x-rays look good. I was given the OK to start jogging again, along with anything else I want to do.

I have been pain free and have not had any numbness in my arm since the surgery. Yesterday I started jogging again. I did a slow, short jog with a friend. Afterward, he said, “Did you realize this is your first time out since last summer and you could go farther than you did last year?”. I realized YES! Truth! This is after no exercising for the last 6 months! A few stretches here and there, slow walking (no power walks). I am simply amazed by Dr. Deal’s work. He knew exactly what needed to be done to get me back to my previous state. I can bike with the kids and not have to stop due to numbness in my arm or pain. Our family is so grateful. Anyone living with chronic pain knows that it is a struggle to just get out of bed some days. When pain is inside the body but not noticeable to the outside world, life can be a struggle. People (even those closest to you) do not and cannot possibly understand. I am happy to say I do not have chronic pain anymore! I am still amazed at how I feel only 6 months after the surgery. My scar is hardly noticeable. I have more energy. Overall, I feel like a new person. Thank you Dr. Deal!