Kate Gookin: A Closer Look

Our guest appearance on The Doctors provided a glimpse into Kate's struggle with chronic pain, and the subsequent relief she experienced after having surgery at Laser Spine Institute Scottsdale. The article below was published in this month's issue of our newsletter, the Spinal Column, and provides a detailed account of Kate's experience.
 
More than two million television viewers see how Kate Gookin finds relief from chronic pain.

Kate Gookin started suffering with back pain at an early age, which resulted from a three-bus accident. Finding relief would involve the proven techniques of Laser Spine Institute, and would be documented on the popular The Doctors television show.

Though Kate did her best to live a normal life, pain limited how active she could be. She was missing out on so many of the little things in life … picking up and playing with her small children, riding a bike or roller skating, or enjoying outdoor activities with her husband. She often felt that she was just “trudging through” her days.

In addition to the lower back pain she endured for more than 20 years, Kate started experiencing neck pain and migraine headaches nearly two years ago. Epidural spinal injections provided relief, but did not offer a permanent solution.

She also tried a number of measures to alleviate her lower back pain. Conservative treatments included chiropractic care, pain management, injections, traction, and massage therapy. She even lost 100 pounds in 12 months to relieve stress on her back.

The solution to Kate’s debilitating pain was Laser Spine Institute. She scheduled a consultation at the Scottsdale surgical center, and was diagnosed with multiple bone spurs, a painful ailment that causes pinched nerves and other complications. In early April, surgeon James St. Louis, D.O. performed an endoscopic, outpatient procedure to remove the bone growths.

Sixteen days later, Kate discussed the pain relief provided by Laser Spine Institute in front of a studio audience on The Doctors television show.  Click here to see a video segment of the inspiring story.