For many people living with chronic pain, life is measured in “breaks.” A break to sit down while cooking dinner, a break from playing with the kids because the ache is too much, or even a two-year break from doing your own hair because you simply can’t lift your arms.
This was the reality for Jessica. After a traumatic accident, Jessica was left in tremendous pain that stripped away her independence and her ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. But her story didn’t end there.
Through the expertise of Dr. Branko Skovrlj and the team at NU-Spine, Jessica reclaimed her life through minimally invasive spine and neck surgery.
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Reclaiming the “Normal” Moments
In her emotional success story, Jessica reflects on how she thought a full range of motion was a thing of the past. “The biggest change,” Jessica notes, “is that I have full range of motion, which I did not think would happen.”
Today, the “breaks” are gone. Jessica is back to:
Boating and exercising with her husband.
Singing regularly without the distraction of pain.
Cooking dinner in one go, without needing to stop.
Playing with her children and being the active mother she always wanted to be.
Perhaps most poignantly, Jessica can finally do her own hair again—a task her daughter had been doing for her for two years because Jessica couldn’t hold her arms up long enough.
Why Minimally Invasive Spine and Neck Surgery?
Many patients are hesitant about surgery, just as Jessica was. The idea of a procedure on the spine or neck can feel overwhelming. However, Dr. Branko Skovrlj and the NU-Spine team specialize in minimally invasive techniques that prioritize:
Smaller Incisions: Jessica noted that even though her surgery was on the front of her throat, “you can’t even see it.”
Faster Recovery: Minimally invasive procedures are designed to get you back to your life—boating, singing, and playing—faster than traditional open surgery.
Less Post-Operative Pain: By minimizing disruption to the surrounding muscles and tissues, patients often experience a smoother transition to a pain-free life.
Easing the Nerves: Common Questions About Spine Surgery
It is completely normal to feel “freaked out” when facing surgery. Jessica admitted she was hesitant because “it’s a big deal.” Here is how the NU-Spine team helps ease those nervous feelings:
“What if I have an emergency or a question over the weekend?”
One of the things Jessica appreciated most was the accessibility of the staff. The NU-Spine team is known for answering the phone on nights, weekends, and even holidays to provide peace of mind during the recovery process.
“Will I ever feel like ‘myself’ again?”
Jessica’s answer is a resounding yes. “If you asked me to do it all over again, I would feel myself again,” she says. The goal of NU-Spine isn’t just to “fix a problem,” but to return you to the activities that define who you are.
“Is it worth the risk?”
Jessica’s advice to anyone waiting is simple: “Don’t hold off and wait… do it as soon as you can.”
World-Class Care, Locally Available
NU-Spine is committed to making life-changing spinal care accessible. Whether you are seeking a consultation for chronic neck pain or looking for advanced surgical options, we are nearby.
We are proud to serve our communities across 10 convenient locations:
7 Locations in New Jersey (including Edison, Brick, and Paramus)
2 Locations in Florida
1 Location in Pennsylvania
You can find the clinic closest to you by visiting our Locations Page.
Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life
Jessica’s story is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to live in pain. With the right surgeon and a supportive medical team, a normal, active life is within reach.
Ready to start your own success story? Contact NU-Spine today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Branko Skovrlj and see if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.
Watch Jessica’s Full Success Story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8
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