[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/from-chronic-pain-to-physical-freedom-jessicas-life-changing-journey-with-nu-spine\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/from-chronic-pain-to-physical-freedom-jessicas-life-changing-journey-with-nu-spine\/","headline":"From Chronic Pain to Physical Freedom: Jessica\u2019s Life-Changing Journey with NU-Spine","name":"From Chronic Pain to Physical Freedom: Jessica\u2019s Life-Changing Journey with NU-Spine","description":"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\u2019t lift your arms.This was the reality for Jessica. […]","datePublished":"2026-01-12","dateModified":"2026-01-16","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/#Person","name":"Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/14-From-Chronic-Pain-to-Playing-with-Her-Kids-Again-Jessicas-Incredible-Journey-YouTube-01-13-2026_03_33_PM.png","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/14-From-Chronic-Pain-to-Playing-with-Her-Kids-Again-Jessicas-Incredible-Journey-YouTube-01-13-2026_03_33_PM.png","height":607,"width":992},"url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/from-chronic-pain-to-physical-freedom-jessicas-life-changing-journey-with-nu-spine\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8","name":"From Chronic Pain to Playing with Her Kids Again: Jessica\u2019s Incredible Journey","description":"Imagine not being able to do your own hair for two years or having to take breaks just to cook dinner for your family. For Jessica, this was her reality after a devastating accident left her in constant pain. \ud83d\uded1\n\nIn this moving success story, Jessica shares how Dr. Branko Skovrlj and the NU-Spine team helped her achieve what she thought was impossible: a full range of motion and a life completely pain-free.\n\nToday, Jessica is back to: \u2705 Playing with her kids without limits \ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2640\ufe0f \u2705 Boating and exercising again \ud83d\udea4 \u2705 Singing her heart out, pain-free \ud83c\udfa4 \u2705 Even doing her own hair for the first time in years!\n\n\"It has been life-changing,\" Jessica says. If you've been hesitant about surgery, let Jessica\u2019s story be your sign that the right surgeon can give you your life back.\n\nVisit our site and make an appointment today! \nwww.nu-spine.com\/\n\n#NuSpine #spinesurgery  #ClientTestimonial #PainRelief #WellnessJourney #HealthTransformation #spinesurgerysuccess #neurosurgeon","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/3PRVMpwHTr8\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/3PRVMpwHTr8\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/3PRVMpwHTr8\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/3PRVMpwHTr8\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/3PRVMpwHTr8\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-12-24T14:16:21+00:00","duration":"PT1M43S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3PRVMpwHTr8","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCHz8CClG93yvkjp_d4TCovw#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCHz8CClG93yvkjp_d4TCovw","name":"NU-Spine","description":"NJ spine center and advanced surgical center provides the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery in the country. Founded by a neurosurgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Branko Skovrlj, the NU-Spine pain center houses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and newest treatment options.\n\nBest in class spine surgeon in New Jersey Dr. Skovrlj, the founder of NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Dr. Skovrlj is one of only a handful of spine neurosurgeons who focuses his expertise in the treatment of complex spine procedures. At his spine care center he uses advanced surgical techniques and latest technology to provide patients with evidence-based spinal treatments focusing on long-term successful outcomes.\n\nCall us today and visit one of our 7 NJ locations: https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/contact\/\n\n732-640-8203\n\n \n\n \n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/HD5LVyxZuiHT6jgSJsYX8fHW6N4pAVSVySTbnaafwDsRzOMylmsXOTOL1U96mIfeaFPZfgoufg=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":7638}]]},"about":["Neck \/ Cervical"],"wordCount":691,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor 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\u2019t 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\u2019s simple pleasures. But her story didn\u2019t 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.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0Reclaiming the “Normal” MomentsIn 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\u2014a 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\u2014boating, singing, and playing\u2014faster 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 SurgeryIt is completely normal to feel “freaked out” when facing surgery. Jessica admitted she was hesitant because “it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s advice to anyone waiting is simple: “Don\u2019t hold off and wait… do it as soon as you can.”World-Class Care, Locally AvailableNU-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 Florida1 Location in PennsylvaniaYou can find the clinic closest to you by visiting our Locations Page.Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free LifeJessica\u2019s story is a testament to the fact that you don\u2019t 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\u2019s Full Success Story here: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3PRVMpwHTr8\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact us!\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t                                                                                                                    CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name                                                                                                                                                                First                                                                                                                                                                                                                Last                                                                                                    Email(Required)                                                    PhoneInsurance Company NameHow Can We Help?                                                                                                                                                                                                      Δdocument.getElementById( \"ak_js_5\" ).setAttribute( \"value\", ( new Date() ).getTime() );                        gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 1, 'https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/gravityforms\/images\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_1').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_1');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_1').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/  }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_1').val();gformInitSpinner( 1, 'https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/gravityforms\/images\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [1, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_1'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [1]);window['gf_submitting_1'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_1').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_1').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"1\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_1\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_1\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_1\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 1, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"From Chronic Pain to Physical Freedom: Jessica\u2019s Life-Changing Journey with NU-Spine","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/from-chronic-pain-to-physical-freedom-jessicas-life-changing-journey-with-nu-spine\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]