The patients at Spine Associates share their stories about spine surgery, scoliosis correction and surgery, and conservative treatment for spine conditions such as degenerative disc disease, sciatica and herniated discs.

To Public Opinion: On different occasions I have criticized and complained about the Health System in the U.S. because of the poor attention I have received in certain Hospitals and Clinics which I have had to attend because of different health problems. This time, I would like to extend my most sincere thanks and my recognition to Dr. BARBARA BARNETT, DO of Nova Medical Centers and to Dr. RICHARD FRANCIS, MD of Foundation Surgical Hospital, both in Houston, Texas for their excellent attention, professional and human, that I received while being treated for injuries which I suffered in an accident in May of this year. As we say in Mexico, “Honor to whom deserves honor”, and on this occasion this phrase goes to Dr. BARNETT and Dr. FRANCIS. Their work was not good, it was superb. I want to make this public as I say “Thanks”, a thousand “Thanks” to them for their attention. And I wish that every time I had to write a letter to our authorities, organizations, companies, associations, etc. they would all be like this one, in which I express my gratitude and satisfaction, and not criticizing or complaining about bad quality, or poor service attention, which on other occasions I have done. To all of my fellow companions in Press, Radio, and Television, as well as to my friends, and the public in general I suggest that we have to learn to recognize and appreciate what others do for us and not only criticize and complain about the bad things. Thank you DR. BARNETT and DR. FRANCIS!

I have spent the last eight years of my life in chronic severe pain. All of the doctors I had seen before Dr. Francis, in regards to my back pain, have told me that nothing could be done for me and surgery was not an option for me. One doctor in the past actually told me that my problem was that I had no tolerance for pain! When I finally met Dr. Francis and became his patient, it was a Godsend. He found that I did have very serious spinal (lumbar) problems and had been suffering too much pain for too long. He did my lumbar fusion surgery and I no longer have chronic pain everyday and night controlling my life. Dr. Francis has given back to me a more active life without daily pain. I am now able to do things that I have not been able to do for 10 years! I thank God for bringing me to Dr. Francis.

Excellent process from surgery to healing. I had minimal pain or discomfort after surgery and physical therapy. I would recommend anyone with the same problems that I had for this procedure.

I, Alice Kimball, got hurt back in May of 2006. It took me about 2 1/2 years to get the surgery – but I got sent to a Dr. Richard Francis and that was the answer to my prayer. They were so good to me and did all any staff and doctor could and should do for their patients and I thank God and Dr. Francis for it all. So I would say to anyone that might need surgery to have faith in God and Dr. Francis.

Dr. Francis and his staff at the Beaumont office and at Foundation in Houston, TX are superb and we couldn’t be more pleased. Also to Kim – Thank you for all of your help!

I feel like new after my surgery performed by Dr. Francis. When I found out that I had problems with my neck Dr. Francis did everything he could to make it better ASAP. The staff is wonderful and the hospital he used, HOSH, is the best. Other doctor’s offices and hospitals should pattern themselves after this practice. Thank you Dr. Francis & staff.

Prior to surgery I was in excruciating pain in my right leg. Within one week I was off of most of my pain medication and I am now, after three weeks, off of all pain medication.

Since my husband came to see Dr. Francis, things went good from the beginning. He had broken his neck 20 years ago and started having tremendous pain and numbness throughout both arms. After Dr. Francis finished his surgery, my husband felt a big difference almost immediately. He is a whole new person and can now enjoy the things that he was not able to do before the surgery. I am very grateful for Dr. Francis and his staff and refer them to anyone.

Dr. Francis is the first surgeon in 20 years that has given me any hope/chance of being pain free. Other surgeons had “written me off” as a patient whom they did not want to do surgery on. Dr. Francis, with the new technique of titanium pinwork on the spine, I believe will give many “written off” patients another chance of enjoying their lives. I’m glad to know him.

Great job. I feel much better now. Great doctor and staff.

Before I visited Dr. Francis, I suffered pain, spasms and twitching in my back and left leg for four years. I was constantly getting injections and denials that there was not any problems with my back and legs. My primary care doctor was very concerned with the constant injections and the constant pain I continued to experience until he told me he was sending me to see Dr. Francis. Dr. Francis recognized the problem, I have had the surgery and I feel so much better. He and his staff have been a blessing and a God sent to me. Thank you Dr. Francis and staff. May God continue to bless you.

Dr. Francis operated on me on July 3, 2009 to replace a vertebrae in my neck and he did an excellent job. I no longer have pain or numbness in my left arm and I can now make a fist. I would highly recommend Dr. Francis to anyone!

Before my surgery, I was in constant pain both physical and mental. I could no longer be a normal 13 year old. I had breathing problems, heart burn and was constantly falling and tripping from being off balance and had to deal with the continuous humiliation of people asking what’s wrong with my back and how it looks weird. I would like to let everyone know that even 3 years later I’m doing great! I’m now 17 and in the 11th grade. I’m a cheerleader, softball player and dancer at my school.

On July 26, 2004, I suffered a catastrophic accident whereby I technically was killed & died. My spinal cord was broken, dislocated and discs were crushed. That same evening this doctor walked in and said, “Hi, I am Richard Francis and I will be your surgeon”. This, to me, was a blessing from God. I did not know nor had ever heard of Dr. Francis. His skills and knowledge were unbelievable. I thank Dr. Francis for my recovery and pray that God will watch over and take care of this man because he is a blessing to mankind. God be with him and his family always.

Prior to being referred to Dr. Francis, I felt as if my life as I formerly knew it was over. I had been very active, but had become virtually bedridden due to my severe low back pain and leg weakness. When I did walk, it was with a cane and not for a long distance. The disc replacement surgery has freed me from constant pain and I feel renewed. I have returned to work as a high school teacher, wife and mother and once again enjoy long walks with my dog, Vegas. I thank God for bringing Dr. Francis to me.

Amazing! This was a life changing surgery for me, as I was unable to function. Dr. Francis helped me greatly from start to finish. I am forever indebted to him.

When I first came in I could not function for the most part. Walking, standing and sitting were all painful. Dr. Francis was sharp and honest with his recommendation of surgery. After weeks of pain, I didn’t know just how great ‘normal’ could feel. The staff, along with Dr. Francis, helped me and my family be able to understand and deal with my condition, my surgery, and my recovery. I feel great! I can pick up my son again and walk with him. He learned to walk while I was injured. How do I say thank you for helping me walk with my son? Thank you – Thank you – Thank you.

Prior to my surgery, I was in constant pain. Almost not being able to walk. The morning after, I was up and walking as if nothing was ever wrong. He’s the man!