Elizabeth Matthews

For years Elizabeth Matthews used to run daily. Then in June 2009 she began experiencing severe back pain. The pain became so intense that it hindered her ability to walk correctly. She tried multiple ways to alleviate the pain, including stretching exercises as well as pain medication. Frustrated and running out of options, Elizabeth decided to see Dr. Jana Watts, a Sports Medicine Physician. The MRI showed a herniated disc and sciatica. Elizabeth was referred to Dr. Hubert L. Gooch at Carolina Spine & Neurosurgery Center where she was able to get an appointment right away.

After reviewing Elizabeth’s MRI, Dr. Gooch explained that, depending on how she responded to treatment, surgery may not be necessary. He suggested three epidural steroid injections spaced two weeks apart.

“I was a little worried about the procedure, but the staff at Carolina Spine & Neurosurgery Center really went out of their way to put me at ease. Dr. Gooch and Tony, the x-ray technologist, were very professional and worked well together,” Ms. Matthews said.

After Elizabeth received her first injection, she experienced a drastic improvement in her pain level. She improved so much, it was determined she would not need any further treatments.