For nearly 30 years, Karen Linnell lived with chronic back pain that started during her first pregnancy.
As a physical therapist, she tried everything she knew to ease the discomfort—but nothing worked. By 2020, even sitting for a few minutes became unbearable, leaving her feeling hopeless.
Determined to find relief, Karen sought help from orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Chris Cornett, who diagnosed severe arthritis in her lower spine. Initially hesitant about surgery, Karen explored every noninvasive option. But as her pain grew worse, she made the courageous decision to undergo an anterior lumbar fusion.
In July 2022, Dr. Cornett performed the procedure, stabilizing her spine without cutting muscle. Though recovery was difficult, Karen stayed committed to her rehabilitation plan. Eight weeks later, she began to feel real relief, and by October, she was back to work and enjoying life pain-free.
Today, Karen is hiking, active, and living without limits. Her experience not only gave her a new lease on life but also reshaped how she approaches her work as a physical therapist.
“If you’re struggling with back pain, don’t give up,” she encourages. “It’s okay to feel scared, but trust in the process. Dr. Cornett’s expertise and compassionate care changed my life, and I’m forever grateful to him for helping me reclaim the life I love.”