Conditions + Treatments
Spine Injury/Condition
From the moment I picked up my first pair of scissors, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve always had a strong work ethic—some would say a little too strong—and I’ve never been one to slow down. After growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and finishing school, I dove straight into the hair industry.
I started my own business, Vibe Salon, with just five stylists, and over the years, it’s grown to nearly twenty today. My days are long and fast-paced, filled with back-to-back clients and managing a business, but I truly love my career.
I’ve always considered myself a hustler. But for years, behind all the movement and busy days, I was quietly battling something else—constant, intense back pain.
I’d been dealing with back pain for as long as I can remember. I assumed it was just part of the job. I’m on my feet all day, constantly leaning over clients, twisting, moving, never sitting still. But it kept getting worse. There were times I’d quietly cry while washing someone’s hair at the shampoo bowl, hoping they wouldn’t notice the physical pain I was experiencing. I tried everything: Pilates, physical therapy, chiropractor visits, and I lived on Tylenol and Advil. Nothing provided, consistent relief from my pain.
Eventually, my chiropractor, Dr. Brian McDonald, referred me to Dr. Andrew Cordover, an orthopaedic spine surgeon at Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham. From day one, Dr. Cordover was determined to help me overcome my constant pain. After an MRI, I finally had answers: a slipped disc, two bulging discs, and a fracture. I was stunned and terrified. Surgery felt like a last resort—risky, overwhelming, and uncertain.
However, my very supportive husband said something that shifted everything. He looked at me and said, “One day, you’ll want to hold your grandkids. Do you want to be in this much pain then?” That hit me hard. I couldn’t keep living like this, especially not if it meant I couldn’t fully be there for the people I love most.
On December 2 and 3, 2024, had a two-part spine surgery. Dr. Cordover performed lumbar fusion surgery, both anterior and posterior, on L4, L5, and S1. I prayed nonstop in the days leading up to it. Waking up after surgery was tough. I couldn’t move on my own or take care of basic things. For someone like me who thrives on independence, that was incredibly hard. But day by day, I fought to get stronger.
I was back at the salon in six weeks. By three months, I was completely pain-free. No brace. No meds.
Before surgery, the pain affected everything—my mood, my ability to be a present mom and wife, and my passion for work. It was changing who I was. Now, I feel like I got my life back. I still have to be careful. I’ve traded in water skiing for walks, but I’m okay with that.
Today, when I walk into my salon pain-free, I feel nothing but gratitude. I’m back to doing what I love, serving clients with energy and joy, and living without the constant ache that once ruled my life.
My journey hasn’t just been about healing physically. It’s been a lesson in strength, faith, and resilience. I know now that with the right team, support from family, and a whole lot of prayer, anything is possible. My comeback is just the beginning.
