Regaining Life After Decades of Spinal Pain
At a glance:
- Condition: Fran suffered with painful and debilitating Spinal Arthrosis affecting six vertebrae, caused by a fall in 1963 and years of strain during her nursing career lifting patients.
- Treatment history: Decades of worsening pain led to frequent hospital admissions, reliance on morphine and pain patches, and eventually the purchase of a wheelchair. Her quality of life and confidence were deeply affected.
- Referral to MBST: In May 2021, Fran’s youngest daughter discovered MBST. She began a 9-session MBST course at At The Core in Bath, alongside exercise therapy.
- During MBST: By her 5th session, Fran’s pain levels had reduced noticeably. Two weeks after completing the course, she had stopped taking Oromorph and halved her paracetamol intake.
- Post-MBST: Fran regained mobility, returned to gardening and daily activities, no longer required occupational therapy aids, could stand and walk comfortably, and with pain no longer visible on her face, she could finally enjoy life without constant discomfort.
Fran’s spinal problems began in 1963 after falling down a flight of stairs on her first day at the Royal College of Music. Decades of physically demanding work as a nurse, lifting and supporting patients, had gradually worsened her spinal condition. Eventually, Fran’s back pain was diagnosed as Spinal Arthrosis – a condition where the cartilage between spinal facets wears down, causing the bones to rub and damage surrounding tissue. This can be a very painful, debilitating condition, and in Fran’s case, she was experiencing the onset of Arthrosis in six vertebrae.
At her worst, Fran endured frequent hospital admissions for spinal spasms, relied on morphine, pain patches, and multiple medications, and had begun using occupational therapy aids. Walking was nearly impossible. She recalls:
“Life was becoming unmanageable and very depressing… when I woke up in the morning, my first thoughts were fear at what lay ahead.”
Referral to MBST
After reluctantly buying a wheelchair, Fran’s youngest daughter discovered MBST. In May 2021, Fran attended At The Core in Bath, where she was prescribed a course of 9 MBST sessions alongside exercise therapy.
During MBST – Recovery and Early Results
By the 5th session, Fran noticed a marked reduction in pain and improved mobility. Two weeks after completing the course, she had stopped Oromorph completely and halved her paracetamol intake.
“I said during my sessions that it was magic, and it really is. I no longer have back pain, and I get out of bed excited to face the day instead of fearing it.”
Post-MBST – Results, Life Changes, and Long-Term Benefits
Six months later, Fran remained pain-free, had returned all occupational therapy aids, and was enjoying hobbies like gardening again. Off morphine, she could finally enjoy a glass of wine. Her friends noticed she even looked different, with the burden of chronic pain no longer visible on her face.
“I feel so lucky to be able to live a more normal life. I can bake with my granddaughters and go for walks again. Next, I’m planning MBST on my hip after a disastrous hip replacement in 2018.”
Quote from Fran’s Healthcare Professional
“Fran presented with severe pain and limited mobility after years of spinal degeneration. The biggest challenge was helping her break free from the cycle of pain and fear of movement. Once MBST reduced her pain, we could progress her exercise therapy, and that combination built her confidence back. Her humour and determination carried her through – she’s a great example of how function and quality of life can be restored even in complex, long-term cases.”
— Adey, Lead Physiotherapist at At The Core, Bath
Conclusion
Fran’s journey shows how MBST has the potential to support patients with severe spinal degeneration to regain independence, reduce reliance on pain medication, and restore everyday joys that once felt impossible.
