Skip to main content
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Donate opens in new window
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
Hoag
  • Specialties & Services
    Our institutes

    Hoag Family Cancer Institute

    View Institute
    • Conditions
      • Bladder Cancer
      • Brain Cancer
      • Breast Cancer
      • Colorectal Cancer
      • Endocrine Tumors
      • Gynecologic Cancer Program
      • Head & Neck Cancer
      • Lung Cancer
      • Skin Cancer/Melanoma
      • Pancreatic Cancer
      • Renal (Kidney) Cancer
      • Sarcoma
      • View All
    • Treatments & Services
      • Applied Genomics
      • Cancer Trials
      • Cell Therapy
      • da Vinci® Robotic Surgery
      • Gamma Knife
      • Genetic Counseling
      • High Risk
      • Infusion Services
      • Molecular Imaging
      • Radiation Oncology

    Hoag Digestive Health Institute

    View Institute
    • Programs
      • Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss
      • Colorectal
      • Foregut (Esophagus & Stomach)
      • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
      • Liver
      • Midgut (Pancreas, Biliary & Gallbladder)
      • Motility

    Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute

    View Institute
    • Programs & Services
      • Aneurysm
      • Aortic Center
      • Arrhythmia
      • Cardiac Rehabilitation
      • Clinical Research
      • Coronary Artery Disease
      • Cardiovascular Testing
      • Endovascular Procedures
      • Heart Failure
      • Heart Healthy Living
      • Marfan Syndrome and Related Conditions
      • Screening
      • Stents
      • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
      • Vascular Disease
      • Valve Diseases

    Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute

    View Institute
    • Programs
      • Acute Rehabilitation
      • Addiction Medicine
      • Alzheimer’s Disease
      • Brain Cancer
      • Epilepsy
      • Headache
      • Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology Program
      • Neurobehavioral Health
      • Pain and Neuropathy
      • Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders
      • Skull Base & Pituitary Tumors
      • Sleep Health
      • Stroke
    • Diagnostics & Treatment
      • Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
      • Gamma Knife
      • Interventional Neuroradiology
      • MRI / 3T / CT
      • EEG/EMG (Neurophysiology)
      • Neuroradiology
      • Neuro Rehabilitation
      • PET / CT
      • Tomotherapy

    Hoag Orthopedic Institute

    View Institute
    • Programs
      • Elbow
      • Foot & Ankle
      • Hand & Wrist
      • Hip
      • Knee
      • Shoulder
      • Spine
      • Trauma
    • Services
      • Sports Medicine
      • Physical Therapy
      • Diagnostics
      • Sarcoma
      • Travel Program
      • International Patients

    Hoag Spine Center

    View Center
    • Conditions
      • Chiari Malformation
      • Chronic Neck or Back Pain
      • Degenerative Back and Neck Disorders
      • Herniated Disc/Lumbar Disc Disease
      • Kyphosis
      • Lower Back Pain
      • Myelopathy
      • Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
      • Nerve Compression
      • Osteoporosis
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Radiculopathy
      • Scoliosis
      • Spina Bifida
      • Sciatica
      • Spinal Deformity
      • Spinal Tumors
      • Spinal Stenosis
      • Spinal Fractures
      • Spondylolisthesis
      • Tailbone Pain
      • Whiplash

    Hoag Women’s Health Institute

    View Institute
    • Breast Health
      • Meet the Team
      • Locations
      • Imaging
      • Diagnosis
      • Surgery
      • Chemotherapy
      • Radiation Therapy
      • High Risk
    • Gynecologic Health
      • Gynecologic Cancer Program
      • Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
      • Pelvic Health
    • Maternal Child Health
      • Pregnancy
      • Prenatal Classes / OB Education
      • Pre-Registration
      • Virtual Maternity Tour
      • NICU
      • Support Services
      • Mental Health
    • Wellness & Prevention
      • Hoag for Her Center for Wellness
      • Integrated Services
      • Meet Our Team
      • Classes

    Other Programs & Services

    View All
    • Acute Rehabilitation
    • Addiction Medicine
    • Breast Program
    • Clinical Research
    • Concierge Medicine
    • Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center
    • End of Life Care
    • Executive Health
    • Hoag At Home
    • Hoag Endoscopy Center
    • Hoag Genetic Counseling
    • Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living
    • Mental Health Services
    • Nurse Navigator
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Outpatient Lab
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation Services
    • Palliative Care
    • Pelvic Health
    • Physical Therapy
    • Pregnancy & Infant Loss
    • Radiology & Imaging Services
    • Respiratory Care
    • Robotics
    • Sleep Health
    • Smoking Cessation
    • Speech Therapy
    • Spine Center
    • Spiritual Care
    • Sports Medicine
    • Thyroid

    Specialties & Services

    Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County. Learn more about our top rated Institutes and services in Southern California.

    View all Specialties & Services

    View All
    • Conditions
      • Bladder Cancer
      • Brain Cancer
      • Breast Cancer
      • Colorectal Cancer
      • Endocrine Tumors
      • Gynecologic Cancer Program
      • Head & Neck Cancer
      • Lung Cancer
      • Skin Cancer/Melanoma
      • Pancreatic Cancer
      • Renal (Kidney) Cancer
      • Sarcoma
      • View All
    • Treatments & Services
      • Applied Genomics
      • Cancer Trials
      • Cell Therapy
      • da Vinci® Robotic Surgery
      • Gamma Knife
      • Genetic Counseling
      • High Risk
      • Infusion Services
      • Molecular Imaging
      • Radiation Oncology

    View All
    • Programs
      • Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss
      • Colorectal
      • Foregut (Esophagus & Stomach)
      • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
      • Liver
      • Midgut (Pancreas, Biliary & Gallbladder)
      • Motility

    View All
    • Programs & Services
      • Aneurysm
      • Aortic Center
      • Arrhythmia
      • Cardiac Rehabilitation
      • Clinical Research
      • Coronary Artery Disease
      • Cardiovascular Testing
      • Endovascular Procedures
      • Heart Failure
      • Heart Healthy Living
      • Marfan Syndrome and Related Conditions
      • Screening
      • Stents
      • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
      • Vascular Disease
      • Valve Diseases

    View All
    • Programs
      • Acute Rehabilitation
      • Addiction Medicine
      • Alzheimer’s Disease
      • Brain Cancer
      • Epilepsy
      • Headache
      • Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology Program
      • Neurobehavioral Health
      • Pain and Neuropathy
      • Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders
      • Skull Base & Pituitary Tumors
      • Sleep Health
      • Stroke
    • Diagnostics & Treatment
      • Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
      • Gamma Knife
      • Interventional Neuroradiology
      • MRI / 3T / CT
      • EEG/EMG (Neurophysiology)
      • Neuroradiology
      • Neuro Rehabilitation
      • PET / CT
      • Tomotherapy

    View All
    • Programs
      • Elbow
      • Foot & Ankle
      • Hand & Wrist
      • Hip
      • Knee
      • Shoulder
      • Spine
      • Trauma
    • Services
      • Sports Medicine
      • Physical Therapy
      • Diagnostics
      • Sarcoma
      • Travel Program
      • International Patients

    View All
    • Conditions
      • Chiari Malformation
      • Chronic Neck or Back Pain
      • Degenerative Back and Neck Disorders
      • Herniated Disc/Lumbar Disc Disease
      • Kyphosis
      • Lower Back Pain
      • Myelopathy
      • Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
      • Nerve Compression
      • Osteoporosis
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Radiculopathy
      • Scoliosis
      • Spina Bifida
      • Sciatica
      • Spinal Deformity
      • Spinal Tumors
      • Spinal Stenosis
      • Spinal Fractures
      • Spondylolisthesis
      • Tailbone Pain
      • Whiplash

    View All
    • Breast Health
      • Meet the Team
      • Locations
      • Imaging
      • Diagnosis
      • Surgery
      • Chemotherapy
      • Radiation Therapy
      • High Risk
    • Gynecologic Health
      • Gynecologic Cancer Program
      • Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
      • Pelvic Health
    • Maternal Child Health
      • Pregnancy
      • Prenatal Classes / OB Education
      • Pre-Registration
      • Virtual Maternity Tour
      • NICU
      • Support Services
      • Mental Health
    • Wellness & Prevention
      • Hoag for Her Center for Wellness
      • Integrated Services
      • Meet Our Team
      • Classes

    View All
    • Acute Rehabilitation
    • Addiction Medicine
    • Breast Program
    • Clinical Research
    • Concierge Medicine
    • Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center
    • End of Life Care
    • Executive Health
    • Hoag At Home
    • Hoag Endoscopy Center
    • Hoag Genetic Counseling
    • Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living
    • Mental Health Services
    • Nurse Navigator
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Outpatient Lab
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation Services
    • Palliative Care
    • Pelvic Health
    • Physical Therapy
    • Pregnancy & Infant Loss
    • Radiology & Imaging Services
    • Respiratory Care
    • Robotics
    • Sleep Health
    • Smoking Cessation
    • Speech Therapy
    • Spine Center
    • Spiritual Care
    • Sports Medicine
    • Thyroid
  • Find a Doctor
  • Locations
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Resources
    • Education
      • Classes
      • Empowered by Hoag Blog
      • Podcasts
      • Corporate Wellness
      • Volunteer
    • Resources
      • Advance Care Planning
      • Seniors / Medicare
      • Support Groups
      • For Medical Professionals
      • Health Risk Assessments
      • Clinical Research
      • For Brokers, Agents & Employers
    • Innovation at Hoag
      • Hoag Compass
      • Virtual Reality Program
  • About Hoag
    • Hoag Health Network
      • About Us
      • Leadership
      • Awards
      • Corporate Information
      • Department of Community Health
      • Nursing
      • Hoag MIT Fellowship
    • News & Publications
      • Empowered by Hoag Blog
      • News
      • Hoag For Life
      • Hoag In Your Community
      • Press Room

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Donate opens in new window
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
Hoag

Search Suggestions

  • Find a doctor
  • Covid19
  • Visiting Hours
Header

Filter Stories By






OR

Pain-Free and Grateful, Surgery Patient Hopes Her Story Helps Others

December 28, 2020

For the past five years, Ann Walker’s back pain had been slowly robbing her of mobility and comfort until she found herself unable to walk more than 30 feet. The pain had become unbearable, and her life had started to be defined by what could not do – walk on the beach, ride a bike, enjoy a pain-free day.

She used to say that she “knew too much” to inquire into back surgery. As a front office lead for Hoag Medical Group, Walker said she’d seen too many patients come in from outside of Hoag with “failed lower back syndrome,” a constellation of problems stemming from back surgery gone wrong.

She vowed to get by with physical therapy, pain management and medication injections. But eventually her degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis left her with no choice. At 51, she realized she was facing a future of decreased mobility and increased agony.

“I was in excruciating pain. My primary care doctor told me that back surgeries have changed a lot and that I should hear what Dr. Ozgur has to say,” she said.

Researching neurosurgeon Burak Ozgur, M.D., on Hoag’s website, Ann was impressed by the fact that he trained other surgeons and had written books on surgical technique. But what impressed her the most were the patient testimonials. Dr. Ozgur’s patients described the Chief of Service for the Neurosurgical Spine Program at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hoag as attentive and exceptional. When Ann met with him, she understood why.

“The minute I started talking to him, I told him, ‘I’m going to be your next testimonial,’” she said. “He’s the kind of doctor who answers all your questions before you can even ask him. He takes his time with you and covers everything.”

He also offered something that alleviated Ann’s fear about surgery: expertise in minimally invasive microscopic surgery.

Dr. Ozgur explained that the minimally invasive lumbar spinal decompression would alleviate the pressure on her nerves that had been causing her so much pain. The small incisions he would make to perform the surgery would reduce damage to the tissues and muscles surrounding the spine, resulting in faster recovery.

“I knew I was in the right place and I knew he was going to be my surgeon when I left that appointment,” she said. “He is so confident, without being cocky. He is so reassuring. My goal was to be able to walk on the beach again, to enjoy my life. He listened to that.”

After a four-hour surgery and a few hours in recovery, Ann was able to return home the same day.

“My husband was shocked,” she said, of her speedy recovery.

Even before the anesthesia had totally worn off from her surgery Ann said she was able to walk without experiencing any numbness in her legs.

In the months after surgery, Ann continues to see progress during physical therapy at Hoag. She is able to walk on the beach, ride a stationary bike, and she even went apple picking with her family in Oak Glen.

“I’m getting stronger and my balance is getting better,” she said.

And, true to her word, Ann posted a testimonial online, attributing her pain-free enjoyment of life to Dr. Ozgur and his team.

“Thank you, Dr. Ozgur, Jordan [Faulkner, MSPAS, PA-C] and Yulia [Korol, medical assistant] a million times!” she wrote. “I would recommend this team to anyone having any kind of back pain.

“I’m blessed and Hoag’s blessed to have Dr. Ozgur,” Ann said. “He’s changed my life.”

For the past five years, Ann Walker’s back pain had been slowly robbing her of mobility and comfort until she found herself unable to walk more than 30 feet. The pain had become unbearable, and her life had started to be defined by what could not do – walk on the beach, ride a bike, enjoy a pain-free day.

She used to say that she “knew too much” to inquire into back surgery. As a front office lead for Hoag Medical Group, Walker said she’d seen too many patients come in from outside of Hoag with “failed lower back syndrome,” a constellation of problems stemming from back surgery gone wrong.

She vowed to get by with physical therapy, pain management and medication injections. But eventually her degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis left her with no choice. At 51, she realized she was facing a future of decreased mobility and increased agony.

“I was in excruciating pain. My primary care doctor told me that back surgeries have changed a lot and that I should hear what Dr. Ozgur has to say,” she said.

Researching neurosurgeon Burak Ozgur, M.D., on Hoag’s website, Ann was impressed by the fact that he trained other surgeons and had written books on surgical technique. But what impressed her the most were the patient testimonials. Dr. Ozgur’s patients described the Chief of Service for the Neurosurgical Spine Program at Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hoag as attentive and exceptional. When Ann met with him, she understood why.

“The minute I started talking to him, I told him, ‘I’m going to be your next testimonial,’” she said. “He’s the kind of doctor who answers all your questions before you can even ask him. He takes his time with you and covers everything.”

He also offered something that alleviated Ann’s fear about surgery: expertise in minimally invasive microscopic surgery.

Dr. Ozgur explained that the minimally invasive lumbar spinal decompression would alleviate the pressure on her nerves that had been causing her so much pain. The small incisions he would make to perform the surgery would reduce damage to the tissues and muscles surrounding the spine, resulting in faster recovery.

“I knew I was in the right place and I knew he was going to be my surgeon when I left that appointment,” she said. “He is so confident, without being cocky. He is so reassuring. My goal was to be able to walk on the beach again, to enjoy my life. He listened to that.”

After a four-hour surgery and a few hours in recovery, Ann was able to return home the same day.

“My husband was shocked,” she said, of her speedy recovery.

Even before the anesthesia had totally worn off from her surgery Ann said she was able to walk without experiencing any numbness in her legs.

In the months after surgery, Ann continues to see progress during physical therapy at Hoag. She is able to walk on the beach, ride a stationary bike, and she even went apple picking with her family in Oak Glen.

“I’m getting stronger and my balance is getting better,” she said.

And, true to her word, Ann posted a testimonial online, attributing her pain-free enjoyment of life to Dr. Ozgur and his team.

“Thank you, Dr. Ozgur, Jordan [Faulkner, MSPAS, PA-C] and Yulia [Korol, medical assistant] a million times!” she wrote. “I would recommend this team to anyone having any kind of back pain.

“I’m blessed and Hoag’s blessed to have Dr. Ozgur,” Ann said. “He’s changed my life.”

Tags: Story,Spine,Exercise

What's Trending

Postpartum Bleeding Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore
June 24, 2019
How A Mediterranean Diet Can Make You(r Brain) Look 19 Years Younger
May 3, 2023
What Happens to Relationships When Sex Hurts
November 7, 2019

Recently Written

Hoag Signs on as Title Sponsor of the OC Marathon
December 4, 2023
Moving into 2024 – Celebrate Your ‘Wins’ and Build on a Positive Foundation
December 1, 2023
Hoag’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Team Earns Highest Distinction in Three Surgical Areas
November 29, 2023
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

December 4, 2023
Hoag Signs on as Title Sponsor of the OC Marathon
December 1, 2023
Moving into 2024 – Celebrate Your ‘Wins’ and Build on a Positive Foundation
November 29, 2023
Hoag’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Team Earns Highest Distinction in Three Surgical Areas
November 27, 2023
I Felt a Lump. Now What?
November 22, 2023
Mindfulness: A Moment of Zen for the Holidays
Healthy Holiday Swaps – How to Make Your Menu Satisfying and Healthy
4 Common Questions About Epilepsy
November 20, 2023
The 4 Wise Steps of EOY Deductibles

Sign up for our Newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Hoag

Need to ask a question?
Contact Us

Quick Links

  • COVID-19 Resources
  • Appointments
  • Find a Doctor
  • Locations
  • Federal Transparency in Coverage Rule
  • Donate
  • Online Bill Payment
  • Hoag Connect MyChart

Patients & Visitors

  • Infection Prevention
  • Health Insurance
  • Patient & Visitor Info

About Hoag

  • About Us
  • Awards & Accreditations
  • News
  • Department of Community Health
  • Hoag Medical Group
  • Careers
  • Legal

Education & Resources

  • Classes
  • Corporate Wellness
  • Support Groups
  • Volunteer
  • Clinical Research
  • For Medical Professionals
  • Brokers, Agents & Employers

© 2023 Hoag, All Rights Reserved.