“I got my life back.” – Butch Dawson
05.20.2026
For much of his life, Butch Dawson pushed through back pain. Over time, that pain became more than just discomfort. He was eventually diagnosed with multiple spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, a herniated disc, and structural issues in his lower spine that had likely been present since birth. As those conditions progressed, so did his symptoms.
"It got to the point where I couldn’t stand up straight. I was shuffling when I walked. The pain was constant and exhausting."
Spinal stenosis and instability in the lower back can put pressure on the nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and loss of mobility. For Butch, it meant flare-ups that could leave him down for months at a time and eventually a level of pain that became unbearable. He could be found sitting back, not being able to engage with his loved ones.
After a prior surgery that didn’t fully resolve the issue, Butch found himself still struggling, with worsening symptoms and limited options.
That's when he came to Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, Greensboro and met neurosurgeon Jeffrey D. Jenkins, MD, FACS.
After reviewing imaging and his history, Dr. Jenkins identified the root of the problem. There was a new issue at a higher level of the spine at L2-L3, along with a failure of the previous fusion. The bone had not fully healed and the hardware had loosened. To correct this, Butch underwent a revision lumbar fusion surgery.
This type of surgery is complex. It involves removing previous hardware, stabilizing the spine with new instrumentation, and using bone graft material to help the vertebrae properly fuse together. The goal is to restore stability, relieve pressure on the nerves, and reduce pain while improving function. Despite the complexity, Butch noticed a difference almost immediately.
"The morning after surgery, they had me up walking and I was standing straight. I hadn’t been able to do that in a long time."
Recovery required patience and consistency. Butch started with short walks inside his home and gradually built strength and endurance over time. Within weeks, he was walking longer distances. Within months, he was back to doing the things he loves.
"Now I’m about 99.5% pain-free in my back. I'm walking miles every day, traveling again, even hiking."
And maybe most meaningful of all, he’s back to enjoying the simple moments he once thought were gone for good.
"I can even Carolina shag dance again," he said. "That’s something I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do."
For someone who once questioned whether he could keep living with that level of pain, the outcome feels life-changing.
"I didn't think I would ever be pain-free again. Now, I have my life back."
For others facing similar challenges, Butch offers simple advice:
"If you're dealing with this kind of pain and want a chance to
live normally again, don't wait. Trust the process and trust your
surgeon. It made all the difference for me."
Ready to explore your options for lasting relief? Call (336) 272-4578 to schedule an appointment or learn more about spine care at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates.
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