When ‘Toughing It Out’ Is No Longer Enough

Charles knew that it was only a matter of time before he would begin to feel the effects of spinal stenosis, wherein the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves and causing pain and numbness.

That fear became a reality several years ago as the self-professed athlete—who enjoys playing tennis, skiing, kayaking and scuba diving—began to find it difficult to even walk.

"I sell insurance," says Charles, "so I'm walking to a lot of appointments in New York City and standing at a lot at social functions. I could no longer do those things because the pain was so bad."

"I tried to tough it out," he says, until he finally met with White Plains Hospital spine and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jared Brandoff, who recommended lumbar fusion surgery.

"His quiet confidence instills confidence in you as a patient," Charles says of Dr. Brandoff, who operated in August 2020. "He was very good, very natural." That confidence came into play again when Charles underwent a second surgery in April of 2024.

"It was basically a continuation of the first surgery," he says, "because I needed a three-disc fusion due to stenosis." Although there is still some pain, he says, his overall condition is much improved.

"I can absolutely say that Dr. Brandoff, the Hospital's staff, and the Hospital itself were all fantastic. I don't know how many people I've recommended the Hospital to."