“I chose The Virginia Spine Institute because I knew I would receive the best spinal health care possible” - Giddeon Massie
Why did Olympian Giddeon Massie choose
The Virginia Spine Institute?
Giddeon was born the son of a professional baseball player, so athletic ability came naturally. He played baseball for a while, but at age nine began to pursue competitive cycling. Giddeon’s lifelong dream has been to obtain a medal in the Olympics and The Virginia Spine Institute has helped him to pursue this goal.
After years of cycling, the miles had finally taken a toll on Giddeon. He came to The Virginia Spine Institute with pain and weakness in his left leg resulting in diminished foot speed when he was pedaling. “His symptoms were consistent with that of lumbar nerve compression or radiculopathy due to disc degeneration and herniation.” said Thomas C. Schuler, M.D., F.A.C.S. When asked about the extent of disc degeneration seen in this young athlete, Dr. Schuler replied “The amount of strain these cycling athletes place upon the lower lumbar discs is tremendous, particularly when training at Giddeon’s level.”
In July of 2007, spine surgeons Dr. Thomas C. Schuler and Dr. Brian R. Subach performed a minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure at the L4-L5 level on Giddeon with great success. “Normally spinal nerve roots are bright white or pink, but Giddeon’s nerve appeared flattened and pale due to the longstanding compression,” commented Dr. Subach. When asked about the prognosis for Giddeon, Dr. Schuler said “It will take some time for the nerve to recover, but I have no doubt Giddeon will make a full recovery very quickly.”
“I chose The Virginia Spine Institute because I knew I would receive the best spinal health care possible. Dr. Schuler and Dr. Subach set me at ease right away. I liked the prospect of two expert spine surgeons working together, and given their combined experience in treating athletes at all levels, I knew that I was in very capable hands. Although I was not thrilled about the need for spine surgery, they made me feel confident that my outcome would be successful. I was impressed with how simple and uncomplicated the process was. I was back to competitive cycling four weeks later, competed at the National Championships at eleven weeks, winning two more national titles, and competed in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. It is impossible to express my gratitude and appreciation for the care I received from The Virginia Spine Institute. From the physicians to the staff, the concern and compassion were genuine and heart-felt,” said Giddeon.
Giddeon Massie’s Achievements
- 2008 Olympian
- 2004 Olympian
- 7 time World Team Member
- 10 time U.S. National Champion
The Virginia Spine Institute was proud to sponsor Olympian Giddeon Massie in the 2008 Olympic Team. Over the years we have come to know Giddeon Massie as an extraordinary person and exceptional athlete.
Whatever our patients’ passion may be, whether it’s biking on a weekend, participating in recreational or professional sports or just enjoying their lives The Virginia Spine Institute is committed to returning them to a full and active lifestyle.
