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. Now as a 2004 Olympian, Giddeon has been training hard for the past four years to make it to the 2008 Olympic Games which will be held in Beijing, China this August. Giddeon’s lifelong dream has been to obtain a medal in the Olympics and the Virginia Spine Institute has enabled 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 the 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, Dr. Thomas C. Schuler (orthopaedic spinal surgeon) and Dr. Brian R. Subach (neurosurgical spinal surgeon) performed a minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure at the L4-L5 level on Giddeon with great success. The procedure required a very small incision to remove the part of the disc which was protruding and pressing on the nerve.  “Normally spinal nerve roots are bright white or pink, but Giddeon’s nerve appeared flattened and pale due to the longstanding compression,” commented Brian R. Subach M.D., F.A.C.S.  When asked about the prognosis for Giddeon, Dr. Subach added “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 spinal 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 spinal surgery, they gave me confidence 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 and won two more national titles including one that has eluded me for several years. I am now on my way to fulfilling my dream of medaling in the Olympics. 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 Massie. 

Giddeon Massie’s Achievements

1. 3 time Pan American Champion
2. 2003 Pan Am Games gold and silver medalist in Keirin and Sprint
3. 2004 Olympian
4. 7 time World Team Member
5. 10 time U.S. National Champion & Current U.S. National Keirin Champion

The Virginia Spine Institute is proud to sponsor Olympian Giddeon Massie as he makes his way to the 2008 Olympic Team!  Over the past year we have come to know Giddeon Massie as an extraordinary person and exceptional athlete. We have chosen to support Giddeon’s decision to pursue his passion and have become a sponsor as he secures a position in the 2008 Olympic Trials set to take place in June.

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.