Dale Plauche loves a sunny, temperate Louisiana day, the kind that lends itself to a good round of golf or wiling away hours in his garden. While some are self-proclaimed “couch potatoes,” more than happy to pass a lovely Saturday afternoon on the sofa with the remote in hand, Dale much prefers movement and the great outdoors. Had the former been his style, his nagging back pain may not have been quite so frustrating. As it was, when Dale’s lower back began to bother him, it put the brakes on pretty much all of his favorite activities, and that was something he simply could not accept.

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

Recognizing that persistent lower back pain indicated a problem that required more than the occasional Tylenol, Dale decided to consult a medical specialist. He sought out a physician whose area of expertise was not only orthopedics but, more specifically, orthopedic pain. That search eventually guided him to Dr. Matt Neumann at the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge. 

A board-certified physician in Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation, it’s difficult to imagine a specialist more qualified than Dr. Neumann to diagnose and treat Dale’s concerns. With his extensive experience and knowledge, it took minimal time for him to pinpoint the problem and offer a solution. 

Treating Lower Back Pain

Using imaging tests and physical examination, Dr. Neumann identified multiple discs in Dale’s back that were behind his discomfort. Quickly, he got to work on a treatment plan that would get him moving again. It took an ablation and a dedicated regimen of epidural injections, but eventually, Dale found that he was once again able to spend his free time just how he wanted - outdoors and on the move. 

“My lower back pain was affecting my daily life,” says Dale. “Dr. Neumann got me back to doing what I love. His care has been excellent.”

A Single Orthopedic Clinic for Multiple Conditions

Dale’s already deep gratitude for having found Dr. Neumann and the Bone and Joint Clinic became even more profound as additional orthopedic problems arose. Since his first visit in 2019, Dale has had a fusion of three discs in his neck from Dr. Chambliss Harrod, on-site physical therapy, and several additional appointments with other providers throughout the practice. Not once has his experience been negative.

“I would recommend any of these doctors without hesitation,” Dale says. “This is an excellent place to get cured or seek help. If you need orthopedic services, this is where you need to go.”

As it turns out, the secret to a stellar golf swing or vibrant garden may just be a great orthopedic team in your corner. It has certainly worked for Dale Plauche.