Patient Flies From New Mexico to Find Pain Relief at North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center

After years of lower back issues, Guy Wilemon Sr. 90, of New Mexico finally received an option for exceptional pain relief at North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center. Fellowship-trained, double board certified interventional spine and pain physician Dr. Melissa Murphy performed a successful spinal cord stimulator trial for Guy Wilemon Sr. for his lower back pain. Wilemon will travel 500 miles back to North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center in late September to undergo permanent placement. Patients in need of specialized musculoskeletal and pain care are encouraged to call 817-481-2121 to schedule an appointment in Grapevine at 2535 Ira E. Woods Ave. or in Fort Worth at the practice’s Keller/Alliance office at 4501 Heritage Trace Parkway. 

Wilemon has been dealing with chronic back pain for five years and has undergone a full range of treatments previously, including multiple shots, minor surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture. His son then suggested North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center, and after an initial consultation with Dr. Murphy, he underwent a successful Medtronic spinal cord stimulator trial. Before the implant trial started, Wilemon’s pain level was 8 to 10 on a scale of 10, and after the trial device was placed that same day, his pain level was 1 to 2. He experienced 95% pain relief within three days and was able to stand and walk without a cane for the first time in years.

Spinal cord stimulation uses electrical pulsation to relieve chronic pain of the back, arms and legs. This electrical stimulus can prevent pain signals from being received by the brain. Candidates for spinal cord stimulation include those who suffer from nerve-related pain and have not received adequate relief from more conservative treatments.

Wilemon is looking forward to having his implant permanently placed later this month. He will be flying back to Grapevine for his procedure with North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center with Dr. Murphy. 

“Back pain is a common and growing problem, and spinal cord stimulation is a great option to help improve lifestyle and function,” said Dr. Murphy. “At North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center, we believe in offering advanced technologies like stimulators to give people the best possible options for their unique concerns.”

After completing her undergraduate studies, Dr. Murphy received a full scholarship to attend medical school and was enrolled in a combined medical and public health program in El Paso. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Texas Tech University Paul L. Foster School of Medicine and Master of Public Health degree from The University of Texas School of Public Health. She went on to complete an anesthesiology internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, before undergoing additional fellowship training in pain medicine at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.

To learn more about back pain options or to schedule an appointment with one of the specialty-trained doctors at North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center, call 817-481-2121.