For Sis, the first inklings of back pain began in 6th grade, during her dance classes. “I had constant pain in my lower back and my legs,” she recalls. “It was like a dull ache that never went away, and it only got worse when I was dancing.” She continued to compete, pushing through the pain with determination. However, the pain wasn’t just limited to her dance studio. It began to affect every aspect of her life. “I had to stand in some classes in school because sitting for long periods made the pain unbearable,” Sis explains. “I also had trouble sleeping at night because of the pain. I was still dancing competitively, and that was a struggle because of the pain. I also babysit a lot, and it was sometimes a struggle to handle young kids when my back was really hurting.”
As 7th grade approached, the pain intensified, making it increasingly difficult for Sis to keep up with her active lifestyle. Concerned about her worsening condition, Sis’s family scheduled an X-ray, which revealed the underlying issue: spondylolisthesis. “The X-rays showed that I had spondylolisthesis, and I started doing physical therapy,” Sis explains. “But the pain didn’t improve. The doctor told us that I would need surgery because the spondylolisthesis was getting worse.” The diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would require significant intervention and a lot of support.
Spondylolisthesis happens when the front part of a vertebra (bone in the spine) slides away from the back part. In kids and teens, it’s often a complication of spondylolysis, and is a common cause of lower back pain in these age groups. Many people with spondylolisthesis may be unaware that they have it. Their backs might feel just fine, even though a vertebra is out of place. However, when symptoms do appear, they can be quite noticeable and disruptive. One of the most common symptoms is lower back pain. This pain often radiates down the legs and can lead to muscle tightness, making everyday activities more challenging.
After the initial diagnosis and the recommendation for surgery, Sis and her family knew they needed to gather more information. “The doctor who gave the diagnosis suggested we get a second opinion,” Sis says. “My mom, who is a nurse, reached out to a friend at work who recommended Dr. Shah at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. The day we met Dr. Shah, my parents and I decided we wanted him to do my surgery.”
“Dr. Shah, Casey Tramontozzi, APRN, and the entire team were so awesome!” Sis shares. “They never made us feel rushed during our visits, and they always took the time to answer all of our questions. My parents were especially worried, but the team helped us feel more at ease before, during, and after the spinal fusion surgery. The best thing about the team was how they were always happy and positive.”
Just days after her surgery, Sis experienced a significant reduction in pain. “I had a lot of pain relief right after surgery, and things have been great since then,” she shares. This immediate improvement was a crucial first milestone. Over the following weeks and months, Sis gradually regained her strength and mobility, and the transformation was nothing short of remarkable. She was able to play three sports this year—field hockey, basketball, and track—without the constant discomfort that had previously held her back. “I didn’t know what life was like without pain, and I have felt great since surgery and still feel great,” she shares. The ability to return to sports helped restore her physical health and active lifestyle.
Looking ahead, Sis is determined to build on her successful recovery and make the most of high school sports. She plans to continue playing sports during her senior year. Beyond high school, Sis has her sights set on a degree in early childhood education. “I plan to major in early childhood education in college,” she explains, her ambition clear. To support her long-term health, Sis remains committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “I also plan to always work to keep in good shape to protect my back,” she says.
For others navigating surgery, Sis emphasizes the importance of being proactive and curious throughout the treatment journey. “Don’t be afraid to ask your care team a million questions,” Sis advises. “It can be uncomfortable, but having surgery is scary and the best way to feel less scared is to get lots of information about what will happen before, during and after the surgery. Also, finding little activities with low impact like coloring, drawing or baking helped me to alleviate some of the anxiety and stress leading up to surgery.” Sis’s journey from chronic pain to a pain-free, active life is a testament to the importance of a supportive medical team. Her story inspires others to seek help and stay positive, no matter the challenges they face.
