When Blake was just 2 years old, her mom, Kimberly, noticed she was experiencing back pain. “Blake was crying in her car seat and reaching for her back,” Kimberly recalls. Concerned, they decided to seek medical help. An MRI of Blake’s spine revealed a Chiari malformation and two Tarlov cysts, conditions that would significantly impact her life.
As Blake continued to grow, simple activities like sitting or standing were sources of pain, making it difficult for her to enjoy the things most children take for granted. At school, she had to use a special chair and cushion to alleviate some of the discomfort. Family life was also affected, as long car trips were out of the question due to the intense pain Blake experienced.
Now 13 years old, Blake has been a Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware patient nearly all her life, receiving care from the orthopedics, neurology, and neurosurgery departments. Her condition required a multidisciplinary approach, and the expertise of Nemours’ specialists played a crucial role in managing her pain and ensuring her well-being. Most recently, Blake’s journey took a positive turn when she began seeing Dr. Robert Brislin and the Nemours Children’s Musculoskeletal Wellness Program.
This program provides innovative care for kids with musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, sports injuries, neuromuscular disorders, migraines, digestive disorders and more. The team specializes in integrated structural medical acupuncture, using painless needles at specific body points to promote healing. Kimberly recalls her initial hesitation when considering alternative treatments like acupuncture for Blake’s chronic back pain. “I put off trying acupuncture because I wasn’t sure it would help,” she admits. “But that was a big mistake. I wish we had started sooner.” The Musculoskeletal Wellness Program uses a special type of medical acupuncture that’s gentle and designed for kids. These therapies help to reduce pain and inflammation and improve function, flexibility and range of motion.
“We have been to Nemours more times than I can count,” Kimberly says, “and every single time, from the security guards to the nurses and doctors, everyone has been friendly, helpful, and caring. Our favorite thing is their kindness, they truly care!”
“Now that we have found Dr. Brislin, Blake finally has some relief,” Kimberly shares. “He listens to her and provides follow-up exercises for at home.” Dr. Brislin’s dedication to Blake’s well-being is evident in every interaction, and his expertise has provided comfort and confidence to the family. Kimberly emphasizes that while Blake’s back pain may be a lifelong struggle, the presence of doctors like Dr. Brislin has significantly improved their outlook. “Dr. Brislin has been our first form of relief for my daughter’s back pain,” she explains. “He listens, adjusts, and gets her the relief she so desperately needs. His kindness, patience, and commitment to Blake’s care are what all doctors should strive to be. We are forever grateful to have him as a resource for our daughter’s care.” Her words serve as a reminder that with the right team and treatment, you can navigate the complexities of musculoskeletal conditions and find a path to wellness.
