Jesna Sublett, MD - Florida Spine Surgery, 1431 Orange Camp Road, Suite 115, DeLand, FL (2026)

04/23/2026

Your discs are 70-80% WATER! 💧

Dehydration = unhappy discs!

What happens when you're dehydrated:
🔴 Discs compress more
🔴 Less shock absorption
🔴 More stress on vertebrae
🔴 Increased muscle spasms
🔴 Slower healing

How much water? 📊 General rule: Half your body weight in ounces 📊 Example: 160 lbs person = 80 oz water daily 📊 More if exercising or in heat!

Signs you need more water: 😰 Dark yellow urine 😰 Headache 😰 Fatigue 😰 Muscle cramps 😰 Increased back pain

Coffee & soda DON'T count! (They actually dehydrate you!)

Florida heat alert: ☀️ You're losing more water than you think! Drink BEFORE you're thirsty!

Challenge: Drink a glass of water RIGHT NOW! 💧
Then set reminders to drink every 2 hours today!

04/21/2026

Let's demystify lumbar spinal fusion! 🔗

What is spinal fusion? Joining two or more vertebrae together permanently so they heal into one solid bone. Think of it like welding metal pieces together.

Why would we do this? The goal: Eliminate painful motion at a spinal segment

Common reasons:
🔹 Spondylolisthesis: Vertebra slipped forward, Grade 2+ OR Grade 1 with instability
🔹 Degenerative disc disease: Severe disc collapse causing pain after failed conservative care
🔹 Spinal stenosis with instability: Decompression alone won't work
🔹 Adult scoliosis: Progressive curve causing pain
🔹 Recurrent disc herniation: After multiple surgeries at same level

What happens during fusion:
1. Decompression (if needed) - remove bone spurs, decompress nerves
2. Prepare fusion site - remove disc material, prepare bone surfaces
3. Place graft/cage - interbody cage filled with bone graft
4. Instrumentation - screws and rods for stability
5. Bone graft - to promote bone growth

Fusion process: Takes 3-12 months for bones to grow together solidly!
Recovery: Hospital stay: 1-3 nights typically
Week 1-2: Pain managed, walking encouraged, no bending/lifting/twisting
Week 2-6: Gradually increase walking, limited BLTs
Week 6-12: Start PT, begin weaning restrictions, X-ray check, return to most activities
Month 3-6: Fusion progressing, full activities
Month 6-12: Fusion complete

Success rates:
• Pain relief: 70-80% get significant improvement
• Fusion rate: 90-95% (with instrumentation)
• Satisfaction: 70-85% would do it again

When is fusion NOT needed?
❌ Simple disc herniation (just remove it!)
❌ Stenosis without instability (just decompress!)
❌ Mild DDD (try everything else first!)
❌ Acute pain (give it time!)

My approach: I'm VERY selective about fusion. It's a big surgery and not reversible. I recommend it only when clearly indicated.

Told you need fusion surgery? Let's make sure it's the right answer!
Schedule your consultation: 📞 386-222-2792

04/20/2026

Monday musings on why DeLand is the perfect place for Florida Spine Surgery... 💙🏡

What I love about this community:
🌳 Small-town feel: I run into patients around town. It's not awkward - it's wonderful! I love being part of the community fabric.
🎓 Educated community: Stetson University brings culture, arts, and engaged citizens. Patients here ask great questions and want to understand their care.
🏡 Family-friendly: Perfect place to raise kids. Safe, friendly, and lots of activities.
🌴 Central Florida location: Close to beaches, Orlando, but with its own unique character.
🤝 Supportive: Local businesses support each other. Community rallies for neighbors. That's special.
🏥 Healthcare desert (was): DeLand needed specialized spine care. I'm honored to help fill that gap.

This is home: When you trust me with your spine care, you're trusting a neighbor, a community member who's invested in this town.

I'm not going anywhere. Florida Spine Surgery is here for the long haul! 💙

Thanks for welcoming us, DeLand!

04/14/2026

Today let's talk about ACDF - one of the most common spine surgeries! 🔬

What is ACDF? Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
• Anterior: From the front of neck
• Cervical: Neck part of the spine
• Discectomy: Removal of the damaged disc
• Fusion: Join two vertebrae together

When is ACDF needed?
✅ Cervical radiculopathy (arm pain) not responding to conservative care
✅ Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
✅ Significant disc herniation compressing nerve/cord
✅ Severe cervical stenosis
✅ Failed conservative treatment for 6-12 weeks

The procedure:
1. Small (about 1.5 inch) incision in front of neck
2. Gently move aside trachea, esophagus, carotid artery (NO cutting!)
3. Remove damaged disc
4. Decompress nerve roots
5. Insert bone graft or cage
6. Metal plate for stability
7. Close incision

Whole surgery: 1-2 hours for single level

Hospital stay:
• None – same day discharge! (most common)
• 1-2 nights (multiple levels, or other specific coexisting medical conditions)

Recovery timeline:
Week 1-2: Neck soreness, sore throat, voice changes (temporary), pain well-controlled, walking around house
Week 2-6: Soft collar sometimes, no lifting over 5-10 lbs, usually back to desk work week 2-4
Week 6-12:X-ray to check fusion, start PT if needed, gradually increase activities
After week 12: No more restrictions

Success rates:
• 90-95% get good relief of arm pain
• significant number of patients get relief of neck pain
• Fusion rate: 95%+ for single level

Bottom line: ACDF is a very successful surgery with high patient satisfaction. Most people say they wish they'd done it sooner!

Struggling with cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy? Let's discuss if ACDF might be right for you!
📞 386-222-2792

04/13/2026

Monday Motivation! 💪

I want to share a success story (with permission):
A patient came to me a few months ago barely able to walk due to severe lumbar spinal stenosis. They'd been told by another surgeon they needed a big fusion surgery - multiple levels, long recovery, high cost.

I reviewed everything and said: "Let's try one more conservative option first."

We did: ✅ Targeted physical therapy ✅ Epidural steroid injection ✅ Anti-inflammatory regimen ✅ Walking program (started at 2 minutes!)

Recently, they came in for follow-up: 🎉 Walking 30 minutes daily 🎉 Playing with grandkids 🎉 Back to gardening 🎉 Off pain medications 🎉 NO SURGERY NEEDED!

They thanked me for "saving them from unnecessary surgery."

But here's the truth: THEY did the work. They committed to PT, they did their exercises, they trusted the process.

This is what patient-centered care looks like!

Not every story ends this way - sometimes surgery IS needed. But when we can avoid it through nonoperative care? That's always my first choice.

You deserve a surgeon who won't rush you into surgery. You deserve someone who explores ALL options with you.
📞 386-222-2792

04/09/2026

📱 STOP RIGHT NOW!

Check your posture - I'll wait... ⏰

Are you:
❌ Hunched over your phone?
❌ Slouching in your chair?
❌ Head forward, shoulders rounded?
❌ Crossing your legs?

Quick fix RIGHT NOW:
1️⃣ Sit up straight
2️⃣ Roll shoulders back
3️⃣ Pull chin back (make double chin)
4️⃣ Feet flat on floor
5️⃣ Screen at eye level

Challenge: Set a phone reminder for EVERY HOUR today: "Posture check!"
When it goes off:
✅ Assess your position
✅ Correct what's wrong
✅ Take 3 deep breaths
✅ Do 10 shoulder rolls

After 1 week of hourly checks: Good posture starts to become AUTOMATIC! 🎯
Who's setting their reminder right now? 🙋‍♀️

04/07/2026

Let's demystify "Degenerative Disc Disease" - despite the scary name, it's not actually a "disease!" 💿

What is DDD? Normal wear and tear on your spinal discs as you age. Think of it like:
• Gray hair for your spine
• Wrinkles, but internal
• Your car's tires wearing down

It's NORMAL aging, not a disease process!

What happens to discs as we age?
In your 20s: Discs are 80% water, plump and cushiony, excellent shock absorption
By your 60s: Discs lose water content, become flatter, less cushioning, may develop small tears

Why does it happen?
• Genetics (biggest factor!)
• Aging (unavoidable)
• Repetitive stress (occupation matters)
• Smoking (decreases blood supply to discs)
• Obesity (extra load on discs)

The MRI conundrum: "But my MRI shows degeneration!"
Yes, but:
• 40% of people under 30 have disc degeneration
• 80% of people over 50 have it
• Many are asymptomatic!

You are NOT your MRI! Your symptoms matter more than images!

Treatment: Nonoperative (works for most!):
• Physical therapy (core strengthening essential)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification (not bed rest!)
• Weight loss if applicable
• Smoking cessation
Surgical (only when nonoperative options fail):
• Artificial disc replacement (preserves motion)
• Spinal fusion (eliminates motion at painful level)

Key message: Having degenerative disc disease is like having wrinkles - it's normal aging! It doesn't doom you to a life of pain or surgery. Most people do great with conservative nonoperative management!

Chronic back pain and told you have "degenerative disc disease"? Let's talk about realistic treatment options!
📞 386-222-2792

04/06/2026

Let's talk about something important: Making spine care ACCESSIBLE 💙

Insurance we accept:
✅ Medicare
✅ PPO plans
✅ Florida Health Care Plans
✅Humana
✅Devoted
✅ Any plans with out of network benefits

What we do to help:
📋 Verify your insurance BEFORE your appointment
📋 Provide clear cost estimates when possible
📋 Offer payment plans when needed
📋 Work with you to make your care affordable
📋 Submit all paperwork on your behalf

Important: We recommend calling your insurance to verify:
• Neurosurgery coverage
• Any pre-authorization requirements
• Your specific copay/deductible
• In-network status

No insurance or out of network benefits? No Problem! We offer:
• Self-pay options
• Payment plans
• Transparent pricing
• Additional financial hardship discounts depending on your needs.
• We will work with you to make it easier!

My belief: Money should NEVER be the reason you continue suffering. If you need care, we'll find a way to make it work.

Questions about coverage? Our staff is knowledgeable and helpful - call us! We'll check your benefits and explain everything clearly.
📞 386-222-2792

Your health is too important to put off because of insurance concerns. Let's figure it out together! 💙

04/02/2026

April showers bring... slippery surfaces! ☔💦

Rainy day spine safety:
Walking on wet surfaces:
✅ Slow down (seriously!)
✅ Wear shoes with good tread
✅ Watch for puddles
✅ Use handrails
✅ Shorter steps = better balance

Getting in/out of car:
✅ Umbrella BEFORE you open door
✅ Turn whole body (don't twist)
✅ Use door frame for support
✅ Careful with wet car mats!

Umbrellas & spine:
⚠️ Carrying heavy golf umbrella all day? Hard on shoulder/neck!
⚠️ Holding phone while juggling umbrella? Recipe for bad posture!

Rainy day activities:
✅ Perfect time for indoor stretching
✅ Walk the mall instead of outside
✅ Yoga at home
✅ Keep moving even when it's wet!

Don't let rain be your excuse to skip movement! 💙
Stay dry, DeLand! 🌧️

03/31/2026

The SI Joint: Small but mighty source of pain! 💥

What is the SI joint? Your sacroiliac joints connect your pelvis to your spine (sacrum).
You have two - one on each side. They're small but super important for transferring weight from upper body to legs.

Fun fact: These joints move only 2-4mm, but when they're not moving right, you DEFINITELY feel it!

Symptoms:
🔸 Lower back pain (usually ONE-sided)
🔸 Pain in buttock, hip, groin
🔸 Pain that radiates down back of thigh (can mimic sciatica!)
🔸 Pain worse with:
• Standing from sitting
• Climbing stairs
• Standing on one leg
• Rolling over in bed
• Getting out of the car

Causes:
• Pregnancy and childbirth (ligaments loosen!)
• Trauma (fall on buttocks, car accident)
• Arthritis
• Leg length discrepancy
• Previous lumbar fusion (changes biomechanics)

Treatment: Conservative:
• Physical therapy (crucial! Stabilization exercises)
• SI belt (provides compression/support)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Ice/heat
• Activity modification

Interventional:
• SI joint cortisone injection (diagnostic + therapeutic)
• Radiofrequency ablation (burn pain generating nerves)

Surgical:
• SI joint fusion (minimally invasive)
• Only if: Failed conservative care, positive injection test, significantly impaired quality of life
• Good success rates (70-80%)

Lower back/buttock pain that's worse with stairs or standing from sitting? Might be coming from your SI joint!
📞 386-222-2792

03/30/2026

How did everyone do with our March Movement Challenge?! 🏀💪

Let me guess: ✅ Less morning stiffness ✅ Better flexibility ✅ More energy ✅ Fewer pain flares ✅ From barely moving to daily walks!

The REAL win? You proved to yourself that small, consistent actions make a BIG difference! 🎉

Challenge stats:
• 5 minutes daily = 155 minutes for the month
• That's over 2.5 HOURS of spine care!
• Maybe you did even more!

Keep it going! Don't stop just because March is over. These 5 minutes should become as automatic as brushing your teeth!

April challenge preview: Next week I'm announcing our APRIL AWARENESS challenge focused on posture. Get ready!

To everyone who participated: I'm SO proud of you! 💙

To those who didn't: It's never too late to start. Join us for April!

Who's ready for next month's challenge? 🙋‍♀️

03/26/2026

We just crossed an incredible milestone - over 125 patients served since opening with 255 separate encounters! 🎉

This might not seem like a huge number to some practices,
but to me, it's over 125 STORIES:
💙 The grandmother who can play with her grandkids again
💙 The construction worker back on the job pain-free
💙 The teacher who can stand through her classes
💙 The person who avoided surgery through conservative care
💙 The patient who had surgery elsewhere that failed and found relief here

Every single patient matters. Every success story fuels my passion. Every "thank you" reminds me why I do this.

What I've learned from YOU:
✅ Everyone's pain is unique and valid
✅ Listening is as important as medical knowledge
✅ Sometimes the best treatment is no surgery at all
✅ Building trust takes time, but it's worth it
✅ This community is amazing and deserving of excellent care

To my first 125 patients: THANK YOU for believing in Florida Spine Surgery. You've helped make this dream a reality.

To everyone else: We have room for more! If you've been dealing with spine problems, let's talk about solutions.

Here's to the next 125! 🥂

Jesna Sublett, MD - Florida Spine Surgery

04/23/2026

04/21/2026

04/20/2026

04/14/2026

04/13/2026

04/09/2026

04/07/2026

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