Cultivating Strength to Flow, Thrive After Spine Surgery

For Jennifer Blumberg, life has always been about strength — in body, in spirit and in community. At 56, the Moraga resident radiates resilience, energy and optimism. But just months ago, debilitating back pain left her barely able to walk. Today, thanks to a transformative spine surgery performed by Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group’s Dr. Brian Andrews at Sutter Health, Blumberg is not only walking — she’s thriving.

Blumberg’s journey to surgery was years in the making. Diagnosed in her early 40s with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, she coped with increasing pain while maintaining a vigorous lifestyle that included Pilates, cycling and yoga.

“I’ve always been strong,” she says. “Even if I couldn’t run due to scoliosis, I could hike, dance, lift weights. I just kept moving.”

But as the years passed, Blumberg’s condition worsened. A series of surgeries in her 40s — including bladder prolapse and a hysterectomy — only aggravated her spine.

“I came out of those surgeries with my hips and back screaming,” she recalls. “I didn’t even know enough then to tell the doctors about my spinal issues.”

By early 2025, the pain had reached a breaking point. “One morning, I couldn’t stand. My leg was locked, my body hunched over. My 18-year-old son had to carry me to the ER,” she says. After bouncing between specialists and enduring rounds of injections and physical therapy, Blumberg found her answer: Dr. Andrews.

“I asked everyone I knew who’d had back surgery — vibrant people, athletes, professionals — and four out of six said the same name: Dr. Brian Andrews,” she says. “That’s when I knew.”

Even before meeting Dr. Andrews, Blumberg sensed something was different.

“His waiting room was buzzing,” she says. “People were sharing stories. One guy said, ‘If he can’t operate on you, he won’t.’ That gave me confidence.”

When she finally met him, the feeling was mutual. “He looked at my MRI, looked at me — I was standing, in pain, couldn’t sit — and he said, ‘You’re strong. We’re going to fix this. Don’t be scared.’ I started to cry.”

Two weeks later, Blumberg had surgery at Sutter’s Mills Peninsula Medical Center.

“From check-in to recovery, the care was phenomenal,” she says. “Everyone — from the anesthesiologist to the nurse who checked on my home setup — was focused, connected and compassionate.”

The surgery included spinal stabilization using a specialized cage and fusion technique. Blumberg was walking within hours post-op.

“I had zero issues with pain management,” she says. “They honored my sobriety and adjusted my meds carefully. I felt seen.”

Now in recovery, Blumberg walks daily among Moraga’s redwoods, works remotely from a standing desk and adjustable chair, and is planning a family cruise to Europe.

“This surgery gave me back my life,” she says. “I’m hiking again. I’m dancing in my kitchen. I’m grateful.”

Blumberg credits her recovery to more than just the procedure. “I cultivated strong friendships, a strong body and a strong community. That’s what saved me.”

And as she looks ahead? “I’m not just healing — I’m dreaming again.”