Full Patient Story: Chris’s Recovery After L4–5 Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

December 17th, 2025
By New Jersey Brain and Spine

How an L4–5 Posterior Lumbar Fusion Gave Chris Feeling in His Leg Again and His Life Back

Chris was only in his early 40s, but was already living with the numbness and pain of a much older man. Three months before visiting Dr. Mohammad Faraz Khan at New Jersey Brain & Spine, Chris had a microdiscectomy spine surgery performed by another surgeon. The procedure removed a piece of herniated spinal disc to alleviate pain and numbness from the knee down in Chris’s left leg. It worked, but just for just three months. Then the pain and numbness returned. When multiple people recommended he meet Dr. Mohammad Faraz Khan at New Jersey Brain & Spine, he wasn’t convinced. After his first experience, he had every reason to be skeptical.

A Consult That Changed His Mind

After Chris’s first experience, he was skeptical of another surgery. But after several of Chris’s contacts recommended Dr. Mohammad Faraz Khan at New Jersey Brain & Spine, he booked an appointment to get a second opinion. Dr. Khan walked him through everything from the beginning. What likely caused the original L4–5 disc herniation, when the cushion (disc) between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae pushes out, potentially pressing on nerves (such as the sciatic nerve). Dr. Khan explained why the first surgery didn’t address the real problem, and what options were left. He laid out surgical and non-surgical paths, realistic outcomes, and what long-term stability could look like.

It was the most clarity Chris had ever received about his spine, and by the end of the consult, Dr. Khan had earned Chris’s trust.

Chris went home, thought it over for just a few hours, and then called back that same day to schedule surgery.

The Right Procedure, with, the Right Surgeon.

Dr. Khan performed an L4–5 Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) to remove the herniated disc, decompress the nerve, and stabilize the spine. The goals were simple: fix what the first surgery did not, and to give Chris long-term relief.

The results were immediate: When Chris woke up, the numbness he had lived with for months was already fading.

“I had no feeling from the knee down. I got that feeling back almost immediately after surgery.”

His back pain eased. His strength started returning. And for the first time in a long time, Chris felt hopeful about what his life could look like.

Life, Restored

Yes, there’s normal post-op soreness. But compared to the pain and limitations Chris lived with before, it’s nothing.

He’s moving more adeptly, he’s more comfortable, and he’s getting his life back piece by piece.

““My life has improved drastically. Dr. Khan is an outstanding surgeon, very helpful throughout.”

The Bigger Message in His Story

Chris’s journey highlights an important truth. Spine surgery outcomes depend on choosing the right specialist, the right diagnosis, and the right procedure. Second opinions matter. Expertise matters. Not all surgeries—or surgeons—are the same.

Finding Dr. Khan gave Chris a second chance at a life without constant pain, and he’s forever glad he took it.

Watch Chris’ Story

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