Dawn Lissy

Dawn’s path to becoming a Spinal Champion is unique. For more than 30 years, she worked as a biomedical engineer in the spine industry, specializing in implant design, mechanical testing, and FDA regulatory support. But in 2021, her perspective shifted dramatically when she became a patient herself.

After experiencing radiating pain and numbness in her leg, Dawn was diagnosed with grade one spondylolisthesis, foraminal stenosis, a herniated disc, and degenerative disc disease. She began with physical therapy, but her symptoms progressed until she lost all sensation in her left leg. In December 2021, she underwent a discectomy, which provided immediate relief and restored her mobility.

Her journey, however, did not end there. Six months later, new symptoms appeared on the opposite side of her body. Determined to manage her condition as best she could, Dawn turned to lifestyle changes, non-surgical treatments, and pain management strategies. Through weight loss, core strengthening, stress reduction, and perseverance, she regained function and continues to navigate the ups and downs of her condition.

Today, Dawn remains hopeful about the future of spine care and looks forward to new treatment options that may help her and others living with spine pain. Having experienced both sides of the spine health journey as an industry expert and now as a patient, she shares her story to highlight resilience, informed decision-making, and the importance of advocating for yourself in the face of pain.