September 9th, 2026
For Jimmy Cheek, staying active has always been an important part of life. A former university professor and higher education leader, Dr. Cheek enjoys traveling, gardening, exercising, attending sporting events and spending time with his family.
But over the years, worsening back problems began to interfere with the activities he loved most.
What started as occasional discomfort eventually progressed to significant difficulty standing and walking. By late 2025, even simple activities had become challenging. During a trip to Canada, Dr. Cheek found himself unable to walk more than short distances without stopping to rest.
Despite years of physical therapy and multiple epidural injections, his symptoms continued to worsen.
Finding a Path Forward
After seeking multiple medical opinions, Dr. Cheek was uncertain about his treatment options. One recommendation involved a complex surgery with extensive hardware and a lengthy recovery.
Then his daughter encouraged him to seek another opinion from Anuj Patel, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon with Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta.
From his first appointment, Dr. Cheek felt a sense of confidence and clarity.
Dr. Patel reviewed his imaging, explained the underlying problem and walked him through the recommended treatment and recovery process. For Dr. Cheek, understanding exactly what was happening and what could be done made all the difference.
“He made me feel like there was a path forward,” Dr. Cheek shared.
A Remarkable Recovery
In January 2026, Dr. Patel performed a minimally invasive spine procedure.
Dr. Cheek’s recovery exceeded his expectations. Within days, he was able to return home to Knoxville, and he quickly transitioned away from prescription pain medication. Within weeks, he began physical therapy, followed by a return to physical training a few months later.
Today, Dr. Cheek has returned to many of the activities he enjoys most.
He is traveling, gardening, exercising and spending time with family without the limitations that once affected his daily life.
After struggling to walk during his trip to Canada, Dr. Cheek was later able to travel throughout Ireland without limitations.
“I feel like a completely different person,” he said. “I have no pain.”
Helping Patients Move Forward
Dr. Cheek’s experience is a reminder of the importance of seeking expert care when persistent back pain or mobility issues begin interfering with everyday life.
At Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, our orthopedic spine specialists work closely with patients to help them understand their diagnosis, treatment options and recovery plan.
For Dr. Cheek, finding the right specialist gave him the confidence to move forward—and ultimately helped him get back to the active life he loves.
Read the Full Patient Story
Piedmont recently shared Dr. Cheek’s full story, including his experience leading up to surgery, his recovery and his return to an active lifestyle.
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