Richard Carr
A decorated United States Air Force veteran who once piloted F-4 Phantoms and F-16 Fighting Falcons is finding new freedom after undergoing a successful laminectomy at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital.
Retired Major General Richard E. Carr, USAF, who spent decades serving his country in the skies, faced a different kind of challenge when chronic spinal issues began to severely limit his mobility and quality of life. Years of physical strain and wear on his body left him with debilitating back pain, making it difficult to perform even everyday tasks.
“You have seen Tom Cruise as “Maverick” flying F-14s and F-18s in strenuous training and more strenuous combat,” said Carr. “What you don’t see is the extreme stress on the pilots’ bodies while performing at near Mach 2 and turning at 9 times the force of gravity! I was one of these pilots (F-4s and F-16s) who stressed my body with three tours in Vietnam and years of training exercises all over the world. My call sign is ‘Bullwhip’. My chosen occupation was catching up with my body. As I aged, I found myself unable to walk as well due to spinal stenosis.”
Carr went to see Dr. Neil Powell, neurosurgeon, at Fawcett Hospital, who ordered a MRI that showed Carr’s spinal stenosis was worsening and irreversible.
“As luck would have it, Dr. Powell previously worked with pilots of the newest military fighter, the F-35, handling difficulties they had from flying this extraordinary fighter,” said Carr. “It was instant rapport as he certainly understood my problem. He recommended and performed a level three laminectomy in July and I had excellent care in the Orthopedic & Spine Center.”
Laminectomy procedures are often life-changing for patients suffering from spinal stenosis or other conditions that compress the spinal nerves. By removing a small portion of bone and tissue, surgeons relieve the pressure that causes pain, numbness, or weakness, restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
“It was an honor to care for Major General Richard E. Carr, USAF, ret.,” said neurosurgeon, Neil Powell, MD. “His service to our country is extraordinary, and we’re proud to help him return to doing the things he loves without the limitations of chronic pain. I was able to see him make progress as his pain resolved and he shared with me many amazing stories of his aviation career.”
Today, Major General Carr is sharing his story to inspire others who may be living with untreated back or spinal conditions to seek help.
“Now I am walking without pain and getting better every day thanks to Fawcett Hospital’s Sports & Rehabilitation facility,” said Carr. ‘Bullwhip’ is back in action!”