Army Veteran Vivian De Tiege overcame acute low back pain with the help of physical therapy at the VA Gulf Coast clinic. Initially, her pain disrupted her daily activities and left her questioning if she would improve. After being diagnosed with sciatica, she received education and reassurance from her care team, who emphasized that most cases of acute low back pain improve over time. Her treatment plan included core and hip strengthening, functional movement, and pacing strategies, which were adjusted as her symptoms changed. Despite a setback from a fall that required her to use a walker, De Tiege remained committed to her recovery. Over time, she became stronger and more confident, achieving significant progress in her mobility. Her Functional Gait Assessment indicated reduced fall risk, and she regained the ability to engage in activities like painting and gardening. De Tiege now reports minimal pain and has returned to her daily routines, stating, “I’m back to doing everything I want to do.” She highlights the importance of the support she received and recognizes that it’s never too late for Veterans to apply for the health care benefits they’ve earned.