As medically necessary surgeries resume at UCHealth hospitals across Colorado, Lori Hopper is grateful, relieved and excited. For the past year, she has lived with excruciating pain in her lower back – but a medically necessary surgery scheduled Tuesday with renowned spine surgeon Dr. Evalina Burger is aimed to alleviate that pain. Now, Hopper can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. In recent months, Hopper has tried everything from chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, localized injections, and non-addictive medications. Nothing, however, has worked as a long-term solution.