Despite being diagnosed years ago with scoliosis (a curvature of the spine), Jordan Stubblefield, age 27, used to be very physically active. In fact, he has served in the Army Reserves for over 10 years, including two recent active duty tours in Afghanistan. Now Jordan is readjusting to his full-time civilian job as a senior software developer.
However, the change to a sedentary lifestyle and sitting at a computer for long hours every day has put pressure on his spine and aggravated his scoliosis, causing severe back pain. Looking for a way to keep doing a job he enjoys, Jordan asked his employer about making some changes to his workspace.
“I was no longer physically active without the disciplined approach to exercise that full-time military service gave me. I’m sitting most of the day now. My scoliosis didn’t really bother me when I was active, but I began to get severe back pain once I found myself behind a desk every day,” said Jordan.
Jordan’s employer put him in touch with Cigna. Cigna’s vocational coaches not only help customers who have a disabling illness or injury with their return-to-work efforts, but also provide pre-disability support services to individuals who are experiencing pain or discomfort doing their day to day job tasks. The goal is to prevent the situation from escalating and reduce the likelihood of a person needing to go out on a disability claim.
Jaclyn Sphon, a Cigna vocational coach, helped facilitate with Jordan’s employer adjustments to his work station equipment and helped him reintegrate fitness back into his routine. She also offered him the opportunity to work with Achilles International through Cigna’s customer referral program. Achilles International is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities participate in athletic events. An Achilles personal trainer provided Jordan with a customized workout plan to gradually and safely increase his physical activity, strength and stamina.
“When I brought my workplace accommodation request to my employer, I had no idea of all the resources that would be made available to me through Cigna. Receiving personalized attention from my Cigna vocational coach and Achilles International has helped me get back to feeling at 100 percent and start a gym routine again,” said Jordan.
To celebrate Jordan’s progress, Cigna offered him the opportunity to participate in the Walt Disney World® 5K presented by Cigna on January 10 as a member of Team Cigna.
“For Cigna customers, participating in a race represents a healthy milestone on the road to recovery. We believe that, as you gain –and in Jordan’s case regain –physical strength, you’ll also build confidence, which can positively affect all areas of your life, including your work performance,” said Ryan Bruce, manager of the Healthy Working Life Program at Cigna. “It was an honor for the Cigna team to work with Jordan and help him readjust to a civilian job after his active service to our country.”
“It was surreal to receive an invitationfrom Cigna to participate in the 5k at Walt Disney World. It will be a first time visit for me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to celebrate my progress in this way. I’m also incredibly grateful for all the support I received to literally get me on my feet and moving again,” adds Jordan.