Atlanta Santa Claus Overcomes Back Pain

Many people suffer from back troubles. Imagine what back pain would do to Santa Claus, especially at this time of year.

The hugely popular Santa at Phipps Plaza was almost sidelined by the problem, but thanks to an Atlanta surgeon the jolly old elf was back at his post.

Santa's job has its happy moments and its not-so-happy moments. "I had a lot of criers and kickers," said Phipps Plaza Santa Claus Johnny Hammond.

No matter what day of the week, Santa's always got a smile for kids big and small.

"When you have a child coming up here, they come running with those outstretched arms. That's the whole thing, that's Christmas. That is Christmas," said Hammond.

Hammond has been on the job now for weeks. Kids and parents travel across the state for a few minutes with the big guy.

"This is the first year that Hannah's actually sat in Santa's lap, so we're very excited. Normally she sits there with tons of tears and screaming. We did good this year, didn't we?" said Meagon Davis

"We go two and a half hour sessions, three times a day with an hour break in between, if we're lucky enough to get it," said Hammond.

Earlier this year, Hammond was having a tough time getting around. A back problem sent pain shooting into his legs.

Hammond suffered from a condition called spinal stenosis. The condition is the result of a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves.

Hammond's pain had gotten so bad, he needed surgery and he only had one request. "Just make me well for Christmas, that's all I want to do," recalled Hammond.

Dr. Paul Jeffords, a spine surgeon for Resurgeons Orthopaedics, took on a big job.

"I operated on Santa Claus so he was able to get back and do all the things he needs to do for all the little boys and girls," said Dr. Jeffords.

Dr. Jeffords performed a procedure called a lumbar lamenectomy on Hammond.

"It's one of the most common procedures we do and it involves making an incision in the lower back and removing the bony structures and ligament structures that were pressing on the nerves to get rid of the pressure on the nerves and get rid of the pain," said Dr. Jeffords.

Hammond underwent three months of rehabilitation to get back in shape. Now he says he is finally pain-free again and back to his old jolly self.

"I can lift now, do things, and hold on to these children," said Hammond.

Of course, every Santa has helpers, but Hammond said, "I still like to reach down and pick them up and set them myself."

No matter how long the line or how shy the child, Hammond is there to hear their Christmas wishes. "Some of the kids don't like to speak up so you have to put your ear right down in their face almost so you can hear what they're saying," said Hammond.

Hammond said he loves this job and felt good to be back.
For those who can't make it over to see Santa in person, he tells all the children to say their prayers and brush theirr teeth.