About Denver International Spine Center (DISC)

An orthopedic spine condition or injury can be difficult. The Denver International Spine Center (DISC) team of expert orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgical specialists and compassionate staff are dedicated to helping you understand your spinal condition and the treatment options available.

Spine center in Denver

The right diagnosis is the most important first step toward getting you the right treatment. Our center has full-body imaging capabilities that allow for comprehensive and accurate assessments of patients' spinal alignment and scoliosis, with the additional benefit of markedly reduced radiation exposure. This technology generates a 3D model of the patients' spine or lower limbs and provides surgeons highly detailed information about each patient's unique anatomy to help diagnose your condition.

We are one of a few hospitals in the U.S. — and one of only a handful in Colorado — to have this diagnostic system. We are proud to provide you with this advanced imaging technology so you can get back to your life quickly and safely.

Schedule an appointment with one of our premier spine specialists by calling our office at (303) 762-3472.

Conditions we treat

We are part of the HealthONE Physicians medical group, a network providing comprehensive spine care for adults and children throughout the Greater Denver area. At DISC, we treat a wide range of spine injuries and conditions, including:

  • Compression fractures — occur when the bones become weak, typically related to osteoporosis, and are crushed
  • Degenerative spinal conditions — includes degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, myelopathy, spinal arthritis and spinal stenosis
  • Osteoporosis — the loss of bone mass often due to aging
  • Scheuermann's kyphosis — vertebrae that grow unevenly, causing a hunched or rounded back
  • Scoliosis in children and adults — sideways curvature of the spine
  • Spinal injuries — includes vehicular accidents, sports injuries and whiplash
  • Spinal tumors — benign or malignant, can require surgery but are very rare

Scoliosis

Affecting people of all ages, scoliosis of the spine can occur at birth, at the onset of puberty or later in life, although the causes at each age can be different. In children, scoliosis most commonly affects those with neuromuscular issues such as spina bifida or muscular dystrophy.

As a scoliosis clinic dedicated to the health and wellness of each patient, the physicians at DISC can answer any questions you have about scoliosis in children and adults and provide treatment for other spinal conditions and injuries.

Scoliosis in adolescents

When adolescents suffer from scoliosis, most cases do not need treatment but simple monitoring as they grow into adulthood. Called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), this type has no known cause, though some research is emerging to support a genetic link.

While pain is not a typical symptom of AIS, more common signs include:

  • Crooked shoulders
  • Frequently leaning on one side
  • Head slightly tilted to one side
  • One leg seems longer than the other
  • One shoulder appearing to “stick out” more
  • One hip “jutting out” more
  • Rib cage appearing uneven or crooked

Scoliosis in adults

Scoliosis in adults typically develops when bone deteriorates due to osteoporosis. This type is called adult degenerative scoliosis. The weakened bone mass can cause a sideways curvature that causes symptoms similar to AIS, but also includes pain.

Adults can also be diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. However, it likely developed during adolescence and went unnoticed.

Scoliosis treatment options

Most patients with AIS are monitored as they grow, and the physician keeps track of the progress of the curve. The most common and effective treatment for moderate AIS is a back brace.

When worn at least 13 hours a day, patients significantly slow or stop the curvature of the spine. In some more severe cases, spine surgery may be necessary.

For adults with idiopathic scoliosis, the symptoms of this spine condition can be managed through periodic observation by a doctor, over-the-counter pain relievers, exercise, wearing a brace for short-term pain relief, epidurals or nerve block injections to temporarily relieve persistent leg pain.

Depending on the severity of the curve, surgery may be the best option. The goal of scoliosis surgery is to restore spinal balance, reduce pain and discomfort by relieving nerve pressure, and maintain corrected alignment by fusing and stabilizing the spinal segments.

Spine services and treatments

From the use of the latest technologies and a comprehensive pain management program to our constant adaptation to new research and treatment techniques, the services and procedures offered by the DISC team make us one of the premier spine treatment practices in the region.

Our diagnostic tools and treatments include:

  • Advanced orthopedic imaging
  • Holistic pain management
  • Revision/failed spine surgeries

Our research

When you come to DISC, you gain access to our surgeons who have decades of experience and are leading researchers in the field. Our expert physicians lead globally recognized research on spine deformity and spine treatment.

Our advancements in research make us one of the leading spine research institutions in the world. We offer interdisciplinary spine care using the latest advancements from research conducted at our own facility.

Among our DISC physicians, we have published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, presented over 300 studies at medical society meetings and have published numerous book chapters on spinal deformity.

Our location

Our center is conveniently located on the Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center campus. Our address is:

1721 E. 19th Ave.,
Suite #500
Denver, CO 80218

Phone: (303) 762-3472

Hours: We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Parking: Self-parking is available in our parking garages at all times. If you can't find a spot in one of the garages, there is street parking around the campus.