Spine West

“While Colorado is well-known for its high quality, active lifestyle, Spine West is known for its trusted, patient-centered care,” says Cliff Gronseth, M.D., founder and managing partner at Spine West. “Our goal is to treat you like family. Our mission is to promote health, hope and function and to prevent injuries from happening in the first place. We abide by our motto: trust – care – excellence.”

A patient-centered, team-oriented approach with many convenient, in-office, diagnostic tools ensures timely diagnosis and treatment of simple and complex nerve, muscle, joint, and spine problems. It’s this kind of approach that won Spine West the Best Medical Facility – 2017 Boulder County Gold People’s Choice Award.
Spine West
Nerve testing (EMG) helps assess muscle and nerve health. (Photo: Jonathan Castner)

The physicians and physician assistants at Spine West specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (also called “Physiatry”). They provide comprehensive, high quality, patient-centered care for patients with joint, muscle and nerve problems. “Each person is unique,” says John Tobey, M.D., partner at Spine West. “When evaluating patients, we look at many factors including biological, social, and vocational issues that can contribute to symptoms.”

Physiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating various joint problems, back and neck pain, joint pain, weakness, and numbness. Their specialized training includes nerve and muscle function, physical exam techniques, biomechanics, gait analysis, bracing and pain management. Says Dr. Gronseth, “You could say we are ‘Externists.’ We focus on not just one internal body system but the entire outer part of the body – the joints, muscles and nerves. We’re experts of body movement and function, with a strong focus on non-surgical care.”

The Spine West team strives to maximize performance no matter what the patient’s age or circumstances, by using state of the art non-surgical treatments. “We work together to personalize your care and to make you feel like family,” explains the friendly staff at Spine West.
Spine West
Ultrasound is useful for diagnosis and injections like stem cells and PRP. (Photo: Jonathan Castner)
“We provide more than just spine care. We treat any part of the body that helps you move – from your head to your toes.”

Easy access to in-office diagnostic imaging is essential for effective treatment. Spine West patients receive comprehensive evaluations that may include: fluoroscopic x-rays, ultrasound scanning, nerve testing, in addition to a thorough physical examination.

Spine West’s open-sided MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is unique for Boulder. “We are proud to have the only open-sided MRI machine in Boulder County,” says David Rodriguez, office manager. The open design helps reduce claustrophobia and anxiety often associated with more traditional “tunnel-like” machines. Vaheed Sevvom, P.A.
Spine West
Spine West is proud to have the only open-sided Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine in Boulder. (Photo: Jonathan Castner)
explains, “Providers and patients appreciate having access to an open-sided machine in the community and our patients appreciate the convenience of having an MRI in our office.”

Technology works together with the hands-on treatment at Spine West. For example, fluoroscopy-guided spine injections and ultrasound-guided joint injections provide real-time imaging to ensure that medicine is delivered to precise locations. This is especially important when injecting stem cells and platelet-rich plasma to promote healing. Advanced electrodiagnostic testing, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG), help diagnose the cause of symptoms and how much damage (if any) has occurred.

Spine West works closely with physical and occupational therapists, optimizing patient outcomes. Physical Therapy helps patients return to an active lifestyle at their own pace and guides patients on individualized home exercise programs to prevent injuries. Occupational therapy helps patients with hand and elbow problems like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and elbow pain. Prevention is always preferred over treatment.

Spine West has close and trusted relationships with many providers in the region that allows for efficient, high quality, coordinated care. Dr. Gronseth confides, “The best complement is when a patient or another health care provider refers their family member to us. Then we know we have earned their trust.”

The providers at Spine West also love to teach. Dr. Gronseth started an organization to teach ultrasound to skilled birth attendants working in remote parts of the world to help save mothers and babies lives. The Spine West Team has presented many enjoyable educational lectures to the Boulder community. They will soon begin hosting a series of interactive, live webinars covering a range of topics, from back pain to arthritis to regenerative medicine. For more information send an e-mail to admin@spinewest.com or visit their website at SpineWest.com.

Reference: Daily Camera Business Spotlight