Spine Center: Get Care at University of Colorado Hospital

Philosophy of Care

The Spine Center at University of Colorado Hospital specializes in treating people with lower back and neck pain using proven therapies and cutting-edge technology.

Though our highly skilled spine surgeons are equipped to handle the most complex surgical procedures on-site, we start with a conservative approach, considering surgery only if all non-surgical options are unsuccessful.  From diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation, all services are available on-site to provide the care you need.

See our Featured Doctors below.

Conditions Treated at the Spine Center

  • Artificial disc
  • Back pain 
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Disc replacement
  • Facet joints
  • Herniated Disc
  • Spinal stenosis (learn more about an exciting new treatment for spinal stenosis)
  • Neck Pain  

Services

  • Evaluation and non-surgical treatment coordinated by board certified spine specialists trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatrist)
  • Surgical decision-making and management by spine surgeons in neurosurgery and orthopaedics
  • Spinal injections, including epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks, facet joint injections, sacroiliac joint injections, hip joint injections, radiofrequency procedures and others
  • Electrodiagnostic evaluations (EMGs) performed by specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation
  • Comprehensive rehabilitation physical/occupational therapy services are performed on-site
  • Pain psychology evaluation services are offered to all patients

Research

Artificial Lumbar Disc Replacement Clinical Trial

Request an appointment at UCH

Go to our Request an Appointment page

If you are between 18 and 60 years of age, have low back pain, and have known degenerative disc disease at one level in your lumbar spine, you may qualify for a clinical IDE trial, even if you have previously been denied by your insurance plan.  The device being tested is called Activ-L Artificial Disc.  The clinical trial is designed to learn whether an investigational device is safe and effective in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lower spine by comparing an existing disc replacement to a new design. For more information call 720-848-1980.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

  • Your photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state or military ID are acceptable).
  • Your insurance card or the name of your carrier; the plan, policy or group number; and the phone number of the insurance company. If covered by a spouse's policy, know your spouse's date of birth and Social Security number.
  • A referral form or number if required by your insurance carrier.
  • Previous medical records. You also can arrange to have them transferred prior to your scheduled appointment time.
  • Name, address and phone number of the referring physician (if relevant).

Contact Information

Address
Anschutz Outpatient Center
1675 Aurora Court, Ste 4200
Aurora, CO 80045

Get maps and directions

Please DO NOT mail correspondence to the street address. Call the clinic for our mailing address.

Phone Number
(720) 848-1980

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Insurance & Payment

University of Colorado Hospital accepts most major insurance plans. Your insurance co-pay (if required) is due at the time of service. For your convenience we accept cash, personal check, MasterCard, Visa and Discover.

Billing Questions

Featured Doctors

Venu Akuthota, MD, is an Associate Professor and Pain Fellowship Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Denver. He is triple-board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine and Electrodiagnostic medicine. He is expert in the aggressive non-surgical management of low back and neck injuries through sports medicine and injection techniques. Currently Dr. Akuthota serves as a team physician for the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the University of Denver Pioneers.

Evalina Burger, MD, is a South-African trained spine surgeon, specializing in adult deformity and reconstruction. She was the first female spine surgeon to be selected for the prestigious ABC fellowship in 2000. Dr. Burger has a vast experience in comprehensive spine care including pain management, tumors and infection and is well versed in traumatic conditions of the spine.

Heather Ene, MD, is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Ene's clinical interests include musculoskeletal disorders, neurological rehabilitation and chronic pain.

Peter Gonzalez, MD, is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine, pain medicine and electrodiagnostic medicine.  His clinical interests include, spinal disorders and interventions, electrodiagnostic medicine, and musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation.  Dr. Gonzalez's research interests include the effects of epidural injections on blood glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus and low back pain in distance runners.
Vikas Patel, MD, serves as the chief of orthopaedic spine surgery at the University of Colorado Denver. He worked as an engineer before earning a combined master's of arts and medical degree at Washington University. Dr. Patel currently focuses on spinal non-fusion technologies, including disc replacement, dynamic stabilization, alternative bone graft materials for fusion, minimally invasive surgical techniques and computer-assisted surgery. He has extensive clinical and surgical experience with cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal disorders.

William Sullivan, MD, is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management. He currently serves as the medical student elective director and Spine Center co-fellowship director at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Sullivan has trained numerous fellows in sports medicine and spine care techniques, including spinal injections. His clinical interests are sports rehabilitation, evaluation and treatment of neck and lower back pain, spinal injections and electrodiagnostic medicine.

Peter Witt, MD, is the director of the Neuro Spine program in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Witt was chief of Neurosurgery and the Trauma Spine co-director at Denver Health Medical Center before joining University of Colorado Hospital. His clinical interests include degenerative and traumatic spinal disorders, spinal tumors, syringomyelia, craniocervical junction disorders, peripheral nerve surgery, neurotrauma and neuro critical care.

Additional Resources

The Spine Center at University of Colorado Hospital