Neurosurgery One

03/18/2026

In Colorado, we tend to spend a lot of time outdoors – biking, hiking, skiing, climbing. If you're miles from the trailhead and your mountain biking partner hits their head… do you know what to look out for?

First: Stay calm, keep them still for a moment and ask simple questions.

Look out for:
- Confusion
- A headache that gets worse
- Nausea/vomiting
- Unusual drowsiness

If symptoms are worsening or severe, it’s time to take action. Start heading off the trail and seek medical care if they have:
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasing confusion
- Severe headache
- Difficulty walking or speaking

If you're too far away from the trail and unsure if you should call for help, you should use your SOS device or call 911 if they have:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Unequal pupils
- Trouble waking up
- Neck pain or inability to move safely

Head injuries in the backcountry can be hard to assess, especially when adrenaline is running and symptoms develop slowly. But knowing the warning signs of a concussion or more serious brain injury can help you decide when it’s time to get off the trail or call for rescue.

03/13/2026

It’s World Sleep Day and we can’t overstate how important sleep is for your overall health and cognitive wellness.

Your brain restores.
Your body repairs.
Your spine resets.

But if you’re waking up with a tight neck and aching shoulders…your setup might be the problem.

Your neck will thank you for this: instead of stacking pillows, elevate your upper body with a sturdy wedge.

Better sleep protects your brain and spine…and better mornings protect your life!

03/11/2026

These are the three most commonly overlooked warning signs of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

1. Subtle cognitive changes (often called “brain fog”)

2. Emotional and personality changes

3. Physical and sensory sensitivities

Why are they overlooked?

- Delayed Onset: Symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after the injury due to metabolic changes and secondary inflammation

- "Normal" Imaging: Conventional MRI or CT scans often show no structural damage, leading to the belief that no injury exists

- Adrenaline Masking: In the immediate aftermath of an accident, adrenaline can hide symptoms of brain injury

If you have experienced a blow to the head and develop these or any new, persistent symptoms, it is crucial to consult a medical professional.

03/06/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and we’re kicking it off by busting some old-school myths.

Today we understand that even mild concussions deserve thoughtful evaluation. Early care protects memory, balance, mood, and long-term brain health.

You should know the signs of traumatic brain injury, both for yourself and the people you love.

These are some signs to watch out for:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Feeling confused or “foggy”
- Memory trouble
- Mood changes
- Unusual drowsiness

Symptoms can show up right away — or hours to days later.

Seek immediate medical care if there is:
- Repeated vomiting
- Worsening headache
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
- Increasing confusion or agitation

It’s never too late to be seen, especially if symptoms are worsening. If something feels off, trust that instinct. Your brain is worth paying attention to.

In the Denver region, we offer specialized Adult Concussion Clinics where specialized nurse practitioners have extensive experience in traumatic brain injuries are ready to provide thorough assessments and treatment plans. Learn more here: Adult Concussion Clinic

03/03/2026

👏👏👏👏

I love my patients and their sense of humor.
Truly a privilege and a blessing to care for such a wonderful community.

02/26/2026

Lower back tightness often creeps up by the end of the day. These gentle stretches can help your body unwind before bed and support more comfortable rest. Move slowly, breathe deeply, don’t over bend or twist, and stop if something doesn’t feel right.

02/19/2026

From heat vs. ice, to the truth about rest, stretching and when it’s time to see a specialist — we’re sharing simple, science-backed tips that can help your persistent lower back pain.

Feel better, move better, and avoid chronic issues.

For all the info, read the full blog post from Anna Jackson, MPAS, PA-C: https://www.neurosurgeryone.com/blog/a-guide-to-lower-back-pain-self-care/

02/12/2026

02/10/2026

If you’re experiencing pain from spinal stenosis (which could be back aches, neck pain, sciatica, maybe even numbness and tingling), you’re probably looking for the fastest and easiest way to relief.

For quick relief from new pain, we recommend a couple types of over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, this along with light stretching is enough for people to move on with their lives, and the pain eventually subsides.

But, if pain lasts over 2 weeks, it’s time to see a specialist who can do a full analysis and get you on track to safe and medication free pain relief.

One of our pain management specialists Tyler Woodworth MD wrote a full blog on this subject. To learn more check it out at the blog here: https://www.neurosurgeryone.com/blog/best-painkiller-for-spinal-stenosis/

01/30/2026

At Neurosurgery One we’re here to listen, find the source, create a pathway, and get you back to the life you love.

Because finding relief should be simple.