Dr. Shay Bess is an ABOS Board Certified, internationally recognized spine surgeon specializing in the treatment of scoliosis, spinal deformity, and complex revision surgery in both pediatric and adult patients. Dr. Shay Bess strives to restore and preserve spinal function through both non-surgical treatment options and surgical procedures, aiming to alleviate pain and enhance his patients' quality of life. Based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Dr. Shay Bess is a distinguished and renown leader in spine surgery, global spine research, outcomes innovation, and physician education. Dr. Shay Bess is the most published and distinguished spine surgeon in the state of Colorado. Dr. Shay Bess is also the founder and president of the International Spine Study Group--the most influential and productive research entity in adult spine deformity worldwide. Dr. Shay Bess is dedicated to creating and improving the national and international standards for spine care, patient safety, physician education, spine treatment, and surgical outcomes.
Dr. Shay Bess, a dedicated scoliosis specialist, is committed to providing the highest quality spine health services to his patients, ensuring their comfort, well-being, and safety. He strives to restore and preserve spinal function through both non-surgical treatment options and surgical procedures, aiming to alleviate pain and enhance his patients' quality of life. Dr. Shay Bess' practice involves accurately diagnosing spinal conditions, developing tailored treatment plans, and performing surgical procedures with precision and care, all while emphasizing patient education and rehabilitation.
PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH
Dr. Shay Bess is dedicated to employing a patient-centered approach in his practice, empowering his patients to be active participants in their own care. His research demonstrates that this approach yields better patient outcomes, improved communication, and significantly higher patient satisfaction. As a spine specialist, Dr. Shay Bess engages his patients in open discussions about their conditions and all available treatment options, including both non-surgical treatment options and surgical approaches, to achieve optimal outcomes. Many spinal conditions present multiple valid treatment methods, and the ideal choice often hinges on the patient's individual preferences, goals, and values. Dr. Shay Bess prioritizes exploring non-surgical treatment options before recommending surgery. By actively involving patients in decision-making and tailoring care to their unique needs, he builds stronger relationships, enhances treatment adherence, and ultimately provides more effective and compassionate care.
Physical therapy and massage serve as effective non-surgical treatment options, focusing on strengthening core muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring proper body mechanics. Techniques such as massage, spinal manipulation, and mobilization can help reduce pain and improve joint movement.
Epidural Steroid and Facet Injections: These non-surgical treatment options deliver medicine and a local anesthetic into the epidural space, into the facet joint, or along the spinal nerve to reduce inflammation and pain around the spinal nerves. Nerve Blocks: These injections can help pinpoint the source of pain and provide temporary relief. Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure uses heat to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves, often recommended by a scoliosis specialist or spine surgeon.
Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and restore function. As part of a holistic approach, many patients seek non-surgical treatment options, including acupuncture, to manage their conditions effectively.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic techniques, like spinal manipulation, can help restore proper spinal alignment and reduce pain.
Bracing: A brace can provide support and limit movement to promote healing in patients recovering from spinal conditions.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making changes to posture, ergonomics, and activity levels can help manage pain and prevent future problems.
Dr. Shay Bess, a renowned spine surgeon, has received numerous academic awards and research recognition, particularly at national and international conferences. This highlights his commitment to staying at the forefront of the field of spine surgery, advancing knowledge, and improving patient care. His recognition reflects not only his expertise but also his dedication to evidence-based practice, with a strong potential for contributing to the development of new and improved treatments. Presenting research and receiving awards demonstrates Dr. Shay Bess' active contribution to the collective knowledge base of spine surgery, ultimately benefiting ALL patients. His research is frequently sought after by patients and their physicians, especially when informing treatment plans for various spinal conditions.
* H-index: 73 with 23,952 citations (Google Scholar)
* >$25 million in research and educational grants
* 2025 Meritorious Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Spine Surgery from the American Academy of Neurosurgery & Congress of Neurosurgery Joint Section
* 2025 Scoliosis Research Society Directed Research Grant Principal Investigator for Creation and Validation of Improved Outcomes Measures for the Assessment of Adult Spinal Deformity Patients
* 2024 Hibbs Award-- Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting Best Clinical Science Abstract
* 2024 Hibbs Award-- Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting Best Basic Science Abstract
* 2021 Hibbs Award-- Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting Best Clinical Science Abstract
* 2020 Whitecloud Award-- International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques/Scoliosis Research Society Best Clinical Abstract
* 2017 Goldstein Award-- International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques/Scoliosis Research Society Best Clinical Poster
* 2014 Goldstein Award-- International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques/Scoliosis Research Society Best Clinical Poster
* 2013 Whitecloud Award-- International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques/ Scoliosis Research Society Best Clinical Abstract
* 2013 Goldstein Award-- International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques/ Scoliosis Research Society Best Clinical Paper
* 2012 Value Award North American Spine Society Best Paper Award-- North American Spine Society Annual Meeting