Dr. Ernest Braxton, Jr. - Vail, Colorado

Flor Baray

Estuvimos un tiempo antendieno a,mi esposo nos recomendaron a braxton dimos muchas vueltas , al final le iva hacer una cirugía qué no tenía que ver con su problema, el pensaba meter un monitor y el tenía que controlar su dolor con un control , pedimos una segunda opinión y resulta ser que mi esposo tiene un disco y una hernia el su columna gracias a Dios encontré a doctor galizzi y el le determinó su cirugía lumbar la verdad mala experiencia tuvimos con braxon con todo respeto

Artis Kuntz

DR. BRAXTON GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK! I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome of my lumbar fusion. I was an active 45 year old woman looking for a surgical outcome that would eliminate ALL the limitations resulting from spondylosisthesis and stenosis, which had progressed to the point my life was greatly impacted. I brought Dr. Braxton a page long list of things I could no longer do, and he said he could give me back everything on my list!

The process of coming to terms with an intervention of this magnitude at my age was daunting. Dr. Braxton was the fourth spine doctor I consulted with. The outstanding care and support by Lori and Dr. Braxton in the pre-surgery process set me at ease. Dr. Braxton dedicated extraordinary time to answering all of my questions and working through options best suited for my unique set of health circumstances. The combination of his surgical expertise + feeling heard and supported helped me know I was choosing the absolutely best surgeon for my lumbar fusion.

Within hours of surgery I could tell my problem had been resolved. I never again experienced any nerve pain in my legs and feet, which had been the most severe of my symptoms. I was walking the river trail within a week of surgery. Working hard at PT, four months later I was able to do a three week hiking trip to Portugal. At the 6 month mark I did another 3 week EU trip and was able to manage my own luggage across five countries. This summer (9 months post surgery) I hiked 300 miles at high elevation, I am back to yoga three times a week, enjoy open swimming in Colorado lakes, paddleboarding, and look forward to backpacking and skiing soon. I go to music festivals and shake my booty for three days straight and feel excellent afterwards. I feel 10 YEARS YOUNGER and have wide open possibilities for adventuring in the mountains and oceans. I 1000% recommend Dr. Braxton if you are in the position to require a surgical intervention for your spine. I am living my dream life and have tremendous gratitude to Dr. Braxton for making it possible. Thank you Dr. Braxton and Lori!

(TLIF L4 L5 on November 16, 2023.)

Jessica Guthrie

Dr. Braxton is amazing. He takes the time to make sure you know exactly what the diagnosis is and the plan. He truly listens and cares about his patients and their outcomes. I recommend him to my family and friends.

Rob Meyers

I've struggled with chronic back pain for about 7 years now. I've tried everything you could imagine to eliminate or lesson my pain. Nothing helped. 2 years ago I started looking into lumbar disc replacement surgery. I interviewed several different surgeons before I made the decision to work with Dr. Braxton. Dr. Braxton is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, experienced and has a wonderful bedside manner. His team has been very responsive and communicative with any questions I've had. They've been great working with my insurance for approval. Thanks Lori! 3 weeks ago Dr. Braxton and his team performed an L5 S1 disc replacement on me. I'm feeling great and recovering quickly. I'm confident in the coming months I'll be fully recovered and back to my active lifestyle. Thank you Dr. Braxton and team for making a scary procedure not so scary.

Lori Barnes

“2023 was not the best year for me as I began experiencing severe nerve pain on my right side that radiated from my hip down to my knee, and it became quite debilitating. I tried a conservative approach at first and had two separate injections by Dr. Gnirke, neither of which were successful. He then told me I would need to be referred to Dr. Braxton, and I was absolutely fearful going into this next step.

When I first met Dr. Braxton I was impressed with his professionalism and how from the very beginning he wanted to know what I was hoping to achieve through treatment, and I told him I needed to get back to the gym. I was miserable. He also told me that he didn’t base his recommendations for treatment solely on MRIs or x-rays, but also wants to understand the patient’s goals.

Due to my scoliosis, I was hesitant although Dr. Braxton did say he would recommended a spinal fusion which was a very scary phrase to me. However, he did say that if I wanted to try the more conservative approach, he would be willing to do a microdiscectomy and he and his team were wonderful as they pushed through all the necessary approvals and I was able to have that surgery within a week and a half, early June 2023. I did feel better and took the necessary precautions during healing, however, by mid-July my previous symptoms were returning. Upon ordering a second MRI, Dr. Braxton discovered that the disc had re-herniated, which I knew was a potential risk.

At a follow-up appointment he explained to me various options. We also discussed the spinal fusion that I was quite fearful of, and I had many questions that he very calmly answered. He encouraged me to seek a second opinion which I did, and when I came back to him a few weeks later, with the report from another surgeon, Dr. Braxton did agree to do some follow-up testing which included a CAT scan and gathering my bone scan results. He did tell me that he was pleased those additional tests were done because it gave him additional information and informed him how he knew he needed to approach my particular surgery. He spoke with me in such a reassuring, kind way and I’ll never forget at the end of the appointment he said, “do you do hugs” and I replied, “absolutely I do hugs” and so he gave me a hug and I felt comforted, reassured and able to say OK, let’s do this. Dr. Braxton said he would perform the surgery when I wanted to do it. “You tell me, and we will make it happen” and he absolutely did on October 26.

All along the path to these various appointments, I always felt well cared for by every member of Dr. Braxton’s team. They were all friendly, knowledgeable, encouraging and made me feel truly special. After my spinal fusion, I’ll never forget when Dr. Braxton came to see me in recovery. He looked so happy and he was obviously proud as he said to me, “I fixed some of your scoliosis” and that just resonated with me because it was truly coming from his heart.

When I’ve come back for follow-up appointments, Dr. Braxton would knock on the door and then walk in and say, “how’s my favorite librarian” and he’s always been so warm and friendly. I simply cannot sufficiently praise Dr. Braxton and his wonderful team! I am so pleased and proud to say that he gave me back my life, as these photos can attest. I’m “back in the saddle” and simply happy as I could be! Thank you! ☺️ ~~ Lori

Roland Timney

Dr. Braxton is one of those rare doctors who takes all the time needed to answer all my questions & completely prepared, not only with verbal explanations but also a video explaining, visually, exactly what needed to be done. He was recommended by a couple of my friends who he has treated.

luz Thede

Doctor Braxton is a miracle worker! He fixed my neck and I now have no pain!! I went from being in constant pain with a steadily decrease lifestyle to no pain and being very active again. He did my 1 level cervical disc replacement on November 2023 and I feel great, finally no pain in my neck and arm. The care from start to finish was outstanding. Truly the best experience I've had with a doctor. His sincerity, empathy, and kindness were so refreshing. He spent a great amount of time listening to and answering my questions. I didn't feel rushed in any way and left knowing the resolution of my symptoms was very important to him. I would definitely recommend Dr. Braxton for anybody.

Barbara Magnuson

Dr Braxton and Vail Summit have been the best options for my lumbar fusion and I couldn't have asked for better care. My fusion is healing well and throughout it all the doctor and his staff has been there for all my needs before during and after surgery.