David C. Holte, MD

In 2000 I ruptured a lumbar disk. After putting up with pain in the back and down my legs, and periods of time where I would be incapacitated because my back would “go out” with no notice I saw Dr. Holte and on analysis of my MRI he determined there was a bulge that was touching my spinal cord. He did a Microdiscetomy, and removed a solidified piece of disk fluid. While the surgery was not for the purpose of repair of the disk degeneration that had occurred due to the rupture and while I still have to limit activity, it did stop the pain in the legs and incidences of the back “going out.” I have not had one of those incidences in the 16 years since the surgery.

I had a catastrophic back injury in 2005 from a work related accident where my L5-S1 disk was destroyed.  I tried every single treatment imaginable in order to avoid surgery.  I tried therapies ranging from bio-electric therapy to injections to traction to core strengthening.  None of that worked.  Strength wasn’t my issue either.  I was in massive pain for a year where it felt like I had a screwdriver stuck into my spine and someone would occasionally twist it.  I visited Dr. Holte and he knew exactly what needed to be done.  His calm and professional demeanor put me at ease.  Dr. Holte did a L5-S1 fusion where he went in through my stomach (thus avoiding cutting the smaller muscles in my back) and he fused my spine from the front.  My family said that during my recovery from surgery he spent time with them and answered every question they had as well and put them at ease.  I awoke from my surgery and never had a hint of back pain since.  It has been over a decade since Dr. Holte fixed my spine and I haven’t ever had a pain in my back.  Nor have I had any issues with any other parts of my back.  In addition, outside of having to sit down sideways to tie my shoes because my spine is fused, I have not had my quality of life diminished at all.  In fact, I golf, hunt, fish, play sports and am active with my 10 year old daughter and 15 year old boy that I mentor.  Basically I have no limitations on what I can do in life.  Dr. Holte did an amazing job with my back and his expertise and professionalism with my family was greatly appreciated.  Anyone considering having anything done with their back would be wise to see Dr. Holte first.  I literally would trust him with my life and future as he should he was more than capable of looking after mine a decade ago.

Dr. Holte is amazing! I cannot possibly speak more highly of him. Before meeting Dr. Holte, I was in constant pain following a back injury (this coming from an otherwise healthy 23 year old). I had been to numerous doctors who wrote my pain off, or told me to come back in a few weeks if not better, but no one was interested in helping me. I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Holte and had surgery 3 days later. He was fantastic! He was the only doctor that I felt truly cared, and took the time to listen to me. Thanks to him, I had no issues post op, and have not felt that pain since sitting on the gurney to go to surgery. He truly is a life changing person!