Dr. Todd Vanderheiden, MD

In 2021 this doctor performed a spinal fusion surgery on me. Once home I began suffering from debilitating pain in my lower left back, pain level at least a 20 on a scale of 1-10. I went to see him 2x regarding the pain; both times he said it wasn’t caused by him and offered no help or assistance. I had numerous injections, ablations & MRIs pursuant to seeing him and finally saw a doctor who prescribed gablofen: I also started pain management and have been on a pain contract for Hydrocodone. I have been taking both, as needed, for more than 2 years and they took care of the pain until recently… we are moving and I was busy packing and moving boxes and the same debilitating pain returned. Gablofen and Hydrocodone no longer help. I went to urgent care and was put on a steroid pack and told it is probably a pinched nerve…no one has ever suggested that before. Now I am stuck in my back brace again and having another MRI. What did the surgeon do to cause the pinched nerve??

Dr. Vanderheiden has very clearly laid out a plan to solve my sciatica problems.

My appointment was fine. This is my second time. I had a surgery in March by a different provider who is no longer there. I really enjoyed that experience despite a surgery, but eager for resolution for my continued pain. I do feel like I couldn’t complete my concerns, and rushed into the immediate concern. Although I expressed how all things didn’t work the first time, the end result was the same as what we did in March. I have an MRI next week and will see how follow up goes.

Dr. Todd VanderHeiden performed major spinal surgery on me (8 hours, L2-S1). This is my second review since I didn't say enough the first time. Dr. VanderHeiden is a skilled surgeon using the latest technology in the operating room. He explained the surgery very well before I made my decision and has been very caring. I trust him completely and feel fortunate to have found him. The surgery was a complete success! Even during recovery, I am more mobile and pain free than before. I feel like I have my life back again. Considering major spine surgery can be scary, but it is the best decision I have ever made.

They said my condition is serious but the assistant said my MRI was blurry and to couldn't see the doctor. They left a message on my phone that was very condescending and I played itto my family and therapist they have me depressed because the first doctor said if lose my ability to walk then they treated me like I'm not worth their time . I wish I'd gone elsewhere. A medical professional shouldn't treat . The whole office was like that. When I went in for the MRI, the woman said that she didn't have time for me to put my things in the locker. I was early.. I think they talked about me to other providers in their organization. I've known my own doctor for over 20 years and he knows me well. They said I'll become paraplegic. I've been crying a lot. They left a message on my phone telling me how to get low income insurance when I move I can't believe that they think it's acceptable. They think they're so powerful that they can gossip and neglect someone. Condescending I feel abused.

. I can't. It's too upsetting.

Dr. VanderHeiden is an excellent spine surgeon. I had my back surgery a year ago and thanks to Dr. VanderHeiden and his surgical team I am pain free. I would recommend him to anyone with back problems. Thanks to Dr. VanderHeiden and his team I got my life back!

I had spinal fusion surgery in December 2023. After many years of severe back pain. Sometimes debilitating. I was always afraid of having surgery. Especially back surgery. I interviewed with the doctor and then spoke with my primary care physician. I decided to, go with the recommended procedure to correct my spinal condition. I am 77 years old so I waited many years before I had the surgery. I wished I had done it sooner. I feel and walk like a much younger man. Playing golf now three times a week. No pain! The healing process was better than I expected. Even shorter than I expected. Although I did follow the doctors orders. I highly recommend Dr VanderHeiden . He is an excellent surgeon.

On 4-2-24 I went through a very extensive fusion of T10 thru S3 and the SI joint. Being 7 weeks out of surgery I must say I haven’t felt this good in several years. I have absolutely no spine, nerve or leg pain and have absolutely no regrets having the surgery. I have a long recovery time ahead of me still but have all the confidence the end result will be very good. Dr VanderHeiden was extremely thorough in explaining to me what do expect and took time to explain in terms that I could understand. I highly recommend that if you have been suffering in pain and it’s been suggested that your best option is surgery you put your trust in Dr. VanderHeiden and agree to proceed with surgery.

Dr Vanderheiden is an excellent doctor and spine surgeon. He really listens and cares and makes sure to clearly explain things. I would recommend him to anyone with spine problems.

I am a former college ice hockey athlete that had debilitating back and sciatica pain. When I came to Dr. Vanderheiden I had exasperated all my options to help with my pain. Dr. Vanderheiden had suggested that I go through with surgery to help relieve my pain, the biggest part being my nerve pain in my leg. Of course when I heard back surgery at 25 years old I was nervous, never thinking that I would have to get something like this done at such a young age. Dr. Vanderheiden came together with multiple spinal surgeons to come up with the best plan for my surgery so I knew I was in good hands. He went out of his way to make sure that I would be getting the best treatment and would have the best doctors. I am now 6 months out from having my spinal fusion surgery and I feel like a brand new person. I know surgery can be intimidating and scary, but Dr. Vanderheiden took all of my fears away and helped me get back to living a normal life and being able to play hockey again 100% pain free.

I had excruciating pain in my lumbar spine. Only bad news sells and all I heard and read was once you have back surgery you’ll never be the same. I hope I'll never be the same because my back is healed and I am 100% pain free thanks to Dr. Vanbeiden and my surgery was a mere nine months ago. Don't believe everything you hear and read. Seek professional help and get the real skinny. I am a very happy person.

Dr Vanderheiden and his surgical team were fantastic. My surgery has relieved all my pain, and my recovery was way easier than I expected. Dr. Vanderheiden met with my wife and soon the morning of surgery, went through in detail what was going to proceed, and he called my wife from the surgical center while they were still finishing up to give her a detailed explanation on how the surgery went. I couldn’t stand for a minute, now I can stand and walk without pain. I would recommend Dr Vanderheiden for any spine problem.

Great result. Back to weightlifting, running, hiking. No pain. No restrictions. Life is good. Have the surgery!

I had very extensive (11 hours in OR) spine fusion by Dr VanderHeiden almost 5 years ago. He’s not afraid to answer all questions both pre- and post-op and supports individualized recovery and exercise plan. Recently I went in for a follow up to make sure my sudden back pain wasn’t a sign of fusion problem, which it was not, but his exam did point to the actual problem, which was not surgical. My surgical result was so good that people who know my activities or see me move can’t believe how much fusion I actually have (and the fusion result today is as good as it was originally. I have and would absolutely recommend Dr VanderHeiden unreservedly!

Dr. Vanderheiden has guided my spine care and evaluation for the past 11 months. His examination of all aspects of my mobility limitations has led to options and alternative spine care with improved outcomes. His explanations are always complete and comprehensive as well as providing exceptional care and follow-up. I highly recommend him to anyone with spine issues.

WOW! I used to worry about having surgery. I was so resistant. I caved in and started seeing the Dr.'s at Panorama Orthopedics. I've now had several surgeries here and I can honestly say that coming here is the best thing ever I did! Dr. VanderHeiden performed my Anterior/Posterior Spinal Fusion and my lumbar spine hasn't felt this good in many, many years! I wish I had done it a long time ago! love Dr VanderHeiden and his assistant, Avan, and appreciate them so much!Thank you!!!

I cannot recommend Dr. VanderHeiden enough. After 20+ years of pain, I can finally say I’m pretty much pain free. My only regret during this experience has been that I didn’t have the surgery done earlier.

Dr. VanderHeiden gave me my life back! Enjoying the things I like to do! Thanks

I left my first visit with Dr. Vanderheiden having nothing but a very positive impression of him, Avan and panorama staff. He put together a plan to help me. He was very thorough and made everything very clear. Addressed my concerns and answered all my questions. I knew he truly cared about me. After exhausting all options other than surgery. That time had come and it was an easy decision for me because I had the upmost confidence in Dr. V. It was a success and I am now enjoying a better quality of life. I can only conclude that Dr. Vanderheiden is one of the finest spinal surgeons there is. Respectfully submitted: Jacob Stoneberger