Neurosurgery One welcomes Tyler T. Woodworth, MD, a fellowship-trained interventional pain management physician, to our Parker and Lone Tree locations. Dr. Woodworth offers a broad range of non-surgical procedures for spine, joint, and nerve pain, and is dedicated to helping patients regain their quality of life. We spoke with Dr. Woodworth about his training, his philosophy of care, and why lifestyle choices — like diet and physical activity — can play such an important role in managing pain.
Where did you train to become an interventional pain management physician?
I earned my medical degree at Creighton University School of Medicine and completed my residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Utah. During residency, I developed a strong interest in interventional spine procedures, which led me to pursue a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine at Barrow Brain & Spine in Phoenix. This fellowship gave me advanced, hands-on training in a wide variety of interventional pain procedures and diagnostic techniques.
What types of conditions and procedures do you treat?
I treat pain originating from the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. This includes back and neck pain, sciatica, disc herniations, arthritis-related joint pain, nerve compression, and pain from sports or overuse injuries. My procedural toolkit includes epidural steroid injections in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine; radiofrequency ablations for facet joint arthritis; ultrasound-guided joint and soft tissue injections for the hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists; vertebral augmentation for compression fractures; EMG and nerve conduction studies; and spinal cord stimulator trials.
As you can tell by that description, we have many options to choose from. The key is to identify the pain generator — whether it’s a specific joint, nerve, or disc — and target it precisely. My ultimate goal is to restore function and help patients get back to the activities that matter most to them.
What is your approach to patient care?
I start by listening — really listening — to each patient’s story. Pain is complex, and understanding not just the symptoms but also the patient’s lifestyle, activity level, and goals is essential for building the right plan. I’m detail-oriented in my diagnostic process, whether that’s reviewing imaging, performing a physical exam, or using diagnostic injections. In procedures, I take a meticulous approach to ensure we’re addressing the right structure as safely and effectively as possible.
I also believe in taking a comprehensive view of pain management. That means addressing not only the immediate source of pain but also factors that may be contributing to it—such as diet, physical activity, and sleep. These elements can have a profound impact on inflammation, which in turn affects pain levels.
How do diet and lifestyle choices contribute to inflammation and pain?
Many people don’t realize that the foods they eat and their day-to-day habits can directly influence their pain. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to higher levels of discomfort, slower healing, and worsening of conditions like arthritis. Diets high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and ultra-processed foods can promote inflammation. On the other hand, eating more whole, nutrient-dense foods—like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—can help reduce inflammation.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also key. Excess body weight puts additional strain on joints and the spine, and fat tissue itself produces inflammatory chemicals that can worsen pain. By making dietary changes that support both weight control and reduced inflammation, patients can often improve their pain without additional procedures.
Lifestyle factors beyond diet matter too. Physical activity helps maintain joint flexibility, strengthens supporting muscles, and reduces stiffness. Good sleep allows the body to repair and recover. Stress management is important because chronic stress can increase inflammation and muscle tension, both of which contribute to pain.
When I work with patients, I aim to combine the benefits of targeted interventional procedures with these lifestyle approaches. The procedures can address pain in the short term, while changes in diet, activity, and other habits support longer-term improvement.
Why did you decide to join Neurosurgery One?
One of the things that drew me here is the collaborative environment. Being able to work side-by-side with neurosurgeons means we can quickly coordinate care when patients might benefit from surgical input—or when surgery isn’t the best option. That partnership improves communication, streamlines referrals, and ultimately benefits the patient.
What do you enjoy outside of medicine?
I’m married and have a young son, and we’re loving this season of life. I grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, so returning home is exciting. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain biking, cooking, and seeing live music. My wife and I also enjoy playing board and card games with family and friends.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Woodworth is now accepting new patients at Neurosurgery One in Parker and Lone Tree. Same-day emergency appointments are often available, and most new referrals can be seen quickly.
