Valley View Spine Center Helps Local Musician Find His Rhythm Again

If you’re familiar with the Roaring Fork Valley music scene, you might know Jay Duclo. Maybe he taught your child during his more than three decades as a school band teacher. Or maybe you’ve heard him perform—Jay is a trombonist and board member with the Symphony in the Valley, as well as a member of the local jazz band Noodle Soup.

In the summer of 2025, Jay was living out a musician’s dream: marching through New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter, playing trombone in the birthplace of jazz. There was only one problem—severe back pain that made standing and walking extremely painful.

Jay has dealt with back problems for much of his life. He suspects it may be genetic; his father experienced similar challenges in his 50s and ultimately required surgery. Around the same age, Jay began noticing his own symptoms worsening.

Over the years, he underwent several procedures to address nerve pain on his left side that radiated down his leg. While the surgeries initially helped, the relief didn’t last, and eventually the issue returned—worse than ever before.

Jay’s condition became increasingly limited, preventing him from walking more than 100 yards without his legs buckling beneath him. “It had gotten so bad I couldn’t stand and teach or conduct at concerts,” he says.

Unable to manage it any longer, Jay was referred to Felipe Ituarte, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon at Valley View’s Spine Center. MRI scans revealed a bulged disc pressing on a nerve, causing severe left-sided pain and weakness. After a detailed conversation about treatment, Jay felt confident he had come to the right place for care.

Dr. Ituarte, with help from Physician Assistant Eric Strauch, PA-C, and a dedicated care team, performed a lumbar spinal fusion procedure to stabilize Jay’s spine and relieve pressure on the nerves. Using minimally invasive techniques and robotic navigation guidance, the damaged disc was removed and replaced with a titanium cage to realign the vertebrae. Over time, the spine is expected to fuse, creating long-term stability.

When Jay woke up from surgery, the difference was immediate. “I was up by dinnertime walking laps around the hospital,” he says. “I could already feel my spine straightening. It was miraculous.”

Since then, Jay has been steadily rebuilding his strength and returning to regular activity, easing back in patiently and responsibly. “I’d probably be mountain biking by now,” he says with a laugh, “but I’m pretty sure my family wouldn’t let me.”

With his recovery on track, Jay is looking ahead. He’s excited to hit the biking trails soon with his wife and daughters and is also planning a once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle ride to Alaska with a friend next year. As for this summer, Jay will return to the lively streets and jazz clubs of New Orleans—only this time, he’ll be playing pain-free.

“My care was exceptional in every way. I can’t say enough good things about them,” Jay says. “Since then, I’ve made sure to tell anyone who asks—go to Valley View.”

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit Valley View Spine Center or call 970.384.8060.