Patient education

The SpineAustin team strongly believes in educating patients to make informed decisions about their medical care. As a community service, SpineAustin has a full time RN who provides medical advice and general information on back and neck pain. We also send out a 36-page home remedy book for free.

We have learned from experience that the best way to treat back pain is before it happens and, by educating people on ways to lower the risk of a future back pain attack. This educational website demonstrates our commitment to this goal. We hope you find it helpful and informative.

Dr. Von Rueden and Dr. ElizondoDr. Von Rueden and Dr. Elizondo collaborate while examining a patient's spine condition.

 
 

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About Us

SpineAustin's nonsurgical approach

Statistics reveal that back pain will strike four out of five Americans during their lifetime. Once a back attack hits, you are four times more likely to have a recurrence. No wonder so many people wander chronically in and out of doctors' offices and have enough pain pills in their medicine cabinets to rival the supply of a pharmacy. If you have a back or neck pain, no matter how complex, we can help you.

Overview

SpineAustin is a regional center specializing in back and neck problems. It currently receives some of the most complex cases of back and neck pain from across the state. SpineAustin is able to care for any type of back or neck problem, from the simple back or neck strain all the way to the most complex spine surgery.

How we are unique

What makes SpineAustin different from other treatment centers is its nonsurgical approach to back and neck problems. For example, most spine treatment centers are directed by surgeons who favor the use of spine surgery. At SpineAustin, however, our medical director is a physical medicine physician who specializes in nonsurgical treatment.

SpineAustin takes a multidisciplinary team approach to spine, involving nonsurgical spine physicians, spine surgeons and spine-specialized therapists. Our healthcare team of professionals pools together their expertise to develop a conservative approach for each patient. As a multidisciplinary spine center, SpineAustin includes professionals in physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as spine surgeons. Under one roof, we provide physical therapy, an injection suite and X-rays. We provide much of the necessary diagnostic testing and treatment in one place, eliminating the need for multiple referrals, delayed care and overall confusion.

 

 

If surgery is needed

Sometimes surgery is the best treatment option, especially for those suffering from herniated discs, spinal fractures, spinal deformities, spinal tumors and scoliosis (see our Spine Problems section for information regarding the conditions). However, it is estimated that over half of back surgeries performed are unnecessary, and in some cases, even counterproductive. For most patients, surgery in considered only after nonsurgical treatments have been exhausted.

When surgery is the answer, SpineAustin surgeons are highly trained and proficient in the latest minimally invasive techniques for spine surgery. They are also among the first in the nation to be trained in the use of the artificial disc as an alternative to traditional fusion surgery. Learn more about surgical options.

 

             
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