Comprehensive spine care across Ascension Texas

Whether it's missing your morning walk, having trouble sleeping or sitting out during family activities, back and neck pain can affect nearly every part of daily life. Finding out what's causing your pain is the first step toward understanding your treatment options.

During Spine Health Awareness Month, take time to learn more about your spine health and when it may be time to see a specialist.

At Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence in Central Texas, spine specialists work together to evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized care plan. From physical therapy and pain management to spine surgery and rehabilitation, care teams help guide patients through treatment and recovery.

When is it time to see a spine specialist?

Not every backache or stiff neck requires surgery. But when pain continues or begins to affect your daily activities, a spine evaluation may help you find answers.

Consider talking with a spine specialist if you experience:

• Back or neck pain following an injury
• Back or neck pain that doesn't improve or continues to get worse
• Difficulty walking or keeping your balance
• Numbness, tingling or weakness
• Pain that interrupts your sleep
• Pain that travels into your arms or legs
• Trouble working, exercising or doing everyday activities

An evaluation doesn't automatically mean surgery. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and recommend testing when needed.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include physical therapy, medication, injections or other nonsurgical approaches.

Understanding your spine care options

Spine conditions can be complex, and treatment looks different for everyone. That's why comprehensive spine care brings together specialists who can help you understand your condition and explore treatment options.

Your care team may include neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine specialists, pain management doctors, physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists. Together, they can help develop a care plan based on your symptoms, health needs and personal goals.

For many patients, treatment begins without surgery. Physical therapy may help improve strength and mobility, while medication, injections or other pain management treatments may help manage symptoms.

When surgery is recommended, your care team will explain the procedure, answer your questions and help you understand what to expect during recovery.

Rehabilitation is also an important part of spine care. Physical therapy and follow-up visits may help you rebuild strength, improve movement and work toward returning to the activities you enjoy.

Specialized spine care at Ascension Seton

At Ascension Seton in Central Texas, patients have access to surgical and nonsurgical care for a range of spine conditions.

Through the Seton Brain and Spine Institute, specialists evaluate and treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease and spine injuries.

Treatment options may include:

• Imaging and diagnostic testing
• Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted spine surgery, when appropriate
• Neurosurgery and orthopedic spine care
• Pain management services
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Physical therapy and recovery support

The goal is to help patients understand their condition and choose a treatment plan that fits their needs.

Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin and Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital have earned The Joint Commission's Spine Surgery Certification, recognizing their commitment to meeting established standards for spine surgery care and patient safety.

Ascension Seton has introduced custom-designed spinal implants to help treat patients with complex spine conditions. Using advanced imaging and surgical planning technology, surgeons can create implants tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. This approach offers another personalized treatment option for patients who need complex spine reconstruction in Central Texas.

From your first evaluation through treatment and recovery, your care team works with you to plan the next step.

Spine care at Ascension Providence in Waco

For patients in Waco and surrounding Central Texas communities, Ascension Providence provides access to care for back, neck and spine conditions.

At the Ascension Medical Group Providence Neurosurgical Clinic, specialists evaluate and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine and nerves. Care options may include nonsurgical treatment, pain management, physical therapy, minimally invasive procedures and robotic-assisted spine surgery, when appropriate.

Your care team will help you understand your diagnosis and discuss which treatments may be appropriate for your condition.

If surgery is needed, specialists will guide you through what to expect before, during and after your procedure. Rehabilitation services may help support your recovery by improving strength, movement and balance. Ascension Providence completed the first spine surgery in Waco using robotic-assisted surgical technology designed to help surgeons plan and perform complex spine procedures with greater precision. The technology uses advanced imaging and navigation tools to help guide the placement of surgical instruments and implants. This addition expands access to specialized spine care for patients in Waco and surrounding Central Texas communities.

Care continues beyond the procedure, with follow-up appointments and rehabilitation to help you work toward your recovery goals.

Expanding access to spine care across Central Texas

When you're managing back or neck pain, having access to care closer to home can make treatment and follow-up appointments easier.

Ascension Texas is expanding spine care services across Central Texas to help more patients connect with specialists, treatment options and rehabilitation services in their communities. Currently, spine care is offered across five Ascension Texas hospitals, including Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital, Ascension Seton Hays Hospital, Ascension Seton Southwest Hospital, Ascension Providence Hospital, with services at Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital coming after the new year. 

Through Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence, patients can connect with care teams who help them understand their options and plan their next steps.

Find spine care in Central Texas

If back or neck pain is keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, a conversation with a spine specialist may help you find answers.

Whether you're exploring nonsurgical treatments, considering spine surgery or looking for a second opinion, specialists at Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence can help you understand your options.

Learn more about spine care at Ascension Seton or spine care at Ascension Providence in Waco. Call 512-324-BACK or 512-324-2225 today to start your spine health journey.