Central Texas Spine Institute, PLLC, (CTSI) located in Austin, Texas, is a private medical practice offering comprehensive spine care, including diagnostic services, conservative treatment modalities, and spine surgery. Dr. Randall F. Dryer is an award-winning spine surgeon and respected innovator in stem cell therapies.
Since 1988, Dr. Dryer has been treating patients in Central Texas and from all over the world. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and he has earned numerous awards, including being named among the top 100 surgeons in the US by Becker's Spine. We are one of the top spine centers in the US.
Since 1988, Dr. Dryer has been treating patients in Central Texas and from all over the world. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and he has earned numerous awards, including being named among the top 100 surgeons in the US by Becker's Spine. We are one of the top spine centers in the US.
Services
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays please leave a message or call back during normal business hours (8:00 am - 4:30 pm). A CTSI staff representative will contact you within 24 hours of the first business day. If you need immediate medical assistance or in the case of a medical emergency, please call the Travis County Medical Exchange at 512- 458-1121.
Central Texas Spine Institute is a leader in orthopedic surgery offering full-service spinal and neck surgery and care. If you are experiencing neck or spinal pain, Dr. Dryer offers the following orthopedic services in Austin, Texas. If you are in need of any of the following neck or spine surgery services, contact us today to set your appointment or receive your consultation.
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is an outpatient procedure indicated to treat your condition. This procedure consists of injecting cortisone and saline into the space around your spinal canal called the epidural space. The dura is the thin lining that contains the spinal fluid and nerves. The epidural space is the area or space between this fluid filled sac and the bones of the vertebrae.
This procedure is normally recommended to resolve low back and leg pain resulting from a herniated disc. As part of your diagnostic exam, we will discuss potential alternatives to a lumbar discectomy. The primary purpose of this procedure is to surgically remove a part of the disc that is pushing on the nerve and thus, causing the pain.
A discogram is a procedure in by which a small needle is placed into the interior of the disc to check the structural integrity of the disc and to see if the disc is causing pain. More discogram informational animations can be found on our Orthopedic Surgery Animations page. The procedure is performed in a special x-ray room called a fluoroscopy room and will take place in the hospital.
Reviews (22)
Ashley Jones
Jan 26, 2022
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Worst bedside manner I’ve ever experienced. He came in the room, looked at my MRI results and told me I need a spinal fusion which was terrifying and brought me to tears. Then dude took a phone call and left the room. When he came back I said I don’t think I can have surgery just yet. I had questions that were not answered because he was too busy talking into his little microphone stick instead of typing. I’m so grateful he at least referred me to a pain management specialist and PT who maybe can actually help me, which is why he gets two stars and not negative twelve. I suppose once I said
Patricia Markert
Jan 19, 2022
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I am glad I found Dr.Dryer. I went years with unbearable back pain and was scared for the surgery. Once I met him he showed how confident he was about helping me. I want to make sure that his front office staff and assistant were exceptional. If every doctors office had his type of staff, people would want to go to the doctor. I am recovering from my surgeries and am on zero pain medication.
Matt Yarbrough
Dec 30, 2021
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The Central Texas Spine Institute is just awesome!!! Dr. Dryer is a brilliant expert surgeon/craftsman of the spine, muscle and nerve structures in the human body. His professional staff members are superb. They seem to know what you need before you even ask and there it is. Never had to wait at appointments or for any service needed for full circle care. I truly appreciate the efficiency of the scheduling team!
I came to Dr. Dryer with chronic lower back pain since 2003..... that's almost 20 years of suffering through conservative care. I brought my MRI from 2003 showing a ruptured/herniated
I came to Dr. Dryer with chronic lower back pain since 2003..... that's almost 20 years of suffering through conservative care. I brought my MRI from 2003 showing a ruptured/herniated
Ferdie J.
Dec 29, 2021
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Mark Hester
Oct 29, 2021
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We contacted Dr. Dryer after seeing two other doctors about my lower back pain in which they could no figure out what was causing my lower back pain. He told us to send the most recent MRI, If it was something that he could fix he would set up an appointment, if not he would recommend me to someone who could help me. I arrived at doctor Dryers office in extreme pain in my lower back that shot down the back of my legs, and pain that shot out of my hips and down the side of my legs. He recommended that we do a L 4 to L 5 bone fusion. I had the surgery and three hours after the surgery the hospital
Bill Williams
Oct 19, 2021
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Great surgeon, my results have been nothing short of a miracle for me. I could not walk 15- 20 feet, could not find a comfortable position to sleep
The compression in lower back was extreme. After surgery pain was gone in legs yes there was pain from the surgery but did not last long. Having 2 total knee replacements this was a piece of cake. 6 weeks
out am walking a mile every morning.
The compression in lower back was extreme. After surgery pain was gone in legs yes there was pain from the surgery but did not last long. Having 2 total knee replacements this was a piece of cake. 6 weeks
out am walking a mile every morning.
Ken Blaschke
Sep 28, 2021
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I ruptured a disc in my lower back and the pain was unbearable. After Dr Dryer saw the MRI we determined that surgery was the best option. I could not be more satisfied with the results.I am pain free and my back has not felt this good in years. I highly recommend Dr Dryer and his staff if you have back issues.
Margarita Foss
Jul 11, 2021
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My mom, in her 70’s, recently had 2 herniated disks that confined her to bed for several weeks. It was so bad that we had to call an ambulance to transport her to appointments. Her pain was unbearable. She had several prior appointments with another well-known ortho care provider in town but we finally had to leave them because of lack of patient care. We are so happy to have found Dr Dryer and team.
Dr Dryer, Dr Scialom, Kathy, Andi and the rest of the staff were incredibly helpful. Honestly, what Dr Dryer accomplished on my mom is a near miracle. Now, 3 months after the surgery and physical
Dr Dryer, Dr Scialom, Kathy, Andi and the rest of the staff were incredibly helpful. Honestly, what Dr Dryer accomplished on my mom is a near miracle. Now, 3 months after the surgery and physical
Bradley Lankford
May 26, 2021
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Dr. Dryer diagnosed my MRI on a Friday and had me in for lower back surgery 7 days later.
When I awoke from the surgery, I Immediately noticed that the pain that had been emanating from my right buttock and down my leg for the last three months was gone!
Recovery from surgery took about 10 days and after those 10 days I was walking and starting to feel normal.
In my books my surgery was a miraculous event and for that I give complete credit to Dr. Dryer.
My quality of life has changed in such a positive way post surgery and I am regaining the simple pleasures and activities in life that were
When I awoke from the surgery, I Immediately noticed that the pain that had been emanating from my right buttock and down my leg for the last three months was gone!
Recovery from surgery took about 10 days and after those 10 days I was walking and starting to feel normal.
In my books my surgery was a miraculous event and for that I give complete credit to Dr. Dryer.
My quality of life has changed in such a positive way post surgery and I am regaining the simple pleasures and activities in life that were
Andre G.
Feb 25, 2021
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I had a terrible sciatica shooting down from my lower back to my foot in my left leg for 4 months. I couldn't walk so i made a HUGE mistake and went to Austin Chiropractic and Rehab. Six visits later I still couldn't walk. These people are quacks. They kept on giving me adjustments/manipulations, just glad it wasn't a malignant tumor. I decided to call my family (docs) in SFL. They researched and told me to see Dr. Dryer. I had an MRI and found ruptured disc with extruded fragment.
He performed a L4-L5 lumbar disectomy and I'm 100% now after 4 weeks. The entire team at Central
He performed a L4-L5 lumbar disectomy and I'm 100% now after 4 weeks. The entire team at Central
Art I.
Apr 29, 2020
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I am very thankful to Dr. Dryer and his PA-C Vanessa Scialom for acting quickly and decisively to get me an MRI, review it with me in-office the same day, and then perform a microdiscectomy later the same week, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. What I had considered to be mildly annoying back pain for a couple months had turned into numbness and tingling in the bottom of my left foot and a worsening weakness and atrophy in my left quad muscle. I grew suspicious of my chiropractor's repeated assertions that he could reverse my symptoms if I came in three times per week (turns out
H. D.
Jun 06, 2019
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If I could give 0 stars, I would. The lack of attention, care, and competence was undoubtedly dumbfounding. I am a young person who unfortunately had a neck injury due to a car accident several years ago. This has left me in unbearable pain. After a less than 5 minute "discussion" (me trying to explain the situation, Dr. Dryer cutting me off incessantly), I was told there's nothing to be done, everything is normal. I have numbness in my face, fingers, and toes. My pain level is at a 10 daily. Everything most certainly isn't normal. He told me to just get on a nerve blocker and
Kurt L.
Mar 22, 2019
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3 months after surgery and I feel so much better. Cathy and the office staff are the best. Always helpful and friendly, happy to help in any way. Dr Dryer was recommended by a co-worker. Trust what information they give you. Only reason my review is not a 5 is because I haven't fully healed yet...it's only been 3 months. Thank you Central Texas Spine Institute
Update: I've been to see Dr Dryer now a few more times for issues unrelated to my first surgery. They're just awesome. Let them help you
Update: I've been to see Dr Dryer now a few more times for issues unrelated to my first surgery. They're just awesome. Let them help you
Larry S.
Jan 24, 2019
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Dr. Dryer is a complete quack! Stay away from this man if you value your health. His first words to me when he walked into the exam room were "you've got a bad back. You need an operation"! 8 weeks after the surgery I had more pain in more places than before we had met. And his last words to me were "maybe it's your hip"? Which is what I had said during our first meeting. It's my own fault I suppose for not getting a second opinion or for trusting him in the first place. But chronic pain can make you desperate and unfortunately there are people in this world
Ebony M.
Jan 17, 2019
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Dr. Dryer is a Godsend.
First, EVERYONE at CTSI is extremely kind. The women at the front desk always have a smile and give me all the information I need. The Nurses are great, Vanessa, Dr. Dryer's PA is wonderful. I have not had a bad experience with anyone at this office. Dr. Dryer's bedside manner is sometimes a little off, however, he is a great doctor and genuinely cares for his patients. He wants to see them happy and whole again.
I was recommended to CTSI from my GP doctor as I was having severe back pain and the last back doctor I had been to could not find any issues
First, EVERYONE at CTSI is extremely kind. The women at the front desk always have a smile and give me all the information I need. The Nurses are great, Vanessa, Dr. Dryer's PA is wonderful. I have not had a bad experience with anyone at this office. Dr. Dryer's bedside manner is sometimes a little off, however, he is a great doctor and genuinely cares for his patients. He wants to see them happy and whole again.
I was recommended to CTSI from my GP doctor as I was having severe back pain and the last back doctor I had been to could not find any issues
Mark G.
Dec 17, 2018
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I guess we all have opinions and expectations. Personally I could care less about a doctor's bedside manner as long as he fixes me. I was in pain a long time and I put off surgery longer than I should. I researched several doctors online and found Dr. Dryer. He was in a hurry most of the times I have seen him BUT...dangit if he did not do EXACTLY what he said he could. I had surgery in February 2017 (fusion of L3-L4-L5) and 6 months later my back was like 20 years younger feeling. Its been almost 2 years now and it still feels great. It is an incredible feeling not having my back feel unstable
Courtney F.
Oct 15, 2018
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I received an Anterior Lumbar Fusion (L5-S1) from Dr. Dryer at the end of July 2018. I am 27 years old and am recovering unbelievably well. Does Dr. Dryer need to work on his bedside manner? Yes (and I believe that he is.) But, at the end of the day I was looking for a great surgeon, not a bestie and that's exactly what I received under the care of Dr. Dryer.
To say that Dr. Dryer is a God send is an understatement. I have been an athlete my entire life: eight years of Cross Country in high school and college, then CrossFit and Vinyasa yoga for 4 years. I started having persistent lower
To say that Dr. Dryer is a God send is an understatement. I have been an athlete my entire life: eight years of Cross Country in high school and college, then CrossFit and Vinyasa yoga for 4 years. I started having persistent lower
Alan C.
Jul 17, 2018
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I have worked in a construction related trade all my life and have many hard years of heavy lifting and working in awkward circumstances. I have arthritis in many joints as a result and have had multiple surgeries to correct. After several years of really bad back pain and trying treatments from chiropractors, acupuncture, yoga, and every professional pain management therapy prescribed, I went to Dr. Dryer for help. He fused my L4-5 with rods and screws. I was better but as time went on, I started requiring pain meds again most days to get by. He ultimately installed a spinal cord stimulator
Jo K.
May 30, 2018
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Tanna G.'s review, 3-20-18, states my sentiments exactly. I've always had great great service there. Maybe if you are looking for a touchy-feely doctor, who strokes your ego with "awwe, I'm so sorry, let's talk about it in great, excruciating detail..." then maybe this practice is not for you.
If you are looking for precision answers, from a brilliant mind, from a doctor who has your best health in mind and doesn't squander words, then come here and let Doctor Dryer help you. Tell him precisely what and where your pain is, what your limitations are, and what
If you are looking for precision answers, from a brilliant mind, from a doctor who has your best health in mind and doesn't squander words, then come here and let Doctor Dryer help you. Tell him precisely what and where your pain is, what your limitations are, and what
CharlieTammy H.
May 08, 2018
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I would stay as far away from Dryer as possible unless you want someone who will spend as little time as he can, not listen to the patient and just be "passively rude".
I went once and am glad I did not let it go any further...
Staff: please don't comment to this review as the generic comments you have made thus far regarding other negative reviews only shows your false sense of caring... we all know it's about the $$$$....
I went once and am glad I did not let it go any further...
Staff: please don't comment to this review as the generic comments you have made thus far regarding other negative reviews only shows your false sense of caring... we all know it's about the $$$$....
Tanna G.
Mar 20, 2018
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I cannot relate to the other reviews left about this practice. EVERY SINGLE PERSON I CAME INTO CONTACT WITH AT DR.DRYER'S OFFICE WAS WARM AND FRIENDLY - from the women who took my paperwork at the front desk to Kathy who scheduled my procedure at Arise.
Dr. Dryer and his assistant spent ample time with me explaining my injury. I was asked several times if I was comfortable and if I had any more questions. I never felt rushed.
I happily drive over 90 miles to see Dr.Dryer. I am a self pay patient and Dr. Dryer cost me literally 1/4 of what Scott and White in Temple charges for the same
Dr. Dryer and his assistant spent ample time with me explaining my injury. I was asked several times if I was comfortable and if I had any more questions. I never felt rushed.
I happily drive over 90 miles to see Dr.Dryer. I am a self pay patient and Dr. Dryer cost me literally 1/4 of what Scott and White in Temple charges for the same
Michael C.
Jan 24, 2017
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This was my first surgery and I would see him again.
I was having daily pain, and often times it was debilitating and had to be taking anti-inflammatory meds every day. Physical Therapy did not help and then we found out I had a herniated disk between L4 and L5. I found Dr. Dryer online after doing a quick search. I read his reviews and his credentials and felt good about it. I set up my first appointment about 2 weeks after diagnosis.
I was confident when I went in that surgery was gonna be an option. The other option was cortisone steroid shots but it was just a band-aid and not a fix. We went
I was having daily pain, and often times it was debilitating and had to be taking anti-inflammatory meds every day. Physical Therapy did not help and then we found out I had a herniated disk between L4 and L5. I found Dr. Dryer online after doing a quick search. I read his reviews and his credentials and felt good about it. I set up my first appointment about 2 weeks after diagnosis.
I was confident when I went in that surgery was gonna be an option. The other option was cortisone steroid shots but it was just a band-aid and not a fix. We went
