Central Texas Pain Institute - Vivek Mahendru

My brother was operated on by Dr. Dryer about 10 years ago and still has no back pain to this day, and he is a truck driver who loads and unloads his own truck. I spent 24 years in the Navy as a Gunner's Mate, the last 14 years with 4 different SEAL Teams and 5 tours to Iraq and Middle East, so when I decided to finally have my surgery, I called Dr. Dryer.

He replaced 2 discs in my lower back that were bone-on-bone. I am 6 months post-op and I feel great! I'm taking it easy on the heavy lifting but I'm back to playing golf, lifting weights and mountain biking at age 61. There is no better surgeon than Dr. Dryer and his staff, I highly recommend them! GOD Bless

After several high pressure, 'have to fix it now or else' visits to other specialists, we found Dr. Dryer. He was easy to understand, gave us options and confidence in next steps. He performed neck fusion/disc replacement surgery, which was completely successful resolving all of the issues faced. His staff is equally stellar. Cant say enough good things about him, his staff, or the results.

After years of going to a chiropractor and months of physical therapy, I was still in pain and starting to lose function in my left arm due to nerve damage caused by pressure the vertebrae in my neck were putting on my spinal cord. My every day way of life was steadily dwindling. After a lot of research, I made an appointment with Dr. Dryer at Central Texas Spine Institute and I am SO glad that I did.

I live 5 hours away but it was definitely worth the trips from the initial consultation visit to the final check up after surgery. The surgery performed was an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion of 2-3 levels of vertebrae with a cage implantation. The moment I woke up from surgery I no longer felt the pressure, the tingling, the dizziness, or the pain I had been living with for so long.

It's been 8 months since my surgery and I feel great! The scar on my neck is barely visible and I'm back to a normal life including going to the gym thanks to Dr Dryer and his amazing team!

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 noticed spinal fusion he was done with me. He fist bumped me and told me "good luck".

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.

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 disk at L5/S1. Dr. Dryer took xrays and immediately got me a new MRI and follow up appointment. The L5/S1 disk was almost completely gone from almost 20 years of repeat herniations and extremely painful absorption of disk material after squeezing out against my nerve roots.

It was bone on bone with initiation of arthritic pain on top of the ongoing nerve pain. In addition, my L4/L5 disk was degenerative. Dr. Dryer recommended two level fusion surgery and his team immediately got me approved with my insurance and scheduled with the hospital and surgical team. After getting things in order at home and completing my pre-surgery appointments, off I went to the hospital for surgery.

When I woke up from surgery, all my chronic nerve pain was gone. I thought I was dreaming! The nurses had me up and walking the halls the day of surgery and I was released from the hospital the following day. Today I'm walking around wherever with no walker/cane needed and drove myself to my post operative appointment. Thanks Doc. he said he could fix me and he did, just amazing relief.

I want to share my experience for any others out there suffering with chronic back pain. Please don't wait and suffer like I did. Go see Dr. Dryer and Team and you will get the care that addresses the true cause of the problem efficiently and effectively. My next appointment is the 6 weeks post surgery follow up. Dr. Dryer said we can talk about resuming more strenuous activities like golf and weight lifting during my next appointment.

I can't wait to do all the things I enjoy and haven't been able to do. I am so thankful for the care of the Central Texas Spine Institute. Don't hesitate to make an appointment, you will be glad you did I promise you!

This doctor Dryer is as dry as he can be. He actually had his cards out for reviews, practically begging for your reviews. Since he wasn't able to help me out, he begged me not to post on reviews. Don't go if a business is so concerned about the reviews than caring for the patients.

I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr Dryer and his entire staff. As an athlete I was terrified to be seeing a spine surgeon at such a young age. I was diagnosed at 18 with a pars defect (broken vertebrae) and degenerative disc disease at L5/S1; the doctors, then, gaffed me off and did not fully explain what this could evolve too. Fast forward to 35 and I have been unable to run for many years without excruciating pain.

Upon entering his office I had a list of questions and knew I didn't want injections and assumed I would have to make that fight. The damage had progressed to stage 2 spondylolisthesis, a herniated disc, bulging disc and additional degenerated discs from L4-S1. I was amazed that he said if I want this fixed surgery was the only option and I could opt for injections if I wanted them to tide me over until surgery.

I declined but was very impressed with his willingness to really listen to me and not push me into unnecessary procedures. My surgery was done in two stages; I had an ALIF, bone grafting and discectomy in stage 1 and two weeks later a PLIF, laminectomy and osteotomies in stage 2. Between surgeries I walked 36 miles and by 6 weeks postop stage 2 I had walked over 80 miles and was cleared to start PT on my own, lifting upper body and lower body bodyweight exercises.

I am beyond thrilled with my outcome and although I still have a long way to go; I have no doubt Dr Dryer and his teams expertise played a large part in my recovering being far easier then I anticipated.

Ruptured C6/C7 Disc with Constant, Excruciating, Extreme Pain - in Any Position. Dr. Dryer was very thorough in his assessment, explanation and treatment. His 40+ years of experience in this procedure shows in the results and in my opinion made this surgery appear to be very routine to him! After my complete healing I am better off than before with better range of motion than I have had in years.

I hadn't realized it until after the surgery (and complete healing) that my better, pain-free range of motion revealed that this disc problem started to develop years before. I highly recommend Dr. Dryer.

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 had me up walking. I could not believe that there was absolutely no pain at all. It is three weeks post surgery and I still have no pain. I would recommend everybody that has back pain to Dr. Dryer, he truly is best of the best.

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.

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.

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 therapy she is walking and recovering very well. I highly recommend Central Texas Spine Institute for your care.

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 so elusive to me for the last three months. Six weeks after surgery I am back to cycling and walking and enjoying those simple activities without pain.

The bottom line is I feel so much better after the surgery and I am most grateful for Dr. Dryer and his professional staff for making this possible. I am so glad that I found Dr. Dryer and had this procedure. I would highly recommend him for a similar procedure.

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 Texas Spine Institute was a pleasure to deal with. Surgeons cut and repair, if you want to be coddled go to a psychologist. This man is truly a great surgeon.

I should've read these reviews before I even booked an appointment to see Dr. Dryer. Dr. Dryer is a complete moron with low class. He's an unprofessional human being. Shocked to see he's a surgeon. No way would I recommend him or his staff to do ANY type of surgery on ANY one. His staff is rude completely rude and they lie to get you into the front door to see Dr. Dryer.

They all need to get a reality check on how to treat people with respect. Made an appointment, Dr. Dryer did nothing but confirm what medication I was taking and didn't even try to help or take a X-ray. Wow. Dr. Dryer is running a scam! Biggest waste of time, money. Beware. They may bill your insurance company more than you know. Scammer Dr. Dryer!

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 chiro Gerard Liboiron told all my coworkers the same thing), so I got online looking for someone who would give it to me straight and actually do something to help. I'm an engineer, so I can appreciate an expert who can act decisively. Sure, Dr. Dryer's bedside manner might be a little gruff for some people, but I appreciated his honesty and found his right-hand lady, Vanessa Scialom, PA-C, to be the perfect complement.

The whole staff was friendly and helpful, especially Cathy and Jessica. With everyone wearing masks in the midst of a pandemic, and facing the scary uncertainty of a second back surgery at the age of 41, their kind eyes were welcomed. As I write this, I'm 4-weeks post-op, and it's remarkable how much better I feel. I have to constantly remind myself to follow the post-op protocol because I feel well enough to do much more than I'm supposed to do at this stage in my recovery. It's obvious that other reviewers who have called Dr. Dryer "a complete quack" are wrong.

I can't speak for how they arrived at that conclusion, but I can say with certainty that Dr. Dryer and Vanessa Scialom are at the very least highly competent. Based on my experience, I'd even call them brilliant, excellent, efficient, experts, and my trusted back care team for the foreseeable future. Thank you!

The only reason I am putting 1 star is because the staff was friendly. Dr. Dryer is incredibly rude and does not care about the patient in front of him. I went in for an appointment my boyfriend had and was very put off by his demeanor! Very rude, very abrupt, didn't even look at my boyfriends back OR MRI but did think it was ok to yell questions from the hall asking personal questions private medical history and insurance information. I wouldn't have believed the unprofessionalism had I not witnessed it myself.

I went to Dr. Dryer on 4/22/19 because I injured my neck in a car accident on 1/17/19, driving a company car. The accident was not my fault and unfortunately, I had to deal with worker's comp insurance for my treatment. My regular worker's comp doctor is AWESOME! I was referred to Dr. Dryer for an orthopedic evaluation. He came into the room, looked at my MRI and stated "Your spine is perfect".

I am not a young person, so I know my spine is not perfect. He proceeded to have me turn my head this way and that which only caused me more pain in the left side of my neck which is the side I was hit on. He spent maybe 5 minutes with me then stated "You're just gonna have to live with the pain. Or, you could get shots. But you definitely don't need surgery". He was rude and unemotional. I am currently seeking an second opinion. If I could give him ZERO stars, I would.

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 be done with it, which he wouldn't even take the time to prescribe himself. To tell a person under the age of 30 that they're fine and they should just mask their pain for the rest of their life, and not even suggest doing further investigation with an MRI to get to the source of the problem is just exceptionally poor medicine by a lazy, boorish practitioner.

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

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 like Dr. Dryer ready and willing to take advantage of that desperation. You've been warned!

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. Dr. Dryer took one look at my MRI and knew exactly what was wrong with me (degenerative disc disease) and what needed to be done in order for me to see relief. To say I was reluctant to have back surgery was an understatement, but I knew I would not have any improvement if I didn't. Dr. Dryer did not push me in anyway to have surgery, and discussed my options, and what I could expect with surgery and without.

I had a lumbar fusion (L4-L5) in November and and emergency surgery 3 days later for a small bone fragment that had come lose. Dr. Dryer and Vanessa have been wonderful through this whole process. If I have had any questions or concerns, they have been there for me. They have not made me feel like I am overreacting with any pain that I have had, or concerns with "just not feeling normal".

I am having an amazing recovery. Not gonna lie, the first month was tough, but I wouldn't change a thing. I am so glad I chose to have the surgery, and to have it done by Dr. Dryer. My overall pain level has drastically decreased since the surgery and I am able to do things I haven't been able to do in over a year. Thank you Dr. Dryer. I will say it again, you are a Godsend.

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 and having the fear that I would "throw it out" again with those sharp pains and bed rest for several days. I would recommend this doctor to my family.oh wait. I did and they got surgery this year.

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 you hope for healing and he will help you. He had an excellent reputation before I went to see him, and it's even better now.

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 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 procedure.

I have been having back pain for about a year. I have seen my regular doctor and a chiropractor. I finally decided to go to a specialist. Kimberly was amazing and BEYOND patient with my difficult schedule. Dr. Dryer was very helpful in explaining what was going on, did not rush my appointment, and then referred me to a physical therapist. My troubles are muscular and instead of asking me to continue coming, for no reason, he was very upfront and honest that I am in good physical shape, with "just" stress related issues that I can hopefully fix with some lifestyle changes, instead of some surgery or medication. I felt very relieved and will definitely recommend him to friends and family with back troubles!

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 over the pros and cons of a micro-discectomy. Three weeks after, I went through surgery. Dr. Dryer and his team made me feel comfortable before the surgery.

I was also pleased with the results. It was a small incision that did not require stitches or staples. It's been 6 weeks and I am very happy with the results so far. It's been about a week since I've had to take any kind of medications for the pain. I am still recovering and still on restrictions but that's to be expected. Dr. Dryer is very professional and states the options very simply to void confusion. His team is very nice and personable and I always saw them smiling.

Beware! I went to see Dr. Dryer 7 months after moving to Texas. I've had 3 previous spine surgeries at the C5-6 level in Michigan the last one in August 2012. For the past yr I've had new symptoms that have gradually been getting worse. So in January 2015 I went to an appointment to see him with an MRI that I had gotten in May 2014, he took a quick look at the MRI and stated "PERMANENT DAMAGE NOTHING I CAN DO" then upcharged me with an ex-ray and sent me to a pain management specialist.

He also refused to listen to me explain new symptoms and quickly told me "NEW SYMPTOMS ARE FROM THE PREVIOUS ONES"! Then finally get the MRI and I have spinal stenosis at the C6-7 level. Which means I have a disc pushing on my spinal cord. I'm already suffering long term effects of spinal cord damage from a bulging disc at the C5-6 level, and scared this will happen again as I'm still waiting to have surgery again and it's September. Praying this one doesn't cause permanent damage like the last one did!