About Texas Spine and Scoliosis

Approximately four out of five Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, after a first episode, the likelihood of recurrence increases significantly, making individuals four times more likely to experience future back pain. If you are struggling with back or neck pain, our team is equipped to help.

Texas Spine and Scoliosis is the only practice in Central Texas that integrates Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians within one comprehensive spine program. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, we serve as a regional spine center dedicated to diagnosing and treating a full spectrum of back and neck conditions.

The center includes the expertise of the following:

• Dr. John K. Stokes - a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with a focus entirely on the spine.
• Dr. Matthew Geck - a fellowship-trained orthopedic spinal surgeon who specializes in scoliosis as well as adult & pediatric spine surgery.
• Dr. Eeric Truumees - a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. At Texas Spine and Scoliosis in central Texas, Dr. Truumees specializes in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine disorders.
• Dr. Rory Mayer - a board-certified and dual fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with expertise in adult scoliosis and spinal deformity surgery.
• Dr. Alex Cruz - a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with sub-specialty training in spine surgery.
• Dr. Eric Mayer - a dual board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and in Sports Medicine.
• Dr. Lee Moroz - a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist that focuses on the non-surgical treatment of back and neck pain.
• Dr. Enrique B. Pena - a board-certified physical medicine & rehabilitation physician with fellowship-training in interventional spine, musculoskeletal and electrodiagnostic medicine.
• Dr. Wesley Foreman - a board-certified and fellowship-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation physician.

The physicians at Texas Spine and Scoliosis provide comprehensive care for the full spectrum of back and neck conditions from routine strains to the most complex spinal surgeries. Dr. John Stokes, Dr. Matthew Geck, Dr. Rory Mayer, Dr. Alex Cruz, and Dr. Eeric Truumees are all board-certified and fellowship-trained in spine surgery, representing the highest level of specialized medical training in the United States.

For patient convenience, Texas Spine and Scoliosis offers on-site X-ray and advanced diagnostic services at its Austin location. By providing comprehensive testing and non-operative treatments under one roof, patients can avoid multiple referrals, delays in care, and the frustration of traveling between facilities.

A nonsurgical approach to back and neck pain

What sets Texas Spine and Scoliosis apart is its strong emphasis on a nonsurgical approach to treating back and neck problems. The team prioritizes conservative care whenever possible, with physical rehabilitation physicians Dr. Enrique Pena, Dr. Wesley Foreman, Dr. Lee Moroz, and Dr. Eric Mayer playing a key role in developing personalized, nonoperative treatment plans focused on restoring function and reducing pain.

When surgery is necessary, patients benefit from the expertise of five fellowship-trained spine surgeons who manage some of the region’s most complex cases, including herniated discs, spinal fractures, spinal deformities, spinal tumors, and scoliosis. Dr. John Stokes, Dr. Matthew Geck, Dr. Rory Mayer, Dr. Alex Cruz, and Dr. Eeric Truumees utilize advanced instrumentation and the latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. Because of these minimally invasive approaches, many patients are able to undergo surgery in Austin and return home the same day to recover comfortably in their own surroundings.

Pain Relief Through a Focus on Function

Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. It may stem from muscle weakness, limited flexibility, improper body mechanics, or lifting more than the body can safely handle. Too often, treatment approaches focus solely on masking pain symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause.

In the past, back pain was frequently treated with prolonged bed rest and strong medications to dull discomfort. Research has since shown that this approach can actually worsen the condition. Extended inactivity weakens the supporting muscles of the spine, leading to increased strain, persistent pain, and greater dependence on medication. Over time, patients may become more inactive and more limited in their daily function.

Today, we understand that appropriate movement is often a key component of recovery. Low-impact activities such as walking and swimming can help strengthen the back, improve flexibility, and promote lasting pain relief.

At Texas Spine and Scoliosis, we follow established clinical protocols designed to improve consistency, enhance outcomes, and reduce unnecessary variation in care. This structured approach ensures that the right treatment is delivered at the right time. We thoroughly explore all appropriate non-surgical options including physical therapy and spinal injections before considering surgery.

We are committed not only to delivering quality care but to measuring it. By tracking patient-reported severity at intake and monitoring functional outcomes after treatment, we evaluate our results objectively. We also routinely assess patient satisfaction, allowing us to continuously refine and improve the care we provide.

Texas Spine and Scoliosis — as a regional spine center of excellence — receives referrals for back pain; neck pain; second opinion for spine surgery; pediatric scoliosis; adolescent scoliosis; and adult scoliosis from across the United States, including patient referrals from across the five state region of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The scoliosis team of Dr. Matt Geck and Dr, Rory Mayer at Texas Spine and Scoliosis specializes in pediatric scoliosis, adolescent scoliosis and adult scoliosis patients, including flatback syndrome, with a minimally invasive scoliosis surgery approach using three small incisions rather than one long incision. The team is unique in that it combines a fellowship-trained orthopedic scoliosis surgeon with a fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon. Texas Spine and Scoliosis was one of the first scoliosis centers in the United States proficient in mini scoliosis surgery and vertebral body scoliosis tethering for adolescent scoliosis.

The fellowship-trained spine surgeons at Texas Spine and Scoliosis receive referrals from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico for second opinions for back surgery and neck surgery. The spine surgeons are proficient in minimally invasive spine surgery and artificial disc replacement.

Texas Spine and Scoliosis also has a team of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation spine specialists who provide non-surgical treatment of back pain and neck pain. This can include spinal injections and a variety of pain management procedures that enable a person to return to activity without surgery.