Dr. Scott Raub

When it comes to dealing with back pain, the key is knowing how to optimize your life. For example, Dr. Raub learned to ski later in life but now skis most weekends and enjoys the bumps. Optimizing your life means recognizing your limitations and maximizing your potential with reasonable compromises, like spending time in the gym, avoiding crowds, and reducing speed.

This holistic approach is one aspect of what a doctor of osteopathy is trained to do: understand the physical condition within the context of the whole person, including psychological, social, and emotional factors.

In addition to four years of medical school, Dr. Raub completed a residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management. He completed his fellowship in sports medicine in 1994 before joining Vail-Summit Orthopaedics in 1999.

As a physiatrist, Dr. Raub uses a variety of diagnostic tools to pinpoint the true source of spinal pain, providing the shortest route to the most effective treatment plan. Spinal pain is particularly difficult to pinpoint, given the density of nerves in the spinal region and the fact that the perception of pain is highly subjective.

Dr. Raub is quick to point out that 90% of spinal conditions do not require surgical treatment; however, success is measured in degrees of improvement rather than total restoration. The fact that there are no "biological restorative treatments" or "cures" for spinal injuries means that the patient plays an even bigger role as an active participant in creating good results.

Given the importance of patient participation, Dr. Raub spends much of his time educating patients and collaborating with the community of back pain therapists (physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers). Dr. Raub emphasizes an interventional approach to back pain, minimizing drugs whenever possible.

Dr. Raub enjoys practicing in a mountain environment where people place a high priority on maintaining an active lifestyle well into their senior years. This youthful attitude is a powerful tool for achieving positive outcomes for spinal patients.