Lauren M. Nelson, M.D.
Lauren M. Nelson, M.D.
Specialties
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Biography
Lauren M. Nelson, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery. Her clinical interests include degenerative disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.
She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at Santa Clara University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude while competing on the track and cross country teams. She subsequently earned her medical degree at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and completed her Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of Louisville. She completed a Spine Surgery Fellowship at the internationally renowned Twin Cities Spine Center where she received extensive training in both traditional open spine surgery and minimally invasive techniques, including the use of robotics and computer navigation.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and learning to golf.
“I treat each of my patients as I would a member of my family, with a conservative approach to spine surgery. If there are non-surgical options that may help alleviate your symptoms, this is typically what I will recommend first, as treatments such as physical therapy or injections are sometimes all that is needed.
We do not have a surgical solution to every problem, but there are many situations where surgery can significantly improve your quality of life. If that is the case, we will discuss your surgical options and what you can expect after your procedure. Whenever possible, I utilize minimally invasive techniques to treat your condition and help you recover more quickly. We may also discuss what you can do pre-operatively to improve your results, such as optimizing management of other medical conditions and reducing or eliminating unhealthy habits.
My goal when you see me in clinic is to help you understand your condition and what we can both do to achieve the best outcome. Each individual patient is different and I value taking the time to understand your unique situation so we can develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals. I look forward to meeting you and helping to manage your spinal condition."
Undergraduate:
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, B.S. Biology, 2010- 2014
Medical School:
Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, Doctor of Medicine, 2014- 2018
Residency:
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, 2018- 2023
Fellowship:
Spine Surgery Fellowship, Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis, MN, 2023-2024
