Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Tumors are an abnormal collection or mass of cells that multiply rapidly without the “on/off” switch normal cells possess. Spinal tumors that are directly related to spine cells are rare and we are not sure what causes most spinal tumors; however, a very small percentage can be caused by genetic… Read more »
Mark W. McFarland, DO As a busy spine surgeon, I routinely perform Lumbar Spine Fusion surgery. In this article, I will discuss this procedure and how it is used to improve function and relieve pain in patients with certain spinal conditions. The lumbar spine is made up of five bone segments, called vertebra, which… Read more »
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD The title of this article echoes complaints I often hear from patients in the exam room. Poor balance can be caused or exacerbated by many things – aging, medications, blood pressure, ear infections or disorders, arthritis, circulation issues – the list is long. However, most folks don’t know that a problem… Read more »
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD As a fellowship trained spine surgeon, I see patients every day that have had spine surgery in the past but who are again facing worsening pain and dysfunction. When they had their initial surgery, they were told that this procedure would correct their current problem for a time, but they should… Read more »
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD There are some medical terms that confuse patients. There are some medical terms that mean the same thing. There are medical terms that we research on the internet and then find we are more confused than before doing research. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) seems to be one of these terms. On… Read more »
A spinal disc herniates when the covering of the disc cannot hold the gel-like material inside, due to injury, overuse or aging. Often the inside portion of the disc will rupture through the covering, kind of like a jelly doughnut that is squished. Because the spinal nerves are right next to the spinal discs, the… Read more »
Mark W. McFarland, DO The spinal disc is a marvel of nature – a cushion between our vertebrae to absorb the shocks and traumas of everyday life, a tough ligament that helps create stability for the spinal bones and a joint which allows for some spinal mobility. There are 23 discs in the spine, six… Read more »
Victoria Bartnikowski, LPTA Physical Therapists use a variety of modalities to help patients who suffer from pain and disability due to an injury, disease or after surgery. A rehabilitative modality causes physiological changes to the body through the application of mechanical, thermal or electrical energy. Traction is a mechanical modality that we employ to help people… Read more »
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD When I discuss cervical spine (neck) fusion surgery with a patient, one of the first questions they ask is “Will I have to wear a collar?” I’m not exactly sure why the neck brace engenders so many strong feelings among patients, most of whom have never tried one on, much less… Read more »
Are you in pain and seeking options other than surgery and medication? Learn about Regenerative Medicine at our upcoming lecture. Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Join Dr. Mark McFarland for an interactive discussion about Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. Regenerative Medicine uses the body’s own healing properties to repair… Read more »