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 As we all get busier in life, being injured or sick is a major inconvenience. Every day, I meet with patients with spinal disc herniations in their neck that cause pain in their arm. Some of these patients are in severe pain and cannot perform their daily activities and/or go to… 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 Patients ask me if surgery on the cervical spine (neck) will relieve their pain and disability. This isn’t an unusual question for those contemplating the potential outcomes of a surgical procedure compared to their current state of dysfunction. The considerations can be especially important for older patients who are losing their… Read more »
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Whenever I discuss an upcoming surgery with my patient, there are lots of questions that come from the patient themselves, their family members and/or their caregivers. One question that most patients don’t ask is “How long does the actual surgery take to perform?” In general, patients want the surgeon to “take… Read more »
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD In Part Two of this article series on Sciatica, I will now discuss the non-surgical treatment options I recommend for my patients. Sciatica Treatment Treatment for sciatica is focused on addressing the cause of symptoms rather than just the symptoms. Treatment is usually non-surgical, but for severe pain and dysfunction it… Read more »
There are effective options to treat pain, other than surgery and medication. Neurostimulation will be discussed at the June OSC Community Lecture with Dr. Raj Sureja! Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Effective Therapy for Chronic Pain Join Dr. Raj Sureja and learn how Neurostimulation can be used to successfully manage pain of the back, trunk, and limbs, greatly reducing… Read more »
Effective Treatments for Pinched Nerves, Slipped Discs and Spinal Stenosis Join Dr. Jeffrey Carlson as he discusses both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for common conditions of the spine. Learn about Less Exposure Spine Surgery, which involves a smaller incision, much less blood loss, trauma, and time under anesthesia than traditional surgery. Most surgeries are… Read more »
Mark W. McFarland, DO As a busy Spine Surgeon, I perform multiple spine surgeries every week. I am keenly interested in helping my patients recover more quickly and with less pain. I use a variety of medications, physical therapy and other modalities to enhance healing and a rapid return to work and daily activities. One… Read more »