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 »
Category: Spine Care
“Oh, my Sciatica!”- Definition, Causes and Conditions
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD We’ve all heard someone in our life speak of sciatic pain. What exactly is it, and what can we do about it? Sciatic pain (called sciatica) begins in the sciatic nerve, which is the largest single nerve in the body. It is comprised of individual nerve roots in the lower… Read more »
Dr. Mark McFarland Trains on the Globus and Brain Lab Robotic & Navigation Systems for Spine Surgery
This past weekend, Dr. Mark McFarland went to Philadelphia, PA to learn about, explore and be trained on the Globus Robotic and Navigation System for Spine surgery. OSC Surgeons are constantly learning about new products and services to improve surgical technique, the surgical experience and outcomes for their patients. Dr. McFarland is in the process… Read more »
Depression and Spine Surgery
Mark McFarland, DO Imagine this scenario: You have had significant, unrelenting back pain for months. You’ve seen several doctors and had x-rays and an MRI. You were diagnosed with a major spine issue, such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. You’ve tried various conservative treatments, like physical therapy, oral medications and epidural steroid injections,… Read more »
Osteophytes: A Fancy Term, but Simply Bone Spurs
Robert J. Snyder, MD As a busy Orthopaedist, I see many patients in the office, whose main complaint goes something like this, “I have this really sharp pain, when I walk (or insert your activity of choice here). It hurts so bad, it must be caused by a bone spur”. Most of those pains are… Read more »
Tarlov Cysts: Perineural or Sacral Nerve Root Cysts
Mark W. McFarland, DO The human body is comprised of about 60% water, all of which is contained in our blood, soft tissues and even in our bones. Most of the time, bodily fluids are contained within their own specific areas of the body and serve a particular purpose, like synovial fluid is contained within… Read more »
Weightlift Safely to Prevent Back Pain or Injury While Bodybuilding
by Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Besides being an Orthopaedic Spine Specialist, I have many interests outside of the operating room. I really enjoy weightlifting and used to compete in bodybuilding events in my younger days. While bodybuilding involves committing to a specific nutrition plan with little fat intake, taking lots of protein supplements and getting… Read more »
March Lecture Features Dr. Jeffrey Carlson – OSC Spine Specialist
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 »
Ryan Shazier – From Paralysis to Standing – A Cause for Celebration!
Mark W. McFarland, DO A recent sports injury to a Pittsburgh Steelers’ middle linebacker Ryan Shazier made headlines due to his spinal cord injury which left him paralyzed and unable to walk. On December 4, during the week 13 game against the Bengals, Ryan went in for a tackle with his head too low. … Read more »
The Use of a Lumbar Brace after Lumbar Spine Surgery
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 »