Mark W. McFarland, DO A Computerized Tomography Scan, also known as a CT scan, or CT, is a quick and painless diagnostic imaging study that enables me to view detailed images of the bones, organs and soft tissues of the patient’s body. CT uses multiple x-rays, taken at various angles and guided by a… Read more »
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 »
Tom Toothaker, PT, DPT As a Physical Therapist who works for the Orthopaedic & Spine Center, I help many patients build their strength and flexibility after Lumbar Spine Surgery. For those of you waiting for surgery, it’s been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re feeling frustrated and disappointed, it’s understandable. Let’s use that… Read more »
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Federal, state and local mandates regarding postponing elective surgery during the Coronavirus outbreak have caused many patients quite a bit of concern and frustration. Managing the logistics of your life around a planned surgery take a lot of time and effort. There are work, family, and social considerations, as well as… Read more »
Mark W. McFarland, DO This self-quarantine business during the COVID -19 crisis is rough, by any measure. Many of you may be working from home, tending to kids and trying to get that “honey-do” list completed during self-confinement. You may be experiencing neck pain for the first time or maybe your on-and-off neck pain… 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 »
Mark W. McFarland, DO As a busy spine specialist, I diagnose and treat patients who have a variety of spine related issues. I’m often asked if lifestyle or activities have anything to do with their spine issues. The answer is yes! In my practice, the major factors I observe which may cause harm to the… 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 »