Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD In the spring, young men across America get mopey, starry-eyed and stare off into space, dreamily thinking of only one thing…WHEN is football season going to start? Well, sports fans, August is almost here and the pre-season NFL games will be starting soon, as will college games. With the advent of… Read more »
Category: Spine Care
Does Cervical Spine (Neck) Surgery Work?
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 »
Should I have Back Surgery?
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Patients who are told they need spine surgery have many questions, and rightly so. They want to know about all of the risks, the expected downtime for recovery, any restrictions on movement and activity, and when they will start to see the benefits from having the surgery. Even with all the… Read more »
Should I Worry about Getting a Spine Infection?
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Severe back pain can be a sign of several significant spinal disorders that bring patients to consult with me, as a spine specialist. Although most back pain, even severe pain, is not going to be a symptom of a severe or life-threatening disorder, most people’s thoughts immediately go to the most… Read more »
The Risks and Complications of Disc Herniation Surgery
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 »
Does Time Spent in Surgery Affect Outcomes?
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 »
Desiccated, Degenerated, Bulging, and Herniated – Your Guide to Spinal Disc Disorders
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 »
Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mark McFarland, Completes Milestone Case With NanoFUSE® Biologics Technology
Dr. Mark McFarland completed his 50th case using NanoFUSE Biologics. MALDEN, MASS. (PRWEB) APRIL 17, 2019 NanoFUSE Biologics announced today that Dr. Mark McFarland completed his 50th case using NanoFUSE Biologics. The operation took place on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Dr. McFarland performed a posterior lumbar interbody fusion and… Read more »
OSC Welcomes Kelsey Wood, MSN
Orthopaedic & Spine Center is pleased to introduce Kelsey Wood, MSN, as the newest addition to the OSC Provider team. Kelsey will practice with and assist Dr. Mark McFarland in the office and will provide care and treatment for our patients with spine related conditions . Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from… Read more »
“Oh, my Sciatica! – Sciatica Treatment Options
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 »