Tag Archives: Dr Jeffrey Carlson

Disc Herniation Treatment Plan with Dr Jeffrey Carlson

Posted on by
Reply

Dealing with My Neck Pain

I think what most surprises me about working at OSC is how many people say to me, “I’m not going to see an Orthopaedic surgeon…all they want to do is cut on me to make money!”  I can tell you for a fact that in all but the most extreme circumstances, surgery will NOT be the first, second or even third treatment option you will be given.  In fact, the OSC doctors are very conservative and seem to try other therapies before recommending surgery.

Orthopedic surgeon operating

Dr Jeffrey Carlson Performing Surgery

This is exactly what happened in my case.

Dr. Jeffrrey Carlson reviewed my MRI with me and then told me my treatment options.  I honestly expected him to recommend surgery and I was fine with that, IF it would provide relief.  However, I was somewhat taken aback when he first suggested physical therapy and treatment with prescription anti-inflammatories.  By this time, I had been in pain, which was increasing in severity, for almost 3 years.  I was ready to do anything to feel better.  But, I took his advice and began Physical Therapy.  I also continued taking my medication.  I was in therapy for several weeks and noticed no improvement, in fact, my pain seemed to be getting much worse…almost intolerable.

physical tyherapists for pain relief

OSC's Physical Therapy Team

I was seen again by Dr. Carlson and again, expected him to recommend surgery.  NO, he instead suggested another treatment, an epidural steroid injection.  I have to admit, I was afraid of this….I hate shots!  I know, name a person who loves injections and I will sell you some ocean-front property in Oklahoma!  But, I REALLY hate to get a shot…so much so that I pass out cold.  I have to lie down to get them and sometimes I still pass out.  I have a bad history of this and it was not comforting at all to think about this happening in front of all of the people with whom I work.  However scared I was, I decided to trust Dr. Carlson and give it a try.  I was in so much pain at that point that I really did not care, I just wanted to feel better.

Next time….cervical steroid epidural!  EEEEEK!

Spondylolisthesis – A Fancy Name for a Common Spine Problem

Posted on by
Reply

Did you know that back pain and leg pain will cause about 20% of our population to see a physician each year? Although most back pain is minor and will usually resolve on its own,  there are many different diagnoses that can cause lingering lower back pain.  About 10% of the patients that see an orthopaedic spine specialist for their back pain are diagnosed with a condition where the bones in the spine have slipped or changed position slightly.  In medical terminology, this is called spondylolisthesis.

There are several different reasons that the bones may slide or change position.  The most common is degenerative disease of the discs that cause the bones of the spine to sit more loosely on each other and allows shifting to occur.  Children may also have a failure to form a complete connection in the spine.  This lack of connection allows the bones to slip on each other.

Continue reading →