EXPERT
Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson
Orthopedist
As an orthopedist, Dr. Carlson stays actively involved in continuing medical education by teaching spine surgery techniques around the world. Dr. Carlson recently served as the Chief of Surgery at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA. He has received many awards, including being named one of America’s Top Orthopaedic Spine Reconstructive Surgeons, earning the Arthritis Foundation’s Medical Excellence Award and being included in Becker’s Specialty Review “Spine Surgeons to Know.”
Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson
- Newport News, VA
- MD at George Washington University
- Accepting new patients
When Should I Think About Disc Surgery?
Lumbar disc herniations can be found in 40% of asymptomatic patients, and in the neck, almost 30% of asymptomatic patients will have a disc herniation on their MRI. These seem...
How long does it take to recover from spine surgery?
Really depends on the amount of surgery done. Typical recovery times are decreasing as surgical techniques improve. Less traumatic surgery allows the patient to be more mobile READ MORE
Really depends on the amount of surgery done. Typical recovery times are decreasing as surgical techniques improve. Less traumatic surgery allows the patient to be more mobile more quickly. There are still some surgeries that cannot be done without significant time and hardware that will take much longer to heal.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Are ganglion cysts hard like bone?
Yes. Ganglion cysts fill with fluid. Just as a balloon can be filled with water and become more rigid, a ganglion cyst feels more dense as it fills with fluid.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, READ MORE
Yes. Ganglion cysts fill with fluid. Just as a balloon can be filled with water and become more rigid, a ganglion cyst feels more dense as it fills with fluid.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Should I see an orthopedist or podiatrist for ankle pain?
Either is fine.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Lumbar Issues?
As your imaging suggests, you have a very large disc herniation, which is the primary problem. The degenerative disc disease (arthritis) is a secondary issue. Disc herniations READ MORE
As your imaging suggests, you have a very large disc herniation, which is the primary problem. The degenerative disc disease (arthritis) is a secondary issue. Disc herniations are generally treated with medications, injections and physical therapy for core strengthening and nerve mobilization. In general, 90% of patients will get better without surgery. In your case, with a very large disc herniation, the odds shift more towards the need for surgery, but it is certainly reasonable to try the non-surgical treatment first. The arthritis will not get better with time and there is really no treatment to improve the MRI findings for the arthritis. Having said this, arthritis does not have to be painful. You are correct that carrying less body weight can decrease the pain related to the arthritis. Core strengthening will help provide stability to the lumbar discs to decrease the grinding and pain related to their movement. If you can keep the discs stable with the exercise, they may fuse and stabilize on their own without a need for surgery.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Shoulder torn tendon?
Yes, it is safe to play sports. It is very unusual to tear the other tendon of the biceps. Usually, the primary torn tendon will heal/scar into a stable position and begin to function READ MORE
Yes, it is safe to play sports. It is very unusual to tear the other tendon of the biceps. Usually, the primary torn tendon will heal/scar into a stable position and begin to function in a more normal fashion over about 3 months.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Worry of wrist fracture?
Without a specific traumatic injury, it would difficult to fracture the wrist bones. Most commonly it would be an inflammatory issue, especially on the back side of the wrist where READ MORE
Without a specific traumatic injury, it would difficult to fracture the wrist bones. Most commonly it would be an inflammatory issue, especially on the back side of the wrist where there are a lot of tendons that can get inflamed. I would suggest taking ibuprofen or naproxen sodium for about a week and see if it improves. If not, you should be seen be a physician.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Knee pain?
You will need to be seen in a physician office to evaluate.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Back pain?
You will need to be evaluated by a physician to ensure there are no neurologic problems.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
What to do about lower back pain?
Most commonly low back pain is attributable to the muscles and tendons. The best treatment for that is a physical exercise routine that includes stretching, strengthening and core READ MORE
Most commonly low back pain is attributable to the muscles and tendons. The best treatment for that is a physical exercise routine that includes stretching, strengthening and core agility. Anti-inflammatory medications may help decrease the pain related to specific activities and should be used until the exercise program has decreased the pain.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is usually treated with stretching and strengthening of the inflamed lateral tendons of the elbow. This may involve a formal physical therapy evaluation. At PT, they READ MORE
Tennis elbow is usually treated with stretching and strengthening of the inflamed lateral tendons of the elbow. This may involve a formal physical therapy evaluation. At PT, they may also use anti-inflammatory modalities like ultrasound and dry-needling to speed recover.
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD
I have a bulge just above my backend on my lower back. What is it?
You should see your primary care provider. This may be an infection.
What is the treatment for musculoskeletal pain?
Most commonly musculoskeletal pain around the neck is related to muscular strain or arthritis. Common treatments include NSAID's and physical therapy. Chiropractors may also READ MORE
Most commonly musculoskeletal pain around the neck is related to muscular strain or arthritis. Common treatments include NSAID's and physical therapy. Chiropractors may also be a great resource.
My brother has been diagnosed with tennis elbow. According to you what will be the best course of treatment?
There are several treatments for tennis elbow. This is the common term we use for tendonitis on the outer side of the elbow. Usually we start with an anti-inflammatory medication READ MORE
There are several treatments for tennis elbow. This is the common term we use for tendonitis on the outer side of the elbow. Usually we start with an anti-inflammatory medication and home exercises. Sometimes a brace can be used to take the pressure off of the the tendon. If that doesn't work, an injection of cortisone can be used with a follow-up physical therapy appointment. When all else fails, surgery can be effective.
Is sciatica permanent or can it be cured?
Sciatica is the term we use for pain down the leg. There are many causes and the cause is what determines how long it lasts. Having an physical evaluation and subsequent imaging READ MORE
Sciatica is the term we use for pain down the leg. There are many causes and the cause is what determines how long it lasts. Having an physical evaluation and subsequent imaging studies will help with the exact diagnosis and treatment options.
Is hip surgery advisable for an 80 year old?
HIp surgery can be a frightening prospect in an 80 year old. Surgeons don't look for an octogenarian to add to the operating schedule. Unfortunately, when a patient breaks a READ MORE
HIp surgery can be a frightening prospect in an 80 year old. Surgeons don't look for an octogenarian to add to the operating schedule. Unfortunately, when a patient breaks a hip, the best option is surgery. The complications of non-surgical treatment including blood clots, pneumonia, and limited mobility are worse than the risks of surgery. Obviously, there is no crystal ball to determine the outcome, but non-surgical treatment for hip fractures generally yield worse outcomes.
After a knee surgery how long should one wait before resuming any sport?
Ligament injures can take some time to heal. The general rule is when the motion of the joint is normal and doesn't have pain, athletics can be resumed slowly.
Can frequent usage of ice packs after playing a sport cause any side effects?
Ice packs aren't entirely bad in repetitious use, however, the need to consistently use them is a sign that you may need a medical professional to help with the underlying cause READ MORE
Ice packs aren't entirely bad in repetitious use, however, the need to consistently use them is a sign that you may need a medical professional to help with the underlying cause of the inflammation.
I have osteoporosis and a spine fracture. How long will it take for me to be fully cured?
Osteoporotic fractures happen in relation to the weakening of the bone. When the bones lose their calciium and their ability to maintain the weight they are supposed to support, READ MORE
Osteoporotic fractures happen in relation to the weakening of the bone. When the bones lose their calciium and their ability to maintain the weight they are supposed to support, fractures will happen with even small accidents.
That being said, the bones themselves are the problem, so they may take quite a while to heal. In general we expect vertebral fractures to heal on their own over 3 months. The pain should gradually improve, walking tolerance should gradually improve and transitioning from sitting to standing should gradually improve. In most cases, the patient will be able to tolerate the fracture pain adequately enough to perform the basic activities of daily living.
When patients are severely limited in their ability to be upright, it would be suggested to proceed with a procedure to stabilize the bone with cement. The cement acts as an internal splint or cast that gives the bone support while it heals. This support will allow the patient to move more freely and less painfully within a few days of the procedure.
That being said, the bones themselves are the problem, so they may take quite a while to heal. In general we expect vertebral fractures to heal on their own over 3 months. The pain should gradually improve, walking tolerance should gradually improve and transitioning from sitting to standing should gradually improve. In most cases, the patient will be able to tolerate the fracture pain adequately enough to perform the basic activities of daily living.
When patients are severely limited in their ability to be upright, it would be suggested to proceed with a procedure to stabilize the bone with cement. The cement acts as an internal splint or cast that gives the bone support while it heals. This support will allow the patient to move more freely and less painfully within a few days of the procedure.
How is sciatica pain diagnosed?
Sciatica is the term used for compression of the sciatic nerve. This is a very specific diagnosis. Doctors will use the physical exam as the primary source of information for READ MORE
Sciatica is the term used for compression of the sciatic nerve. This is a very specific diagnosis. Doctors will use the physical exam as the primary source of information for diagnosing "sciatica". The sciatic nerve, when compressed, gives pain in the specific distribution of the nerve. The sciatic nerve runs down the leg to the toes, it does not stop at the hip and if compressed is more likely to be compressed on one side only.
I think I dislocated my knee, and it is hurting a lot. What should I do?
You should be seen as soon as possible by a medical practitioner to evaluate your knee.
