EXPERT
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.”
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...
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.
How long does a hip replacement take to heal?
There a several types of surgeries to place a hip replacement. Depending on the surgical approach to the hip, the amount of muscle that is disrupted and the type of iimplant used, READ MORE
There a several types of surgeries to place a hip replacement. Depending on the surgical approach to the hip, the amount of muscle that is disrupted and the type of iimplant used, the typical hip replacement should be healed by 3 months. Limping may be a sign of muscular weakness that needs to be addressed.
Can joint pain be considered as a symptom for gout?
Gout will cause joint pain, but there are many causes of joint pain. You should be examined by your physician to help in the diagnosis.
Can a knee surgery help in relieving the pain due to arthritis?
Yes, surgery can help with arthritic knee pain. It is not the first option however. Your doctor should evaluate the painful joint to insure the diagnosis is correct, the proceed READ MORE
Yes, surgery can help with arthritic knee pain. It is not the first option however. Your doctor should evaluate the painful joint to insure the diagnosis is correct, the proceed with treatments from the least invasive up to surgery.
I am having a severe pain in my neck post an accident. What can i do?
Yes, you should have an X-ray and be evaluated.
partial vs full joint replacment
Partial and Total joint replacements refer to the amount of the joint that is removed and replaced with the new metal and plastic implants. The usual determining factor is how READ MORE
Partial and Total joint replacements refer to the amount of the joint that is removed and replaced with the new metal and plastic implants. The usual determining factor is how much of the joint is damaged, which will determine how much of the joint needs to be replaced. In general, you only want to replace the portion of the joint that is not functioning well. The longevity of the implants and the surgical outcomes can be dependent on several factors including the type of implant, the positioning of the implant surgically and the use of the implant after surgery.
I have a bulge in my back bone at the bottom. Can it be treated with surgery?
Generally boney protrusions are not treated surgically. The best option is to get this lump evaluated to determine it's consistency and make a plan. Therapy programs, injections READ MORE
Generally boney protrusions are not treated surgically. The best option is to get this lump evaluated to determine it's consistency and make a plan. Therapy programs, injections and mdications may be a better option than surgery.
My husband is having a growth in ankle bone. Does it need surgery?
It is very difficult to determine what a "growth" on the ankle bone is made of without imaging studies. An X-ray, MRI, or CT scan would be very helpful to your doctors to know READ MORE
It is very difficult to determine what a "growth" on the ankle bone is made of without imaging studies. An X-ray, MRI, or CT scan would be very helpful to your doctors to know what the next steps would be. Sometimes these things will need surgery but sometimes just bracing. He needs to be evaluated to determine the nature of the growth.
Inner thigh hurts when walking fast
This sounds like a tendon/muscular pain issue. It may be the adductor or hamstring tendon that attaches to the inner portion of the thigh is too tight to run. When longer strides READ MORE
This sounds like a tendon/muscular pain issue. It may be the adductor or hamstring tendon that attaches to the inner portion of the thigh is too tight to run. When longer strides are used, the tendon may not be able to make the stretch and causes pain. Generally, a physical therapist can help improve this function.
Will I be able to swim again after ankle replacement?
My interest is really in spine surgery.
Recurring hip pain
There are many reasons for pain in the front of the hip but orthopaedically they are usually 1) muscle strain, 2) ligament strain, 3) tears in the hip joint cartilage. Non-orthopaedic READ MORE
There are many reasons for pain in the front of the hip but orthopaedically they are usually 1) muscle strain, 2) ligament strain, 3) tears in the hip joint cartilage. Non-orthopaedic issues can also include hernias and ovarian cysts.
If this is a transient issue, than most likely it is a muscle or tendon strain. This is best treated with stretching. You can certainly do this prior to your exercise routine. You may want to see a physical therapist to help with the correct form in stretching.
If this is a transient issue, than most likely it is a muscle or tendon strain. This is best treated with stretching. You can certainly do this prior to your exercise routine. You may want to see a physical therapist to help with the correct form in stretching.
