The Washington Spine & Scoliosis Institute at OrthoBethesda was created in 2017 to provide a central location with the ability to treat the entire spectrum of orthopedic spine conditions and perform surgical procedures. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons provide a combined total of 40+ years of experience. We provide trusted, quality patient care along with cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art technology to find and treat arthritis and other causes of pain including issues in bones, joints, and muscles, in an effort to ensure patients near Bethesda, MD can obtain and maintain their best health.
Meet Our Doctors Who Treat the Spine, Neck and Back
Conditions and Treatments for the Spine, Neck and Back
Let the OrthoBethesda Team diagnose and treat your Spine, Neck, or Back condition so you can gain back your mobility.
Conditions:
When to Seek Physical Therapy or Other Care for Neck Pain
It is time to seek medical care for neck pain when patients experience the following:
- continuous and persistent discomfort and neck pain
- severe pain in the neck or spinal region
- neck pain accompanied by additional pain that radiates down the arms or legs
- neck pain accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or physical weakness in the body
If you suffer from neck pain that radiates down the arms and legs from the neck or spinal region, you should seek medical attention immediately. It’s possible that you might only need physical therapy, but you should still speak with a doctor about your pain do determine if there is a better solution.
Symptoms and Signs you need Treatment for your Back Pain
Patients who visit OrthoBethesda for back pain often do so because the back pain has become unbearable. Physical therapy might not solve this type of pain, which is why a visit to a surgeon is beneficial. Patients who suffer from back pain could experience the following problems:
- Back pain could worsen with bending and lifting.
- Sitting may worsen the pain.
- Standing and walking could worsen back or neck pain
- Back pain is present and disappeared and can cause good and bad days
- Pain may extend from the back into the buttock or outer hip area, but not down the leg.
- Sciatica is common with a herniated disk.
In order to prevent back pain and neck pain, you should try to do the following as much as possible:
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Keep your weight down
- Do not smoke
- Lift items properly
- Use good posture
Depending on the cause of your neck pain or issues with your back, you might have to undergo spine surgery, spinal stenosis, joint replacement, or another type of sports medicine treatment.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc often causes a lot of pain in the neck, spine, back. legs, and arms. A herniated disc occurs when the center nucleus pushes through the edge of the disc and back towards the spinal canal. A herniated disc then puts pressure on the nerves. Even the slightest amount of pressure can cause a lot of pain. Spine surgery might be your best option when dealing with a herniated disc, but it’s always best to speak with the doctors at OrthoBethesda to determine the right course of care. Schedule an appointment to discuss your conditions and treatment options today.
The risk factors (common causes) of a herniated disc include the following:
- Improper lifting
- Smoking
- Excessive body weight that places added stress on the disks (in the lower back)
- Unexpected or sudden pressure (which may be slight)
- Repetitive strenuous activities
Facet Joint Injections over Surgery for Pain Management
The doctors at OrthoBethesda might not have to perform neck surgery or spine surgery when you are dealing with pain in either location. The reason for this is that facet joint injections are an alternative therapy to surgery and may lead to pain relief. This treatment method can cause you to regain mobility and take part in regular physical activities once again. Facet joint injections can be used to not only treat pain but also determine if a more invasive procedure, such as surgery, needs to be performed in the spinal column. Be sure to explain the injury to the surgeons as in-depth as possible so the correct therapy can be used to treat your sports injury. Call the OrthoBethesda center today at (301) 530-1010 to schedule an appointment about your injuries in Bethesda.
Testimonials for Dr. Joseph R. O’Brien, Spine, Neck, and Back Specialist at OrthoBethesda in Bethesda, MD
I saw Dr. O’Brien as a 3rd consult for my spondylolisthesis and L5S1 herniation. My condition had worsened over the last decade and I was headed for a dead nerve and drop foot in the near future. I’m a career fireman so this would have been a condition that would have retired me. I had put off back surgery for many years under the impression that once you have one back operation you will need to have more and you will not be able to do the same things you did previously. Dr. O’Brien pitched an anterior fusion with posterior hardware to stabilize the vertebrae and described in detail why this procedure would give me a cleaner evacuation of the disc space, faster recovery time, and less likelihood of nerve complications after the fact as opposed to a pure minimally invasive posterior fusion. He told me I would be back to full duty in operations at my job in 12 weeks. He was honest and delivered on all fronts. My nerve pain was gone when I awoke in the recovery room. After a few hard initial weeks of recovery, gradual improvement in mobility and strength over the first few months, I was back to work at twelve weeks and five days. We went to a first due working fire my second shift after returning and I didn’t even think about my back. Seven months post-op I have no restrictions on activities and do not feel physically limited at all. I wish I fixed this issue sooner and didn’t deal with years of pain unnecessarily. If you are in public safety or another labor-intensive job and have put off back surgery my advice would be to at least consult with Dr. O’Brien. Everyone’s condition and situation is different but everything he told me he delivered on; including returning any questions via email promptly before and after the operation. Could not rate my experience with Dr. O’Brien more positively. – B.C.
Schedule an Appointment with the knowledgeable Spine/Neck/Back doctors at OrthoBethesda Today
If you suffer from spine, neck, or back pain, it is in your best interest to schedule an appointment with the experienced and trusted sports medicine team at OrthoBethesda as soon as possible to diagnose and determine if surgery is your best option. Our patient resources department will make sure you receive the proper therapy, care, and treatment for your conditions and sharing their knowledge and expertise. Whether you require joint replacement, cervical spine treatment, spinal stenosis, physical therapy, or a minimally invasive procedure; our spinal cord team will ensure that your back pain and other conditions are treated appropriately. Call us today at (301) 530-1010 to schedule an appointment with an available doctor.
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Contact OrthoBethesda Today!
Whether you’ve received a referral from your primary care physician or would like to visit our premier team to discuss any orthopedic issues you may be experiencing, we invite you to contact us today. Patients in Bethesda, MD, Arlington, VA, and beyond can give us a call at (301) 530-1010.