Spine, Neck & Back

Dr. O'Brien Testimonial

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. - B.C.  

Dr. Feuchtbaum Testimonial

Dr Eric Feuchtbaum is an amazing Doctor. He is one in a million. Surgically he is very talented, but he also has an amazing bedside manner. He truly cares about his patients and their well being. Dr Feuchtbaum performed surgery on my neck in January 2000. I was in extreme pain prior to surgery. I have had no pain since I woke up from the anesthesia.

The first time I met Dr Feuchtbaum, he gave me his direct email. He is happy to answer questions and wants you to feel comfortable with any procedure that he does. He was very direct and offered me multiple options.

The day after discharge, Dr Feuchtbaum personally called me at home to check on me. I highly recommend you see Dr Feuchtbaum at Ortho Bethesda if you have spine issues.

J.M.A. - J.M.A.  

Dr. Feuchtbaum Testimonial

I recently had cervical spine surgery with Dr. Eric Feuchtbaum.  Dr. Feuchtbaum is an excellent surgeon. He explains things carefully and listens thoughtfully. My surgery was a success-I am completely without nerve pain. Dr. Feuchtbaum called me at home personally the day after discharge. He was very receptive to questions and always listened when I had a concern. I highly recommend Dr. Feuchtbaum!

J.M. - J.M.  

Dr. Feuchtbaum Testimonial

Great surgery for pinched nerve. Immediate relief, very professional and responsive.

A.I. - A.I.  

Dr. Fisch Testimonial

Saw Dr Fisch for a painful back problem. I found him very knowledgeable and helpful. He found an issue on my MRI that the radiologist and my initial orthopedic doctor missed. I didn’t have a problem with his interaction because I just wanted an expert that could tell me why I was in so much pain and he did that in one visit. I would highly recommend him.

E.W. - E.W.  

Dr. Fisch Testimonial

I had neck issues for a few months. I did all kinds of things to try to fix it myself and I finally went to the doctor. Dr. Fisch figured out what was going on pretty quickly. My neck is better with the conservative treatment I received. He is extremely personable as was everyone I dealt with at his office. He kept me informed and answered all my questions. I hope I don’t need to see him again, LOL! But it’s good to know he’s there if I need him again. PS: I really like the online check in too.

M.T. - M.T. 01/08/2019

Dr. Fisch Testimonial

Excellent orthopedic doctor and surgeon. I’ve seen Dr Fisch over the years for various arthritis, sciatica, and spinal lumbar and cervical issues including epidural injections and spinal surgery. He’s excellent and I highly recommend him for Spinal orthopedic related issues. I put my full trust in him. He’s knowledgeable and offers practical advice and considers surgery as a last remedy. Aside from his great sense of humor, he’s a guy you can talk to.

J.G. - J.G.  

Dr. Fisch Testimonial

Came to get urgent help with a painful pinched nerve in my neck. Dr. Fisch diagnosed the problem accurately after thorough exam & x-ray . He spent a long time with me..asking a series of questions about my concerns. I left his exam knowing that I was in excellent care. I highly recommend his practice.

S.M. - S.M.  

Dr. O'Brien Testimonial

After a very long, painful journey I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Joseph O’Brien perform an ACDF Level C5-6, C6-7 in February 2018, and Microdiscectomy Level 4/5 | May 31st.
He is an outstanding Spinal surgeon, the absolute best. His level of expertise demonstrates that he has spent years perfecting and researching this particular field.
He is compassionate and really cares about communicating with and helping his patients and their families. His Medical Assistant Ashley is extremely responsive along with OrthoBethesda staff. Thank you!

R.P. - R.P.  

Dr. O'Brien Testimonial

Dr. O’Brien, Upon a short time ago, I realized that I did not give you a complete or accurate report of how I was feeling, because I had not stood up yet. Because I had focused on that, the fact that I slept through the night without waking up with the stabbing pain on my spinal cord. I slept through the night for the first time in 3-4 years. When I got to my feet later, for the first time, the feeling of pins and needles, electrical shock and severe muscle strain did not present. I can also walk erect. I’ll be singing your praises and sending all who have back or neck problems to you. If the hand and knee doctor(s) in your practice are as good as you, I’ll be on to see them. God bless you, that brilliant mind of yours, your skilled hands, and your awesome clinical and bedside manner.

J.R. - J.R.  

Dr. O'Brien Testimonial

I’m going to start by saying that Dr. O’Brien has given me my life back. I started having problems about 7 months ago. Initially, it was back pain but it quickly progressed to a horrible nerve, groin, and buttock pain on the right side. I saw one neurosurgeon who suggested epidurals. 4 epidurals and one diagnostic block later, my symptoms were only getting worse. My husband and I knew surgery was needed so we started looking for doctors. I was suggested to go see Dr. O’Brien by someone and since we had already seen 4 docs I made the appt to see Dr. O’Brien at 5 pm on my birthday. I figured that way my husband couldn’t complain too much. Shortly after meeting Dr. O’Brien my husband and I looked at each other, both of us knowing that this was our doctor. I have never looked back. I had a minimally invasive triple fusion and laminectomy 6 weeks ago. Dr. O’Brien told me I would hate him for a week but after that, I wouldn’t. He was right but after that, the pain wasn’t even really bad. The hardest part of the recovery has been the no lifting, no twisting or bending, but that’s for most back surgeries. At 6 weeks I can say my nerve pain is probably 95% better and Dr. O’Brien assures me it will go away. The numbness and tingling in my leg is completely gone. Not only is Dr. O’Brien a fantastic surgeon, but he is also a really nice guy. You never feel rushed and believe me, I went in with tons of questions written down today and he didn’t hesitate to sit with us and answer them all. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM and God forbid I need any more spinal surgery, he would be my one and only choice.!

M.B. - M.B.  

Dr. Fisch Testimonial

Dr. Fisch, where to even start? When I despairingly stumbled into your office on 11/19/18 for my initial appointment… my search for a doctor who actually listened to my symptoms and showed an interest in finding out the root cause of my neck, arm, and hand pain was over! I was totally exasperatedly pushing through life with pain and this agonizing journey had been an exhausting and futile one. Dr. Fisch, thank you so much for taking care of me for so many months. I know I can be a pain in your neck at times with all my questions (every pun intended) but I appreciate the time you gave me. You never rushed me through your office to make another dime. If I needed to talk, then we talked. Thank you so much for just being there when I need you! I came to your office upon my daughter, N.A.’s request. Meeting you that first day was like being in the presence of the medicinal version of Mahatma Gandhi. You showed empathy towards me and promised that together, we would find out what was going on with my DDD and get me back on track. Dr. Fisch, you are the most comprehensive healthcare provider I have ever been under the care of, and you took my neck/back concerns seriously. Just writing this note to thank you seems so trivial and inadequate, but none-the-less, I cannot shower you with enough gratitude for all that you have done, and continue to do for me. You are incredible at what you do, and I appreciate your care and expertise infinitely! I have never met a more intelligent and giving doctor than you! Thank you for being a good enough doctor to know how to treat me, making referrals for nerve conduction study, test for further assessment, and made recommendations for PT. You definitely played a major role in improving the quality of my life dramatically after the above-mentioned counsels, medication, and continued care. Dr. Fisch, you are truly a blessing in my life and I deeply appreciate your care and your knowledge more than you will ever know. You are a true superhero in my eyes! I would gladly recommend you to everyone! I feel that my pain is no longer going to restrict the development of my potential even at the tender age of 65!!! Thank you, Dr. Fisch, from the bottom and top of my heart!

S. G. - S. G.