Plano Clinic
2301 Marsh Lane, Suite 300
Plano, TX 75093
972-231-7100
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transcutaneous lumbar disc resection spine surgery

This minimally invasive spine procedure can be done in place of a complex spinal fusion or laminectomy.

back pain spine specialist

Dr. Richard Marks has provided advanced surgical care to relieve back pain in more than 5,000 discs.

back pain

Dr. Marks has performed more Transcutaneous Lumbar Disc resections than anyone in the U.S.

Archive for the ‘Orthopedic Surgeon’ Category

When to See a Doctor for Neck Pain

neck painNeck pain is a common occurrence, and can affect many places on the body from the tops of the shoulders to the bottom of the head. In some instances, it can even spread to the arms or upper back. While many types of neck discomfort will not require medical assistance, there are other times a person will need to see a doctor. Here are some of the ways to tell when you may need to seek medical help in order to have your neck problem addressed.

When to Call 911

If neck pain is severe or accompanied by tingling, numbness or arm weakness, then you should call 911. These are other instances where immediate medical assistance will be necessary:

  • Neck pain occurs along with nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain or other symptoms associated with a heart attack.
  • You have suffered an injury in a car accident or a fall and you are showing signs of a spine injury
  • You are unable to move any part of your body.

When to Visit an Orthopedic Specialist

Other instances of neck pain, while not necessarily an emergency, will need to be addressed by an experienced orthopedist. These include:

  • Numbness in the legs or buttocks
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Long-term neck pain has suddenly worsened for no apparent reason
  • The pain is so severe it wakes you from your sleep

Contact Us About Neck Pain

Please visit the office of Dr. Richard Marks to schedule an examination for any neck pain you may be experiencing. Dr. Marks will thoroughly check to see the possible reasons for your discomfort and then determine the best plan of treatment. Contact us online or call us at 972-301-2866 to set up an appointment.

How to Choose an Orthopedic Surgeon

Tips to Help Make Your Decision Easier

Orthopedic SurgeonEven if your primary doctor refers you to an orthopedic surgeon, that, of course, doesn’t mean you are required to go to him or her. It can be fairly complicated to choose one on your own, but you need to do some research before making a commitment so you can feel as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips that can help make that decision much easier.

Ask Around

Talk to any friends or family members who may have recently treated by an orthopedic surgeon and see if they would recommend that doctor. Ask them what type of experience they had, and whether or not they would trust him or her to perform another procedure. If someone you trust gives you advice, odds are it will be good advice.

Do Some Homework

You can find a great deal of information about the surgeons you are considering just by performing some basic Internet research. You’ll find plenty of sites that offer Internet reviews, and they can give you a good idea of what kind of treatment you will be able to expect. However, don’t take those reviews at face value – many of them could be exaggerated or fabricated, and posted by people who have their own agendas.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to two or three surgeons, schedule a time to get to know each one of them. This is probably the most important thing you can do to ensure you make the right decision. Prepare a list of questions, and bring it with you if necessary. Also, bring a spouse, friend or family member with you to make sure the right questions are asked.

Finally, once you’ve done your research and finished your consultations, trust your instinct and choose the orthopedic surgeon you feel most comfortable with. You’ll find that a little digging beforehand can provide you with a much more confident feeling going into your procedure. If you have any questions concerning the process or you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard A. Marks, call our Richardson office at 972-301-2866 or contact us online. We’re just a short drive away, whether you live in Richardson, The Colony or anywhere else in the area.