Every visit to Dr. Carlson's office involves an excessive wait, often one to two hours (sometimes longer) , even when I have a scheduled appointment. This is unacceptable. Arriving early doesn't help, as the first 15 minutes of parking are free but any longer incurs a charge. Since the doctors here are consistently running late, which is not the patient's fault, parking should be free for all patients. The repeated delays and added parking costs make coming here a stressful experience, and I will be looking for another provider. read more

Do NOT go to Dr. Carlson. My husband had two neck surgeries from Carlson. June 2023 and December 2023. First time had disc and fusion, knew something was wrong, Carlson said wait 6 months to heal. Did second surgery, went in front and back of neck, removed disc and did all fusions. He apologized and said the first surgery, screws loose and was not right!! He is convincing, and said he can make it right. My husband worse than before, WAY MORE PAIN than before, loss of voice, choking, dizzy, headaches, numb and tingling limbs, depression, has to lay down all the time! No quality of life. Also kept telling us X-rays look great, takes time to heal, do PT wait a year. Now I know why, so we can't sue. What a mistake using this doctor should have went to a neurosurgeon. I am now in search of an excellent neurosurgeon and will take time to properly vet. He doesn't even deserve 1 star. read more

I was scared about having fusion surgery,amazing doctor I some feeling back in my body,told me how procedure would go,how long would take , I'm a lot of pain Due to surgery,but will no longer be In the pain I was in before surgery ,thank you dr Carlson read more

I saw Dr carlson for severe back pain in 2014. I had a L4-5 fusion but had many complications. First the hardware collapsed and fractured my previously intact vertebrae. Then during the repair he used a "new cement" but didn't allow it to dry long enough and it migrated down my sciatic nerve canal. Worst pain imaginable! Third surgery was to strip cement off my nerve. Fourth surgery was to evacuate a hematoma. After all this I was totally addicted to narcotics and it took another 2 months to wean me off fentanyl, oxy, dilaudid. Eventually I was able to go back to work so I didn't sue him. Now I'm told that my current severe back pain is probably caused by "loosening hardware" on his repair even though another repair in 2011(by a different doctor-RIP Dr. Chen) is fine. So looks like I'm gonna need ANOTHER spine surgery. Going to a different doctor this time!!! Restore hadn't been his company at the time so I don't know anything about the other doctors there. read more

Dr. Carlson is a remarkable physician. And a horribly painful herniated disc. He was caring and thoughtful and shared with me all of his options. Ultimately, I had to have surgery and he did a tremendous job and it literally took away all of my pain. I will be forever thankful. read more

I just want to give a shout out to ladies running the back office! Your kindness,and patience coupled with your excellence in customer service skills! You Rock!!! Thank you for all you do! read more

Just wanted to give a shout to to Brittney who is a receptionist 4 Dr Chang. Just want to say thank you for squeezing me in on friday. Thank you thank you, thank you!!@ read more

A very very good surgeon with a beautiful smile and caring eyes. He help my husband in so many ways. But alas never did anything about what I went thru with Dr Gillman. read more

Restore Orthopedics Doctors are the best. I have had several issues resolved by them. Dr. Carlon, Dr Chan, and Dr Mora. The staff is great and FYI Restore Orthopedics is very busy that's because they are the best. read more

Beware you make an appointment and you won't be seen for an hour just to find out the doctors running behind, terrible service will never utilize this facility again! Worst part about it is you would think the doctor staff would come out and advise you that the doctors are running behind, but they just ignore you, unprofessional in my opinion doctors offices give you a 10 minute grace period to run late yet they can take as long as they want as though their patients times has no value, and not to mention you asked to speak with the office manager and coincidentally she's not available either... read more

I'd give zero except I thought his PA Dan/Don was excellent. Dr Carlson comes across charming and caring and on the surface a good choice for orthopedic surgery. He did my cervical fusion fine. He said he could also fix my lumbar and so we agreed based on prior surgery. The 1st lumbar surgery resulted in me waking up in extreme low back pain, far worse then before along with right foot numb. He said it was post operative pain, increasing meds. PT made me walk for three days and he sent me home. I was home 3 hrs and couldnt move as the excruciating pain persisted. He redid my lumbar 3 times! Waking up the same! He then finally figured out I had a sacral fracture from the impact drilling from the 1st surgery! He should have looked for that! I also had 2 spinal leaks which were unbearable. He finally went back in and placed 4 inch pelvic screws to hold up my lumbar so sacral fracture pressure could be relieved and heal. I woke up finally without that severe pain just post operative. But, then as it healed it was short lived. my sciatica returned, back pain, sacral pain and severe right foot nerve damage. I was in hosp 6 weeks. I have permanent nerve damage and pain. In retrospect, I should have asked for 2nd opinion or another surgeon before 2nd surgery. But I was heavily medicated and delirium set in. I was only 56. Then my neighbor who was 62 had Dr Carlson ...even though he witnessed my issues.....do a cervical then lumbar fusion saying he could fix his hand numbness and weak dragging leg. He is now in nursing home requiring 24/7 care. Dr Carlson is so proud of his RESTORE new office. What a tragedy. Sure there are some good outcomes. I only suggest you see a neurologist if having numbness and get 2nd opinion. I waited to post this as my disability caused a divorce after 22yrs of marriage, 2 nervous breakdowns and relentless depression and anxiety. Please be cautious. read more

Dr. Carlson got me out of a wheelchairfrom a combination of Scoliosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I've seen many, many doctors in my life, but he's my favorite. He is gentle, with a wonderful bedside manner that puts me at ease. Sure, sometimes his appointments run late, but I'm cool with it, because just like me, I know he's spending time answering other patient's questions. I read several reviews on here blaming Dr. Carlson for failed outcomes, one even stated that the doctor promised him a successful surgery, but I know he would never promise. The human body is too complicated and the patient plays a huge role in their recovery. No doctor will ever guarantee any outcome. I have some major medical issues that have required me to have more than 20 surgeries in my lifetime, by numerous surgeons, and not one of them ever promised me anything. They are not God; they do the best they can. But you can help have the best possible outcome by following the doctor's directions. I have had multiple surgeries on my spine, but continue to teach PE full time, garden and work out to keep myself in shape. Please keep in mind that a great doctor can only do so much; you must do your part too. My daughter saw him after she was involved in a car accident and also sings his praises. When someone asks me who took care of my back, I don't hesitate to refer them to Dr. Carlson. read more

Dr. Carlson is professional, kind, and conservative (a good thing in a surgeon). My husband won't allow anyone else to work on his neck. The surgery center was fantastic: the nursing care was individual, the facility pristine and state-of-the-art, and the auxiliary team top-notch. It sets a new standard in surgery. Thank you Dr. Carlson and team! read more

Told me that if he does back surgery on me that he will just "go in there and make things worse". And that I'm just going to have to "live with" the pain for the rest of my life. Wasted my time for a year and a half. Says "the insurance would never approve" what I need so I just need to manage my pain. How?? Pain killers for the next 50 years? Sounds good bro. Also makes you wait an hour from your appt time to see him and then doesn't remember anything from your case even through I'm there once a month. read more

Dr. Carlson does not care about anyone, but himself. He puts all of his confidence in an office manager who lies. By the way, I think Dr. Carlson, the founder, should change the mission statement on the RESTORE ORTHOPEDIC SPINE AND SPORTS website, because it is not entirely accurate. I was a patient in the medical center for sixteen months, until I met the office manager. Because of her lies, I was terminated from the medical center. I never did anything she accused me of doing. There are two physicians who would like to continue to treat me and they have been told they can no longer treat me in clinic. They were told at meeting back in May, that I would not be given a second chance, even though I did nothingwrong to justify being terminated from the medical center. I am disabled and she used my disabilities against me to have me terminated from the medical center. She accused me of abusing her, which was a lie. She accused me of yelling, when in fact I have hearing difficulties. She accused me of being non-compliant, when in fact I have always been compliant. She accused me of bad mouthing one of the physicians, when in fact I was telling a patient my personal experience with that physician. It is because of her lies and the fact she does not like me, nor did she ever take the time to get to know me, that she had me terminated from the medical center. She even coerced Dr. Carlson, the founder of RESTORE ORTHOPEDIC SPINE AND SPORTS CENTER to go along with her to no longer allow me to continue to receive care from the medical center. The two of them do no understand people with hearing difficulties and other disabilities, who also lives with chronic pain and suffering and other physical challenges. Dr. Carlson and his office manager have clearly violated my disability rights of the ADA. However, he is standing by her recommendation that I should not return. Staff has also been told not to talk to me. Four the past four months, since she had me terminated from the medical center, my circumstances have not improved. She had no right to terminated me from the medical center. There is an excellent pain management specialist and orthopedic surgeon that I would like to continue to treat me and they want to continue to treat me. However, because of the decision made back at the office meeting back in May, I do not think I will ever be able to see either physician in the future, at least where they are currently practicing. read more

He is very charismatic I trusted doctor Carlson I am in worse pain ever after the operation. I need a redo operation but the price they want to charge Is over $100000. Before you get a neck operation get a second opinion even a 3rd. It's been over 5 years and I am in pain everyday. I'm sure he tried his best but I never did get an apology. I am permanently Disabled now I wasn't before the operation. The doctor assured me that after the operation I will be back to work guaranteed. I was forced to retire at 55 . Not asking for much just an apology my name is on file David Montano. I guess there aren't any guarantees in life. read more

I have been battling chronic neck and back pain for over a year and a half. Having gone the conservative routes (pain management, physical therapy, etc). My doctor then gave me an Orthopedic referral; As my condition had not improved and sadly worsened. Dr. Carlsen is a well known and well respected Orthopedic Neck and Spine Specialist, and has been in the field for several years. My mother (who is a certified RN with over 30 years experience) first mentioned his name to me. She has attended seminars given by him, and can not speak highly enough of his knowledge. Upon consultation, Dr. Carlsen patiently and professionally talked with me about my injury, options, and resolve. He explained that I did in fact need surgery, and why it was my best option. Educating me on the entire process, giving me literature, etc. [I have never had a surgery in my entire life, and was really afraid] On August 27, 2015 I had surgery performed by Dr. Carlsen at St. Joseph's Medical Center (who was also great in their care). The surgery went really well. I am now currently recuperating at home. I put my trust and faith in him, and I feel that because I did... Once fully healed I will live the next 25-30 yrs of my life PAIN FREE :) I am very grateful. Yelp is usually for food reviews but if anyone reads this and would like more information, I will be glad to give it. I was in a lot of pain and my life basically sucked for over a year and a half. This is a brand new office, with brand new equipment and top notch doctors. read more

I unfortunately became victim to having a 9mm herniated disk at my L5S1 that caused so much pain that my right leg could barely move and I was having problems walking. I had back surgery on January 22, 2015 by another doctor and unfortunately never got better and needed help. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Carlson and he had the confidence that he could fix what the last doctor did and provide me pain relief. I was so scared to go through surgery based off my first experience. I still remember crying before the Anesthesia kicked in. I was in the hospital for 2 days and I was back to work today (exactly 3 weeks post surgery). I had a complete disk replacement anterior and posterior surgery with the removal of a Verilift disk procedure that was put in 9 months ago. The entire staff is wonderful. Dr. Carlson, Don (his PA), Monica (the scheduler) the entire process. I owe this team for giving me my life back! read more

My husband had back surgery over a year ago with Dr. Carlson. We went to 4 doctors before deciding on him. This was his second surgery and the first doctor (who we wouldn't recommend) wanted to fuse his back. This was not what he needed. Carlson was able to go in and clear out his L4 and L5 and he has never been better. I even went in to see him for I had bulging L4 and L5, but surgery was not needed, just physical therapy. We have recommended him to two of our friends who also love him. Thank you Dr. Carlson and staff. read more

This is the first time I have posted to Yelp! Before getting into my recommendation I'm going to comment on some of the negative comments. They all seem to be bitter and I find their comments uncharacteristic of Dr. Carlson and the staff. In general they are non-specific ad hominem attacks that don't reflect the care or treatment I received at Dr. Carlson's hands. I'm a lucky man. In the last 2 years, I had both hips replaced, an L3-L4-L5 fusion with laminectomy and a disc replacement. Physically I was a wreck, leaning on a walker, dragging my feet behind, serious pain in my lower back whenever I tried to walk. Getting to a standing position with the walker was a production. Dr. Joseph Mayo, orthopedist, recommended I go see Dr. Carlson for an evaluation and likely surgery in the lumbar area. I got an appointment months out because Dr. Carlson is a busy surgeon. When I saw him, Dr. Carlson had me get X-rays and an MRI in his office. Three weeks later we met to review his recommendation. I had the surgery without complication, spent 4 days in the hospital and went home to recuperate. My first day home I went upstairs without incident with just the mild pain of surgery. The nerve pain I had experienced before the surgery was gone. Soon the surgery pain was gone too. Over the next year, I wore a back brace and had multiple appointments to review the healing process as the "powdered bone" implanted in the surgery site fused. I'm 71 and I'm still progressing, extending my activities. Back doing my regular fitness routine. I saw Dr. Carlson for my 1 year review and he was happy with how everything has gone. Me, I'm ecstatic, a success story. Doctor Carlson, like Dr. Mayo who replaced both knees and hips, I love you for what you have done for me, giving me back the freedom I had lost. read more

I can't even begin to say enough good things about Dr Carlson! We tried to avoid surgery for 10 years, but finally one of my discs tore in one spot and burst in another spot. My surgery could not have gone better. Within two months I was not only back to normal, I was climbing up mountains like it never happened. It's been two years now and I'm doing great. Dr Carlson also operated on my best friends mother in law. She had previously had surgeries from other respected orthopedic surgeons, but when I saw her after her surgeries, she was walking around with her rib cage on her pelvis. I asked my buddy what happened and they had been told there was nothing further that could be done for her. I recommended to my friend that she go see Dr Carlson. Dr Carlson not only got this woman upright again, he also noticed signs of other issues, not related to her back and he sent her to other specialists for diagnosis and treatment. I can't tell you how many times I have been thanked by my buddies family for recommending Dr Carlson. They went in with little hope for her back. They left with a woman in her late 70's once again standing straight and as a direct result of Dr Carlson just spending time with this woman, he was able to get her treatment for problems her other Dr's should have noticed. read more

My husband had a terrible experience with Dr. Carlson. He had a laminectomy which resulted in a spinal fluid bag tear that was undetected during surgery. He was back in the hospital two days later leaking spinal fluid from his back which was undetected again for 24 hours. After an emergency surgery that I had to insist upon, my husband was in intensive care flat on his back hoping to heal for a week. I understand not all surgeries go perfectly-and that is not my issue with Dr. Carlson. My issue was that after the surgery we NEVER saw him-he sent his physician assistants only to check and communicate with the family. After such a life threatening surgery, I believe THE DOCTOR should take more interest in the patient and the family. It was, again only at my insistence, that we spoke with Dr. Carlson before be released from the hospital. This is not the compassionate quality care patients in these situations need. read more

Dr. Gregory Carlson repaired my damaged neck from 30+ years of doing overhead electrical work. His kindness gentleness and caring for my injury was above and beyond what I thought was possible. Having suffered thru the workmens comp process and a failed surgery. His attention and hands on had me to tears from my first encounter, I didn't think their were such dedicated human beings still around! State of the art facility also! read more

This is long past due, and for that I'm sorry! Dr. Carlson has performed several surgeries on my spine and hip and has been wonderful throughout the entire process. Yes, the wait is sometimes long, but in my opinion it is because he NEVER tries to rush through one appointment to get to another. I agree with another reviewer about the phone service; long hold times, hangup, and no call backs are frustrating. That part of their service could really use improvement. However, Dr. Carson's skills, the on-site MRI, X-ray and other equipment makes visiting this office well worth the investment in time! read more

This review is extremely overdue as Dr. Carlson performed my microdiscectomy a few years ago but upon reading some of the negative reviews, I had to share my positive experience with him! After the birth of my daughter, I suffered from debilitating leg pain and numbness caused by an L5S1 herniated disc, which made it difficult to walk or stand. Dr. Carlson first recommended more conservative treatments including physical therapy and cortisone injections, however the pain and numbness did not seem to improve. The surgery was recommended as a last resort and ended up being successful in restoring nerve function to my legs. Dr. Carlson and his PA were always patient, attentive, informative and answered each and every question my husband and I had. They were honest and upfront about the risks and results I could expect, and they were incredibly compassionate (they calmly handled my many tears during visits and eased my fears of going through back surgery at a younger age). I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Carlson and the surgery performed truly changed my life. I would highly recommend him! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Carlson for sometime now, he did a discectomy and fusion on my upper spine. I have to say that he is the best of the best, Dr. Carlson is compassionate, professional and very well educated , he also performed a procedure on my sister who has scoliosis. Amazing man and amazing physician!! Has a gift. I still suffer today, however, it is a lot less than before I saw Dr. Carlson. His staff is wonderful. This is a Dr. that you can trust, a warm human being. I recommend him and his staff to anyone suffering from spine disease. Thank you Dr. Carlson for all you do. CARRIE P. read more

Dr. Carlson is absolutely amazing! Dr. Carlson did a microdisectomy on my lower back and I have been pain free since. Unfortunately, my pain came out of no where and I found out I had a bulging disk. I did three rounds of the steroid injection with a different doctor which did not help. Dr. Carlson was referred to me by my mother in law who he did amazing neck surgery on. I am so happy I found him. He's an amazing doctor, he cares, and friendly. Everyone in the office was great as well. Thank you for everything! I am beyond happy and pain free today. read more

I never been so upset at a doctor. He said he could fix my hip and leg pain with an operation. He did the operation.. Mounts later still have the pain. I went back and he said I need more surgery. I said not by you . He walked out of the room and never came back. His own staff told me if i stay with hin I would have many operations and I would have pins all up and down my back. Now the kicker is a have back pain almost daily. I never had any back pain before. He never said one thing about any side effects or draw. All he said he expecter me to be able to run agani. Never happened .My foot is num all the time. What a lousey doctor. I think about him every day when I wake up with back pain. I would give him zero stars if possible. If you have any questions leave me your phone number and I'll call you I'll give you the inside open this scrupulous character. Don't be taken in by his wonderful personality and bedside manner I was and I regret it read more

Dr Carlson and his staff are the best! From the first time I got out of bed and stood on my feet I had zero sciatic pain; what a relief! The ONLY time my back hurts (feels sore) is when I overdo my physical activities. I am still wobbly....(bad balance).... and need to be patient. i am most encouraged that with time I will regain my strength and balance and my physical endurance sill increase. I need to remember that i am 72 years old and my healing will take more time than if I were 42! The responsiveness of Dr Carlson and his staff is beyond reproach. They are all responsive to my needs and requests. I am more than pleased that I chose Dr Carlson and his office to take care of my orthopedic needs. I highly recommend Dr Carlson and his staff. Phyllis D. read more

Wouldn't go anywhere else. This is the best orthopaedic doctor, and he even has an amazing bedside manner.

Had Dr Carlson perform surgery on my lumbar spine. He assured me this was a routine surgery, which he performs many times a week. After surgery I could not feel lower extremities for 1 day and since have had numerous complications. Now i have permanent nerve damage and have to use a cane and maybe one day a wheelchair. His office and staff are excellent. Except for his receptionist who always seems bitter and miserable. Dr Carlson now wants to perform future surgeries to correct the mistakes he made the first time. I have to see a shrink now because of how traumatized I am from unnecessary mistakes on his part. After receiving multiple second opinions from highly respected doctors, they all say the same thing. That Dr carlson messed me up. I mean how could my discs be even worse now then they were before I had surgery. I would not recommend this doctor to anyone contemplating back surgery. LOOK ELSEWHERE. DO YOUR RESEARCH. MANY BETTER SURGEONS WHO WONT CHOP AND BUTCHER YOU UP. read more

I can't really rate Dr. Carlson because I haven't seen him. I am rating the staff at the office that haven't call me back. I been trying to get an appointment with Dr, Carlson. I already have left two messages and they haven't call me back. I don't know what's going on over there, if the receptionist checks the messages that people leave. This is very unprofessional. read more

This review is only for the customer service, I have called over 10 times today and put me on hold without telling me... Tyen after 10-15 minutes I have to hangup. This is ridiculous. I am sure the doctors don't know how the staff treating patients. I will mention this to the doctor on my next visit. read more

It's a long review because I'm so grateful to have had this great of an experience! I first met Dr. Carlson, when I was rushed to the ER in the morning, and told that he would be performing my unscheduled, microdiscectomy, @ 7:30 that night. I was greeted with the most beautiful smile, full of warmth and confidence. I asked if he was too tired to add another surgery to his schedule and he said, "Absolutely not, I'm ready to go!" I felt so well taken care of and my recovery went well, with them keeping an eye on me, every step of the way . Eight months later, my disc tore again and with confidence, I went back to see Dr. Carlson to plan my next surgery. After working with this office for 2 separate surgeries, I found the excellence of the staff and business he runs, to be very consistent and reliable. I knew what to expect and I kept my expectations high. I learned that wait times can be long, because he gives patients the time they need. I planned accordingly. Sixteen months later, my degenerated disc tore again, and this time I knew Dr. Carlson was going to recommend the disc replacement surgery, because he had prepared me. I was not looking forward to this at all, but with the unbearable pain and the way he and his staff discussed it with me, I was ready to have it done. Once again, I kept my expectations high and was stunned to find out that he had improved his business even more. I feel so privileged to have been able to have my replacement disc surgery, done by Dr. Carlson, at his new Restore facility. All my office visit appointments, xrays, MRI, surgery and recovery, were all done at the same place. His facility felt brand new with all the kinks worked out. It is beautiful and kept pristine. A nurse shared with me that they go out of their way to keep it clean. In my recurring visits I found myself surrounded by the best staff that could be hired. From Louisa, the sweetest receptionist, to Manny, the "on top of everything" Medical assistant. To his highly qualified PA's, Don & Josh, who calmed all my fears and answered every question. To Judy, who made sure I knew what was coming next, every step of the way. To Dr. Heyer, the anesthesiologist who can make you laugh and smile right before surgery. To Denise, the nurse who knew my every thought and stayed by my side to comfort, motivate, and share knowledge about my nerve and the surgery. To the night nurses, Karla & Chioma, who answered every call I made and kept me company. I was completely taken care of from beginning to end. This entire staff is top notch. They all sing praises of Dr. Carlson, as well. You can see they love what they do and they operate as a family. They invite you in as family, too. This surgery was an end all fix all for my disk. I may never get to see Dr. Carlson and his staff again, but if another disk creates pain in the future, he will be my first call. Hoping someday in the future, he has a patient reunion! read more

Sympathetic, but can't read my MRI to save his life. 2 other docs pointed out his error when I asked them about his interpretation. Visited him twice, I like the office overall. I think he doesn't keep up with the latest in technologies. read more

hands down the best ortho dr out there. My mom before seeing Dr. Carlson had already had 2 back surgeries and was losing hope that nothing would help her. luckily she had too switch providers because of her work comp insurance and after extensive research i found Dr. Carlson. Dr. Carlson has been amazing with my mom, he has performed another surgery on my mom but it has honestly help alleviate some of her back pain. she is still being followed up by Dr.Carlson. Yes she still has back pain but Dr. Carlson is still my mom provider and is mking sure she as comfortable as possible. read more

The office staff and Dr Carlson are very friendly and professional. Very trustworthy.

Dr Carlson is great but the staff not so much!

Dr. Carlson did my surgery 20 years ago. He reconstructed my arm and told me that I needed to be realistic and know that I may never use my arm normally again. My dream was to be a police officer at that time. Dr. Carlson did such an amazing job with my surgery that I went on to become a police officer and I have been in law enforcement for over 13 years now. Without Dr. Carlson amazing dedication and attention to detail who knows what could have been the outcome. Dr. Carlson has since moved out of the area and I had to get another orthopedic surgeon for a different issue. He x-rayed my reconstructed arm and said the work that Dr. Carlson did was absolutely amazing and he hopes he can be at least half the surgeon that Dr. Carlson is. Not to mention Dr. Carlson is extremely professional yet sweet, nice and very honest with his patients. Highly recommended!!! read more

The office staff was okay on my first visit. Dr. Carlson was very nice and informative. However, I called a week later and got the run around, voicemails, two hang ups and never got an answer. I went to the office on my lunch break with a few questions and had to wait in the lobby for an extended amount of time. The lobby had one patient waiting. When I finally spoke with the staff (not the PA or Doctor), they acted annoyed, were unprofessional and made me feel like an idiot when I asked questions I had forgotten to ask on my first visit. I had even apologized for asking questions and explained that I wasn't feeling well and was concerned my injury could end my career. Didn't matter, they were still rude! I think workman's comp patients are a low priority! I'm going to request my primary physician refer me to a different orthopedic specialist. I'm not alone in this experience-read other patients' reviews! read more