We caught up with Dr. Fernandez who specializes in spine surgery and has a focus on traditional and minimally invasive techniques. Read on to learn more about what Dr. Fernandez does, and what he believes is important when it comes to treatment of spinal injuries and spinal surgery.
Dr. Fernandez attended Saint Joseph’s University before earning his medical degree at Penn State College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery internship and orthopedic residency at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and participated in the Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Spine Fellowship at The University of Utah. While in Utah, Dr. Fernandez was appointed as a staff spine surgeon at the Salt Lake City Veterans Administration Hospital. He joined OIP in 2009.
Dr. Fernandez encompasses a holistic approach first focusing on conservative treatments when appropriate prior to recommending surgical intervention. These may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, or nutritional and weight loss programs. Dr. Fernandez focuses on creating a treatment plan that is individualized to the needs, goals, and symptoms of the patient.
The most common presentation of injuries that Dr. Fernandez sees are those from normal wear and tear from everyday activities. Issues can result from working, playing sports, or even weeding the garden. It is common for overuse injuries to occur as well. Overuse can lead to repetitive micro trauma of the vertebrae, the intervertebral discs, or the spinal canal and can contribute to pain and increased functional limitations. In these cases, a surgery could be recommended. Dr. Fernandez is also skilled in treating trauma, tumors, and scoliosis some of which may warrant a surgery.
If surgery is performed, Dr. Fernandez recommends approaches of recovery that best fit the patient’s needs. These often include rehabilitation, physical therapy, and regular follow up visits in the office. Dr. Fernandez encourages proper follow-up after a surgical procedure in order to ensure a healthy and safe recovery. Dr. Fernandez happily accepts all patients, and works out of several of our OIP locations.
If you, or someone you know may be considering options when it comes to a spinal injury, you can contact OIP at (717) 761-5530 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fernandez.