Ask Dr. Mathur: Orthopedic Surgeon FAQ

Please find below a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions that are not on the list, please feel free to contact us.

How do I make an appointment?

Please call our office at 919-297-0000 to make an appointment or you may request an appointment online.

What is an orthopaedic spine surgeon?

Dr. Sameer Mathur has completed a residency in orthopedic surgery. The orthopedic surgery residency has provided a very strong foundation for understanding the biomechanics of the spine. He further pursued a comprehensive spinal reconstructive fellowship. He has spent numerous years as a research fellow studying spinal problems at the molecular level. After fellowship, Dr. Mathur decided that he would devote his entire practice to the treatment of spinal problems. Unlike many other spinal surgeons, Dr. Mathur does not treat orthopaedic problems such as hip, knee, and shoulder pain. His practice is 100% spine focused.

How do I know if I need to see a spinal surgeon?

It is very difficult for a patient to determine if they need surgery. If you have neck or back pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs then make an appointment to see Dr. Mathur.  We have a comprehensive spine center.  We have four PMNR physicians who evaluate patients with non-surgical problems and also perform cervical, thoracic, and lumbar injections. They conduct EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies, and discograms. We have physicians who specialize in short-term pain management. We have physical therapy that is dedicated only for spinal issues with physical therapist that are spine certified. In addition, we have an orthotics office that provides cervical and lumbar braces. Dr. Mathur will definitively fix the spine problem if non operative treatments are not effective.

What types of conditions do you treat?

We treat all cases related to the neck, and back including spinal stenosis, compression fractures, disc herniations, spinal instability, degenerative scoliosis, and disc degeneration.

Do you treat workers' compensation patients?

Yes we treat workers’ compensation patients. We invite you to explore our Workers Comp page. Please contact our workers compensation coordinator Lynn Karas at (919) 297-0000 ext. 1304 or lynn.karas@caryortho.com for further information.

Do you treat pediatric patients?

We treat children above the age of 15. Below that age we recommend consulting a pediatric spinal surgeon.

Which hospitals are you affiliated with?

We are proudly affiliated with the following area hospitals:

Where are the forms I need to complete for my appointment?

You may find New Patient paperwork on our forms page.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please arrive 30 minute early for your appointment and bring your completed New Patient paperwork.  In order to provide a comprehensive evaluation, we also need all spinal imaging including MRI,  X-ray, CT scan, myelograms, bone density scans. In addition, we need all medical reports from physicians who have treated you in the past regarding your spinal condition.  It would be helpful to bring a list of your medications and allergies. Please review our First Visit page for more detailed information.