Dr. Joseph R. O'Brien is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. O'Brien specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and revision of failed spine surgery.
Dr. Joseph R. O'Brien is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. O'Brien specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and revision of failed spine surgery.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of OrthoBethesda through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
He gets my highest rating. Just what I want in a surgeon - easy to talk to, answers all questions and is a most competent surgeon. I feel he really cares. I haven't felt this good in years; he has relieved my pain.
(5 days ago)
Dec-2025
The finest doctor and practice. I trust his opinion totally. He is an amazing surgeon who fixed my sciatica after months of suffering.
(6 days ago)
Dec-2025
The best!!!
(1 week ago)
Dec-2025
Dr. O’Brien is an amazing doctor. Professional, kind and caring and so knowledgeable. I was at the of my wits and he pinpointed the problem. Gave me medication to make it to the next procedure next month. I slept through the night the first time after several days. He is amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a genius. I am so grateful. Dr. O’Brien is also a great surgeon.
(2 weeks ago)
Dec-2025
(2 weeks ago)
Dec-2025
With my first phone call to OrthoBesthesda, the receptionist wanted to understand all of my symptoms so that she could direct to the appropriate physician. This targeted line of questioning led me to schedule a consult with Dr. O’Brien. He reviewed my MRI with me and quickly pointed out a cyst at L5/L4 and L5/S1, which was not identified on the radiology report. Based upon this we discussed options to avoid surgery, including pain management, which was unsuccessful. During my second consult with him we discussed surgery options and we agreed upon a micro-decompression. Dr. O’Brien, realizing my pain level and inability to walk upright, scheduled surgery within two weeks. Surgery was a great success. His empathy is real and demonstrable and just as powerful as his skill as a surgeon. I have great respect for him as a fellow human being and surgeon.
(2 weeks ago)
Dec-2025
Outstanding surgeon and great communicator.
(2 weeks ago)
Dec-2025
Dr.O’Brien has been surgery my spine which solve my problems every time.
(3 weeks ago)
Dec-2025
I white knuckled my injury for 20 years. I read everything available on the subject. In the beginning it was chiropractic and PT. Then 17 yrs of injection therapy. Then stem cell therapy here and in the Caymans Islands where they actually harvested and replicate new cells. This failed and I was at the end of all conservative treatments. Then at that precise moment a friend gave me Dr. O'Briens name along with her first hand observation of an elderly man in the nursing home who underwent a miraculous transformation after surgery with Dr O'Brien. Upon meeting Dr O'Bien he explained his approach to my surgery and what I heard amounted to a revolutionary and technical advancement in the surgery because he would perform a L4- L5 disc replacement from a small incision in my abdomen. I knew right then this is what I struggled with for over 20 years. Yes I needed a technological advancement to justify the decision to have surgery. Obviously there is much more and let me end by saying thank u
(3 weeks ago)
Dec-2025
Dr O’Brien is outstanding along with the whole staff at Ortho Bethesda!
(3 weeks ago)
Dec-2025
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Virginia Hospital Center
1635 N. George Mason Drive #180 Arlington, VA 22205
Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. O’Brien specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and revision of failed spine surgery. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the George Washington School of Medicine, Dr. O’Brien completed his training at the Johns Hopkins University Medical Center with a fellowship in spinal reconstructive surgery. Dr. O’Brien has previously served as an associate professor for Orthopaedic Surgery & Neurological Surgery and the Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at the George Washington University.
He gets my highest rating. Just what I want in a surgeon - easy to talk to, answers all questions and is a most competent surgeon. I feel he really cares. I haven't felt this good in years; he has relieved my pain.
The finest doctor and practice. I trust his opinion totally. He is an amazing surgeon who fixed my sciatica after months of suffering.
The best!!!
Dr. O’Brien is an amazing doctor. Professional, kind and caring and so knowledgeable. I was at the of my wits and he pinpointed the problem. Gave me medication to make it to the next procedure next month. I slept through the night the first time after several days. He is amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a genius. I am so grateful. Dr. O’Brien is also a great surgeon.
With my first phone call to OrthoBesthesda, the receptionist wanted to understand all of my symptoms so that she could direct to the appropriate physician. This targeted line of questioning led me to schedule a consult with Dr. O’Brien. He reviewed my MRI with me and quickly pointed out a cyst at L5/L4 and L5/S1, which was not identified on the radiology report. Based upon this we discussed options to avoid surgery, including pain management, which was unsuccessful. During my second consult with him we discussed surgery options and we agreed upon a micro-decompression. Dr. O’Brien, realizing my pain level and inability to walk upright, scheduled surgery within two weeks. Surgery was a great success. His empathy is real and demonstrable and just as powerful as his skill as a surgeon. I have great respect for him as a fellow human being and surgeon.
Outstanding surgeon and great communicator.
Dr.O’Brien has been surgery my spine which solve my problems every time.
I white knuckled my injury for 20 years. I read everything available on the subject. In the beginning it was chiropractic and PT. Then 17 yrs of injection therapy. Then stem cell therapy here and in the Caymans Islands where they actually harvested and replicate new cells. This failed and I was at the end of all conservative treatments. Then at that precise moment a friend gave me Dr. O'Briens name along with her first hand observation of an elderly man in the nursing home who underwent a miraculous transformation after surgery with Dr O'Brien. Upon meeting Dr O'Bien he explained his approach to my surgery and what I heard amounted to a revolutionary and technical advancement in the surgery because he would perform a L4- L5 disc replacement from a small incision in my abdomen. I knew right then this is what I struggled with for over 20 years. Yes I needed a technological advancement to justify the decision to have surgery. Obviously there is much more and let me end by saying thank u
Dr O’Brien is outstanding along with the whole staff at Ortho Bethesda!