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.
Dr.O’Brien has been surgery my spine which solve my problems every time.
(6 days 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
(6 days ago)
Dec-2025
Dr O’Brien is outstanding along with the whole staff at Ortho Bethesda!
(6 days ago)
Dec-2025
Saved my life! My back operation by Dr O’Brien changed my life!
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Great visit. Dr. O’Brien is very thoughtful and knowledgeable. I’m comfortable with him as my doctor.
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Wonderful Doctor
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Wonderful. Will be able to reduce my pain by up to 80% with surgery. No other surgeon could. I am thrilled and grateful
(3 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Very professional.
A good listener and explainer.
(3 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
He is my hero
(3 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
He is an excellent, highly professional, and very helpful doctor who treats patients with great respect.
I strongly recommend him to everyone, as he always gives each patient the time and attention they deserve.
Ali
(3 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Read More
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.
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!
Saved my life! My back operation by Dr O’Brien changed my life!
Great visit. Dr. O’Brien is very thoughtful and knowledgeable. I’m comfortable with him as my doctor.
Wonderful Doctor
Wonderful. Will be able to reduce my pain by up to 80% with surgery. No other surgeon could. I am thrilled and grateful
Very professional. A good listener and explainer.
He is my hero
He is an excellent, highly professional, and very helpful doctor who treats patients with great respect. I strongly recommend him to everyone, as he always gives each patient the time and attention they deserve. Ali