Dr. Craig Morton
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Lake Charles, LA
20 years experience male
Locations
Center for Orthopedics
Lake Charles, LA
My office hours
Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Show morePractice website
Insurances accepted
CIGNA Open Access
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
Aetna Life Insurance Company
UnitedHealthcare
Office
Lake Charles, LA
About
Bio
Craig Morton M.D. FAAPMR is a board certified specialist in Physical Medicine. He graduated magna cum laude from McNeese State University where he majored in pre-med. He completed medical school at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA and residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Alabama-Brimingham serving as chief resident his 4th year.
Dr. Morton is a founding partner of Center for Orthopedics. The group has grown to 12 physicians and is now the largest independent orthopedic group in SW Louisiana with over 60,000 patient visits annually. Dr. Morton is a regional expert in interventional spine care and non-surgical orthopedics. He is the co-founder of RehabZone, an innovative home exercise program for core and back strength. www.TheRehabZone.com
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Licenses
United States: Alabama, Louisiana
Doctor Q&A
737 Answers
95 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Same: Sound like you're talking about the same thing. "degenerative changes" to the spinal discs, joints, and ligaments are the same as "arthritic" changes... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 71-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: There are many potential causes of lumbago or low back pain. The most common causes are related to strain or injury to the mucles and/or structures o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Pinched Nerve: While there are many causes of arm pain and numbness one of the most common causes is cervical radiculopathy. This occurs when one of the nerves leav... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Yes: Yes, typically you can return to work the following day although depending on the severity of your condition and the type of epidural your md may want... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Neural irritation: There are several causes of low back pain and thigh pain. Problems with the hip joint can often cause back/buttock pain that radiates to the groin an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: The tailbone or "coccyx" is the small trail of bones that connect to the end of your sacrum, and form the end of your spine. A painful tailbone can c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
541 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
No: Stenosis can lead to progessive lower extremity (legs) weakness and numbness. Alcohol will not worsen stenosis, but chronic alcoholism can lead to a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Possibly Neuropathy: While compression of a nerve in the arms or legs can cause isolated numbness, simultaneous involvement of the hands and feet may be a sign of peripher... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
No: There are many times when pain medication is needed but there are many alternatives. Many patients are able to obtain substantial pain relief with phy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Depends: There are many potential causes of lumbago or low back pain. The most common causes are related to strain or injury to the mucles and/or structures of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome is probably the most common cause of "numbness in the hands". This occurs when the median nerve gets compressed in the wrist. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Dietary Changes: Chronic pain is often associated with inflammation. Our diets can be a huge contributor to inflammation especially diets high in sugar and carbohydra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Yes: It is possible to worsen back pain with improper shoe wear or uneven walking. This can occur with poor orthotics or often with new orthotics. If the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Numbness in hand: Carpal tunnel means that the median nerve in your wrist is compressed or irritated as it travels through the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel can cause n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Exercise: Doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily has been shown to improve pain from fibromyalgia and increase energy levels.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Mechanics: Low back pain after standing all day could also be a sign of mild degenerative changes to the lumbar spine. Poor posture and jobs that require excess... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Failed other options: Epidurals are often used to help relieve pain from an inflammed disc or pinched nerve. These may be used to relieve back pain after a conservative tr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: It is not uncommon to be sore after exercising 3 days. Try taking a day off to give you body some time to rest.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Depends: There could be a few reasons. If there is irriation or injury to the lumbar spine and/or supporting structures the lumbar muscles will often spasm in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
No: While Botox can be used for several painful conditions, currently it is not indicated for peripheral neuropathy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: Physiotherapy is also know as physical therapy. Physical therapist are specialists that help rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. Someone might ne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: Without a history of trauma, neck and shoulder pain can be caused by poor posture, a bad disc in the spine, or an irritated nerve in the neck. Try pl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: Low back pain is often a chronic condition. There are many conservative treatment options including medication, therapy, and sometimes injections. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: There is no such thing as a body migraine, but there are conditions that can cause your whole body to hurt. I recommend seeing a physician for a ful... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
715 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: Cervical dystonia doesn't necessarily affect the same muscle in everyone. In fact, it most commonly affects the muscles of the cervical spine. See a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: There are several joints and intervertebral discs in the neck. These can wear out over time leading to pain. Degeneration of the joints or discs can... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
705 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: There are many causes of neck and low back pain. They are usually separate issues, but in some cases neck and shoulder pain are connected. A pinched ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
262 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
There are many potential causes low back pain. The most common causes are related to strain or injury to the muscles and/or structures of the lower s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
No: Persistent neck pain is likely related to degenerative changes in the neck joints or discs and not parkinson's. See your md if your neck pain persist... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Lumbar support: You may also want to try adding a good lumbar support to your chair. This will cause your pelvis to rotate forward and shoulders to move back providi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Anti-inflammatory: Sharp neck pain usually comes from a degenerative joint or disc in the neck. Sometimes it's from a muscle strain or sprain. Early treatment options ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Deep massage: Trigger points are taut bands of muscle that are tender to palpation. Trigger point release involves applying deep pressure with or without massage t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: The tailbone or "coccyx" is the small trail of bones that connect to the end of your sacrum, and form the end of your spine. A painful tailbone can c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be harmful to your back especially without proper lumbar support. If you are going to watch tv greater than... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Muscle strain: There are several joints and intervertebral discs in the spine. These can wear out over time leading to pain. Degeneration of the joints or discs ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Mechanics: Low back pain after standing all day could also be a sign of mild degenerative changes to the lumbar spine. Poor posture and jobs that require excess... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Don't worry: "spinal arthritis" or degenerative changes to the spine occur naturally in all of us. In fact, over 80% of the population will experience back or nec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Yes: When pregnant a hormone is released that causes the ligaments to loosen. This can lead to low back and pelvic pain as there are lots of ligaments hol... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See doctor: This could be a sign of a "pinched nerve" in your neck. The nerves that control your arm exit small openings in your neck. If the neck injury irrita... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Stretch: There are many causes of low back pain. Usually acute back or hip pain will improve over 1-2 weeks with anti-inflammatories, gentle streching, and use... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Core: Core excercises are very good for low back pain. There are several examples of "core exercises" on the internet. Your physical therapist should also... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: Foot drop usually refers to the inability to dorsiflex the foot (ie lift your ankle up) this can be associated with a variety of conditions. The mos... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Therapy/medication: Initially a short course of anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and massage can help. Physical therapy can be prescribed to work on posture, gentle... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Sprain/Strain: There are many potential causes of low back pain after a fall. The most common are sprain/strain injuries. Usually acute back or hip pain will impro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: A prosthesis is an artificial substitute for a missing part of the body. Examples would be an artifical leg, arm, or eye.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Stretch: There are many causes of low back pain and a herniated disc is one cause.. Usually acute back or hip pain will improve over 1-2 weeks with anti-infla... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: I agree with previous answer. "hip pain" could be related to the hip joint, gluteal tendons, bursitis, si joints, lumbar spine, or other muscles that... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
Inflammation: The most common causes of spontaneous knee pain without a history of trauma are bursitis and osteoarthritis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: The best exercises for low back are gentle core strengthening exercises. A great program for this can be found at www.therehabzone.com
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Craig Mortonanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 20 years experience
See below: Sounds like you have coccydynia or 'tailbone pain'. This can occur with trauma to the tail bone, abnormally positioned coccyx, or poor sitting postur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
510 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
8
Recommendations
1.2K
Thank you notes
Jan 21, 2016
I appreciated your help answering my question! Thank you!
Nov 13, 2012
HealthTap member
Jun 5, 2015
Dr. Morton has administered two injections as treatment for bulging discs in my neck with very positive results. I have complete faith in his abilities. #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! I appreciate your input on lower back pain. I have just recently been diagnosed with deteriorating discs and scoliosis at 62. The pain is beginning to get debilitating. ...Read More
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! These exercises are really the answer to a much better feeling body! Now if I could get started I would be a better feeling person thanks
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! I am actually seeing multiple doctors. A PT did the adjustment and its been all bad since. I am hoping to get it fixed! Thanks!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, LA
Graduated 2003MD
Residency
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA HOSPITAL
Awards
Selected for recognition in the "Guide to America's Top Physicians"
2015 Patient Choice Award- Vitals.com
Top Doctor, First Place, Lake Charles, LA - Winter
2013
Affiliations
Imperial Calcasieu Medical Grp
Christus St Patrick Hospital
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less
