Testimonials & Reviews
Hawaii Pain & Spine
Jonathan D. Carlson, MD
Pain Management Physician and Interventional Pain Specialist located on Windward, Oahu
Dr. Jonathan D. Carlson always appreciates feedback from his valued patients. To date, we’re thrilled to have collected 14 reviews with an average rating of 4.43 out of 5 stars. Please read what others are saying about Dr. Jonathan Carlson below, and as always, we would love to collect your feedback.
Pamela J.
Submitted 07/27/25
“Where Aloha spirit meets innovation and patient care.”
This is stated in Dr. Carlson’s bio. His training took place on the mainland; NOT Hawai’i. Dr. Carlson does not represent Aloha spirit during an appointment nor does his office staff.
Today was my 3rd appointment with Dr. Carlson and my 1st for a lumbar epidural. It definitely became my last appointment before the procedure began.
Appointment time is not important to this doctor, because he triple books each time slot as noted in the patient sign in. Definitely not Aliga spirit.
I was scheduled for next Tuesday, but I was kindly given this appointment yesterday as my pain level was extremely high. This is Aloha spirit.
When Dr. Carlson came into the exam room, I expressed my appreciation that he offered to fit me into his busy schedule today.
He confirmed my epidural procedure, and I agreed but informed him my pain in my right shoulder had surpassed the pain in my lumbar spine and that Vanessa (office staff) had said I could talk to him after the epidural. This was not new information, because we discussed my cervical pain in the last appointment when he ordered a MRI of my lumbar and cervical spine. Dr. Carlson exploded that he does not do a procedure and a consultation on the same day, and that he didn’t even have his laptop. Retrieving his laptop was difficult for him? Is this Aloha spirit?
I calmly repeated that it was his employee Vanessa that told me I could talk to him after the procedure. So he snapped and harshly stated he was cancelling the epidural and was turning the appointment into a consultation. I told him I still wanted the epidural, and I would schedule the consult later. He refused! Is this Aloha spirit?
I shared that it was what Vanessa told me when his office called to book my appointment the previous day. He denied his office would say that, but I told him Vanessa also hung up on me on Tuesday when I called in to make an appointment for my increased pain in my right shoulder. She told me there was no openings but would call me if a cancellation was received on Thursday or Friday. I told her that I had spoke to the doctor on July 10, so it was not new information. Again, this is not Aloha spirit.
He called the office manager into the exam room and continued his verbal rant. Each time he restated what happened incorrectly , I corrected him using a calm tone even though my heart was racing from his continued verbal assault. His office manager stated she understood the confusion which only enraged the doctor even more. He yelled at me saying I wasn’t listening to which I replied that I was listening, but his summation of what had transpired previously he had incorrectly restated. Again, is this Aloha spirit?
He sat down after retrieving his laptop, opened it and tried using the touchpad. That’s when I observed his fingers were trembling. Yes, TREMBLING! For sure I wasn’t going to allow him to proceed to administer an epidural on me with his obvious rage and TREMBLING fingers. He couldn’t concentrate and throws up his hands in frustration as he tells me in an angry tone that I am no longer his patient and he was going to cancel my pain medication refills too. Is this Aloha spirit? It was a full blown temper tantrum.
Somehow, I felt I was back in high school listening to an immature teenager trying to WIN an argument at all costs but miserably failing. So he used his license to withdraw pain medication previously prescribed to me. This was a medical Un-Professional that needs mental health intervention and needs to find a new career.
10 hours later, I’m still experiencing anxiety from his unnecessary verbal assault.
I’m sorry that his staff needs their paychecks to pay their bills and must continue working in an abusive work environment which doesn’t practice with Aloha spirit.
This unprofessional did his training on the mainland, NOT in Hawaii! He has no idea what Aloha spirit looks like, nor does he incorporate the Aloha spirit into his practice with his patients. How dare he use the word Aloha to describe his office culture which is more of a reflection of an authoritarian culture.
If you still decide to see this unprofessional doctor, please check his hands to see if they’re TREMBLING before any procedure he attempts to perform.
Pamela J.
Submitted 07/27/25
“Where Aloha spirit meets innovation and patient care.”
This is stated in Dr. Carlson’s bio. His training took place on the mainland; NOT Hawai’i. Dr. Carlson does not represent Aloha spirit during an appointment nor does his office staff.
Today was my 3rd appointment with Dr. Carlson and my 1st for a lumbar epidural. It definitely became my last appointment before the procedure began.
Appointment time is not important to this doctor, because he triple books each time slot as noted in the patient sign in. Definitely not Aliga spirit.
I was scheduled for next Tuesday, but I was kindly given this appointment yesterday as my pain level was extremely high. This is Aloha spirit.
When Dr. Carlson came into the exam room, I expressed my appreciation that he offered to fit me into his busy schedule today.
He confirmed my epidural procedure, and I agreed but informed him my pain in my right shoulder had surpassed the pain in my lumbar spine and that Vanessa (office staff) had said I could talk to him after the epidural. This was not new information, because we discussed my cervical pain in the last appointment when he ordered a MRI of my lumbar and cervical spine. Dr. Carlson exploded that he does not do a procedure and a consultation on the same day, and that he didn’t even have his laptop. Retrieving his laptop was difficult for him? Is this Aloha spirit?
I calmly repeated that it was his employee Vanessa that told me I could talk to him after the procedure. So he snapped and harshly stated he was cancelling the epidural and was turning the appointment into a consultation. I told him I still wanted the epidural, and I would schedule the consult later. He refused! Is this Aloha spirit?
I shared that it was what Vanessa told me when his office called to book my appointment the previous day. He denied his office would say that, but I told him Vanessa also hung up on me on Tuesday when I called in to make an appointment for my increased pain in my right shoulder. She told me there was no openings but would call me if a cancellation was received on Thursday or Friday. I told her that I had spoke to the doctor on July 10, so it was not new information. Again, this is not Aloha spirit.
He called the office manager into the exam room and continued his verbal rant. Each time he restated what happened incorrectly , I corrected him using a calm tone even though my heart was racing from his continued verbal assault. His office manager stated she understood the confusion which only enraged the doctor even more. He yelled at me saying I wasn’t listening to which I replied that I was listening, but his summation of what had transpired previously he had incorrectly restated. Again, is this Aloha spirit?
He sat down after retrieving his laptop, opened it and tried using the touchpad. That’s when I observed his fingers were trembling. Yes, TREMBLING! For sure I wasn’t going to allow him to proceed to administer an epidural on me with his obvious rage and TREMBLING fingers. He couldn’t concentrate and throws up his hands in frustration as he tells me in an angry tone that I am no longer his patient and he was going to cancel my pain medication refills too. Is this Aloha spirit? It was a full blown temper tantrum.
Somehow, I felt I was back in high school listening to an immature teenager trying to WIN an argument at all costs but miserably failing. So he used his license to withdraw pain medication previously prescribed to me. This was a medical Un-Professional that needs mental health intervention and needs to find a new career.
10 hours later, I’m still experiencing anxiety from his unnecessary verbal assault.
I’m sorry that his staff needs their paychecks to pay their bills and must continue working in an abusive work environment which doesn’t practice with Aloha spirit.
This unprofessional did his training on the mainland, NOT in Hawaii! He has no idea what Aloha spirit looks like, nor does he incorporate the Aloha spirit into his practice with his patients. How dare he use the word Aloha to describe his office culture which is more of a reflection of an authoritarian culture.
If you still decide to see this unprofessional doctor, please check his hands to see if they’re TREMBLING before any procedure he attempts to perform.
Andrea C.
Submitted 04/24/25
Dr Carlson and his staff are very kind and caring. He takes his time and listens to your concerns and actually makes a plan of treatment without you instead of just pushing you towards something without you having a say in it. Many of us with chronic pain are familiar with doctors who just don't want to hear your feedback, but Dr Carlson is not that doctor!! His staff are professional but warm and caring. When they say they'll call they do!!
Steve A.
Submitted 01/22/25
I was suffering from severe lower back pain and Dr. Carlson treated it with spinal epidurals and I am much better. I live on Maui and was happy to travel to Honolulu for the treatments because of his reputation as a Dr. who gets results. He is very caring and listens attentively and I believe he really cares. His office staff is very professional and they even give you snacks. I highly recommend him.
Randall E.
Submitted 06/21/22
I had a neural stimulator placed in my back. The procedure was explained carefully to me and was eventually performed with top notch medical professionalism. It was successful and my back feels better than it has in years.
Both Dr.Carlson and his staff are excellent. They are caring and patient oriented. I high recommend them.
Carl F.
Submitted 12/08/21
Doctor J and Helpers Merry Christmas!! I am one year in with my Spinal Cord Stimulator and just still amazed by the results of non opioid pain relief. Thank You Doctor
Katharine M.
Submitted 10/13/21
Dr Carlson is awesome. I had been to a few orthopedic surgeons in the last several years and no one was really willing to try and help me with my back pain. Basically they said I was just going to have to live with it. Then I found Dr Carlson. He listened, worked with me and tried a few different treatments and found one that worked. The pain is manageable now and I feel better than I have in years. Thanks for working with me Dr Carlson
Carl F.
Submitted 01/21/21
For the last 6 years I have suffered from increasing low back pain from a lumbro sacreal fusion that I had 35 years ago. Dr. Carlson was able to review my medical records from various pain clinics I have seen on the Big Island, and determine I would probably benefit from Spinal Cord Stimulation. This whole process has been awesome for me even through Covid19 issues. I would definitely recommend Dr Carlson and his team of talented professionals. Dr Carlson is. truly a very talented Pain Interventionist with several skills in his chosen specialty. I was truly Blessed to be seen by him. Life changing for sure. Thanks Doctor
Natalia R.
Submitted 10/22/20
Amazing doctor. Gave me my life back after living 13yrs in constant pain. The DRG stimulator is a life saver. Dr Carlson is a true professional and master of his craft. My husband and I are so grateful for Dr Carlson. H literally gave me my life back...
Dedria G.
Submitted 10/09/20
I had the pleasure of being seen by Dr. Carlson.
Firstly, Dr. Carlson’s office staff was extremely efficient, well organized, helpful and made my experience as a new patient virtually seamless.
Dr. Carlson has impressive academic credentials and why I chose to contact him in the first place.
In spite of Dr. Carlson’s busy schedule, I was able to get a timely appointment, and when I was seen by him, Dr Carlson made me feel like my health was his only concern, taking time to answer all of my questions, make a thoughtful diagnosis and put a solid plan in place.
Dr Carlson is truly an example of what all physicians should aspire to be.
Christina E.
Submitted 11/23/19
Consultation / Meeting Dr Carlson I had a much better understanding of my Spinal pain .I was afraid an scared Dr C made Me feel more confident that there’s Hope in my case Thank You
Roxann W.
Submitted 11/04/19
Dr. Carlson was easy to talk to, he explains his technique to you in layman’s terms for you to understand it. Overall, I’m excited to have Dr. Carlson give me the quality of life I haven’t had in 12 years!
Gaila R.
Submitted 10/18/19
Dr. Carlson was very personable and professional. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease by answering my questions before I even asked them. I’m hoping that he can finally give me some relief from my pain.
Solomon T.
Submitted 09/14/19
Awesome