James Stokman, MD

Dr. James Stokman is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and the only dedicated spine specialist serving the Brainerd Lakes region. For many patients, he represents a unique combination of advanced surgical expertise and small-town accessibility, bringing high-level spine care close to home.

His path into spine surgery is rooted in both training and connection to community. After completing advanced fellowship training in spine surgery, Dr. Stokman returned to the region he grew up in, driven by a desire to make sure people in rural Minnesota have access to the same quality of care found in large academic centers.

When patients come to see him, they often arrive with pain that has begun to change their daily lives, whether from degenerative spine conditions, disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or more complex problems. Dr. Stokman’s first priority is always to listen and understand the full picture, not just what the imaging shows, but how the condition is affecting the person in front of him.

From there, he builds a plan that is carefully tailored to each individual. Whenever possible, he starts with non-surgical treatments. If surgery becomes necessary, he focuses on techniques that are as precise and minimally disruptive as possible. That can include muscle-sparing approaches, motion-preserving technologies, and minimally invasive procedures designed to support a smoother, faster recovery.

At CRMC, patients also benefit from robotic-assisted spine surgery and other advanced technologies that enhance precision and reduce recovery time. These tools allow Dr. Stokman to deliver highly technical care while still keeping the focus on what matters most, helping patients get back to their lives.

Over time, Dr. Stokman has also become recognized beyond the region for his work in robotic and lateral spine surgery. He is an early adopter of robotic spine systems, performs a high volume of these procedures, and helps train other surgeons in their use. He also serves as an instructor in lateral spine techniques, contributing to the broader advancement of the field.

Even with this national-level involvement, his focus remains grounded in local care. CRMC’s spine program has earned recognition for quality and outcomes, including the DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence – Advanced Spine Surgery Certification, a designation CRMC was the first Critical Access Hospital in Minnesota to achieve. The program is also recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield, reflecting strong outcomes and value.

Commitment to Community
Outside of the operating room and clinic, Dr. Stokman’s connection to the community is personal. He grew up in the region and is now raising a family of six children here. That perspective shapes how he thinks about care, not just treating today’s problem, but helping people stay active and healthy for years to come. He enjoys biking and outdoor activities, which mirror the kind of mobility and quality of life he hopes to restore for his patients.

At the center of his approach is a simple idea: every patient deserves to be heard, to understand their options, and to receive care that fits their life. Surgery is never the first step unless it is truly needed, and when it is, it is performed with a focus on precision, safety, and long-term success.