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Advanced Spine Surgery in Central Minnesota

Patient discussing spine care options with Dr. James Stokman at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

Care That Starts With the Right Treatment for You

At Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, spine care is part of Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics, where our team takes the time to find the right treatment for you. Our board-certified spine surgeon explores nonsurgical options first. When surgery is the best path forward, we use advanced minimally invasive techniques to relieve pressure, correct spinal problems and help you get back to the life you enjoy.

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Robotic Technology. Greater Precision.

CRMC brings advanced robotic-assisted and minimally invasive spine surgery to Crosby, MN, combining innovative technology with specialized surgical expertise. These techniques are designed to enhance precision while reducing disruption to surrounding tissue, helping patients recover faster.

With fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. James Stokman, patients have access to advanced spine care and expertise typically associated with larger medical centers.

1 of Only 2 Hospitals in Minnesota

CRMC is one of only two hospitals in Minnesota offering this advanced robotic technology for spine surgery.

An Early Leader in Robotic Spine Surgery

CRMC was the fourth program in the nation to introduce the VELYS™ robotic spine platform, bringing some of the latest technology in spine surgery to Central Minnesota.

Expertise Shared Nationally

Dr. Stokman shares techniques and helps train other surgeons in the use of the technology.

Meet the Spine Care Team

Dr. James Stokman is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon and the only dedicated spine specialist serving the Brainerd Lakes region. From your first evaluation through surgery and recovery, Dr. Stokman and his experienced team work with you to find the right treatment and help you move forward.

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“Dr. Stokman repaired my bulged disk and cleaned up scar tissue that was crushing my sciatic nerves. Now I feel wonderful, I can do almost anything and no longer need medication. I am able to lift my grandbaby, walk for miles, and sit in the car for hours. I can’t believe I waited so long to have surgery; I wish I had it done years ago.” CRMC Patient, Pine River, MN
“After nearly a year of suffering, I sought treatment for what I thought was hip pain. Following X-rays, I learned two discs on my spinal cord were not in place. I underwent surgery, and the first time I got up, there was no pain in my leg, there was no pain anywhere, and everything was gone. I can sleep now and virtually have had no pain and don’t need painkillers.” Janet T.

Common Questions About Surgery

How do I know if I need spine surgery?

Spine surgery is usually considered only after non-surgical treatments—like physical therapy, medications, or injections—have not relieved symptoms. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, weakness, or numbness in your back, legs, or arms that affects your daily life, your provider may recommend imaging and a surgical consultation to determine if surgery is appropriate.

What is the difference between minimally invasive and traditional spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller incisions and special tools to reduce damage to surrounding tissue. This approach can lead to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery, which involves larger incisions and more muscle disruption. Your surgeon will help determine which method is best for your condition.

How long is the recovery time after spine surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed and your overall health. Some minimally invasive procedures allow patients to return to light activity within a few weeks, while more complex surgeries may require several months of healing. Your care team will give you a detailed recovery plan based on your procedure.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Yes, most patients benefit from physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after spine surgery. Your provider will refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in post-surgical spine care and will create a program tailored to your recovery goals.

What are the risks or potential complications?

All surgeries carry some risk. For spine surgery, these may include bleeding, infection, nerve injury, blood clots, or anesthesia-related issues. Your surgeon will review the specific risks based on your health history and the type of surgery being performed.

How much pain should I expect after surgery?

Some pain and discomfort are expected, especially in the first few days after surgery. However, your care team will provide medications and non-medical techniques to manage it. Most patients experience steady improvement in pain levels during the healing process.

When can I return to work, driving, or normal activities?

This depends on your surgery type, job demands, and recovery progress. Some patients return to light work and driving within a few weeks, while others may need more time. Your surgeon will give you personalized guidance and clear instructions based on your recovery milestones.

How should I prepare for spine surgery?

Preparing for surgery is key to a smooth recovery. It’s especially important to follow pre-surgery instructions about eating, drinking, medications, and hygiene. For example, you’ll likely need to stop eating at midnight the night before and avoid certain medications like blood thinners. Failing to follow these guidelines could delay your procedure.

Download the Surgery Prep Guide

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Call 218-545-1044 or complete the form below. A member of our team will contact you to schedule your visit.