Physicians at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center use the most advanced techniques available for spinal surgery. Neurosurgeons use the latest technology and treatment methods for inpatient and outpatient surgeries, including minimally invasive surgery techniques that may result in a faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and fewer complications. Our goal is for you to get back to doing the activities you love as quickly as possible.
Fort Sanders Regional is recognized as a BlueCross BlueShield Blue Distinction Center for our comprehensive inpatient spine surgery services, low readmission rates, and fewer repeat operations1.
When to See a Doctor
Back or neck pain alone typically isn’t a neurosurgical problem, but it may be a symptom of a serious spine condition if you’re experiencing pain that leads to:
- Numbness, weakness in one or both legs, feet or toes
- Numbness, weakness in one or both shoulders, arms or hands
- Foot drop
- Pain radiating down one or both of your arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Spinal Injuries and Diseases
We treat a wide range of spinal conditions.
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated or ruptured disks
- Degenerative disk disease
- Spine tumors
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
Click here to learn more about common spine conditions.
Our Physicians
Joel E. Norman, M.D.
Medical School: East Tennessee State University
Residency: University of Kentucky
Board Certification: Neurological Surgery
Paul C. Peterson, M.D.
Medical School: Wayne State University
Residency: Strong Memorial Hospital
Board Certification: Neurological Surgery
Preparing for your Surgery
Learn what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. Click here to view our pre-surgery spine class.
Patient Stories
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Stacey Walters went looking for a neurosurgeon to do her neck surgery. She found him in the “patient testimonial” articles she edits for Covenant Health.
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After spine surgery at Fort Sanders Regional, Michelle Rose is finally free from the suffering that held her back for so long.
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For Sally Andrew, celebrating 45 years of marriage to husband David turned out to be quite an adventure, thanks to spine surgery at Fort Sanders Regional.
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B97.5 radio personality Michele Silva is pain free after minimally invasive back surgery by neurosurgeon Joel Norman, MD at TN Brain and Spine.
1Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.