According to the CDC, 39% of adults experienced lower back pain[1] in 2019.  Many patients of Anniston Orthopaedic Associates fall into that statistic, but with more than 200 bones in the human body (many of them broken when they arrive to us,) plus aching joints, pulled ligaments, strained tendons and weakening muscles—our orthopaedic surgeons have their hands and exam rooms full of patients who aren’t experiencing neck or back pain.  And because neck and back patients require special attention, by October 2022, Anniston Orthopaedic patients and our community members at large were in need of a new kind of specialist--a neurosurgeon.  Dr. Carl Nechtman arrived at just the right time.

Dr. Nechtman is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Mountain Brook High School in 2007 and attended the University of Alabama for his undergraduate degree. He attended medical school at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and completed his Neurosurgical internship and residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine in 2022. While training at Wake Forest, he did research on minimally invasive treatment of brain aneurysms and helped start a spinal cord injury animal laboratory at the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine. He specializes in surgery of the brain and spine, including minimally invasive approaches to spinal disorders and is now on staff with Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham where he sees patients.  Except on Tuedays—when he comes to the 3^rd floor of the Tyler Center to see patients in Calhoun and surrounding counties.

For many people, when the word “neurosurgeon” is mentioned, there is one primary task that comes to mind:  brain surgery.  But neurosurgeons are trained to perform procedures on the entire nervous system including surgery on the brain, spine and peripheral nerves, and they experience rigorous training in which spine care and surgery are integrated throughout.  Dr. Nechtman explains, “We undergo seven years of post-graduate training (residency) which encompasses surgery on all of these areas of the body as well as training in neurology and neurocritical care. Some neurosurgeons go on to sub-specialize in areas such as tumor, cerebrovascular, or pediatrics.”

What does this mean for you?  Simply put—you can now receive more comprehensive care and treatment, including surgical treatment of the spine.  Patients with neck and lower back pain now have more options in Calhoun County.  Dr. Nechtman says some of the more common surgeries performed are those involving decompression of nerves in the neck and lower back, which are often causing tremendous pain.   “There are several ways to achieve this (pain relief) depending on the type of pathology involved and type of pain or weakness experienced by patients. A lumbar (lower back) laminectomy for a “slipped disc” is one we commonly perform,” says Nechtman. “We also remove herniated discs or bone spurs from the neck which can be done from an anterior or posterior approach. One such procedure is called an “ACDF." Surgeries may also involve fusion of one or more segments of the spine if abnormal motion is contributing to pain or disability.”

You may be wondering:  How do I know when I need to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon or when I am in need of a Neurosurgeon?   The short answer is: start with what (and who) you know.  Any of our Orthopaedic Surgeons, as well as your General Practitioner, can refer you to a neurosurgeon.  Or, if you have persistent pain in your neck and/or back, you can also schedule an appointment on your own.   Dr. Nechtman feels that having a spinal specialist close by simply provides another layer of care for patients at A.O.A.  “Anniston Orthopaedics has done a fantastic job of taking care of the community in Calhoun County for many years. Many patients already have a good relationship with their orthopaedic surgeon with regards to musculoskeletal care including back and neck problems. Shoulder, arm, hand, hip, leg and foot problems can all also be signs of a spinal disorder. Partnering with Neurosurgical Associates provides patients with comprehensive care and treatment now, including surgical treatment of spine,” says Nechtman.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nechtman at the Tyler Center in Anniston, call Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. at 205-933-8981. Patients are seen locally on Tuesdays. Any surgeries required are performed at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db415.htm

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