Spine
Integrity. Knowledge. Courage. Decisiveness. Dependability. Initiative. Tact. Justice. Enthusiasm. Bearing. Endurance. Unselfishness. Loyalty. Judgment.
These are the 14 character traits used to describe the expectations of every member of the U.S. Marine Corps. By demonstrating these qualities, Marines have gained the reputation of honorable leaders – on the battlefield, in the community, and in some cases, in the operating room.
Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine spine surgeon, Dr. Peter J. Dirksmeier, served as captain in the United States Marine Corps. He was a marine aviator and intelligence officer prior to attending medical school. A natural leader, Dr. Dirksmeier has since upheld the noted character traits following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps – as he returned to the community and attended medical school, throughout his internship and spine surgery fellowship, and now, every day, when he treats patients in the office and in the operating room.
Because the interaction between the musculoskeletal and nervous system is so delicate, the subspecialized field of spine surgery requires advanced training, sophisticated technology, and a highly qualified surgeon. When choosing a surgeon for neck and back problems, it’s important to look for someone who exudes all 14 of the traits listed above. Based on countless testimonials from his former patients, Dr. Dirksmeier is the one spine surgeon in the seacoast region who displays all of these qualities.
Dr. Dirksmeier specializes in disorders affecting cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine problems. He performs complex reconstructive procedures for degenerative conditions of the neck and lower back and spinal deformities. Dr. Dirksmeier also treats patients who have undergone failed previous operative and non-operative treatments for chronic spine problems.
Some common reasons for which Dr. Dirksmeier sees patients include:
- Acute and chronic lower back pain
- Arthritis and degenerative disc disease
- Artificial disc replacement
- Cervical and lumbar disc replacement
- Cervical and lumbar fusions
- Foraminotomy
- Herniated discs
- Kyphoplasty
- Laminectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Minimally invasive spine surgery including endoscopic discectomy, fusion, and instrumentation
- Non-operative spine care
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis correction
- Spinal sports injuries
- Spinal trauma
- Spondylosis
- Stenosis
Dr. Dirksmeier practices with the belief that collaboration makes for the best patient care. He works closely with the local hospitals, physiatry and pain care practices, the Northern New England Spine Center, and with physical therapy groups. Because rehab plays an integral role in the success of a patient’s recovery, Dr. Dirksmeier is selective about the therapists his patients see. Many of the therapists he works with and refers patients to have undergone specific training to work with spinal injuries and surgeries.
Dr. Dirksmeier also demonstrates his leadership skills in the community and in his field by serving as the director of the Northern New England Spine Center, and is on the Board of Trustees at Wentworth-Douglas Hospital and The Works Family Health and Fitness Center.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call our office at (603) 742-2007.