Our Specialties Include

• Spinal and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Brain / Neurosurgery
• Intracranial Disease Alternatives
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Pain Management Services
• Joint Replacement
• Gender Knee Replacements
• Artificial Disc Replacement
• Kyphoplasty
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Programs
• Sports Medicine Specialists

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Physical Therapy & Spine Services on the North Shore

Our cutting edge facility practices innovative orthopaedic advancements at our expansive physical therapy center. Our physicians are fellowship-trained Orthopedic and Neurosurgeons. In addition, we have two physicians on staff that are Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists (sometimes referred to as PM&R Specialists, or Physiatrists), making the NORTH Institute the best place to for consultation, physical therapy and surgical intervention for Covington, Slidell, & Mandeville.

The NORTH Institute emphasizes the philosophy of prevention and physical therapy before surgical measures should be considered. While physical therapy works for 90% of our patients, some patients’ pain is not alleviated with non-operative procedures.

Whether your condition requires surgical or non-surgical procedures, our options share one objective: providing the most accurate treatment and keeping your best interest at heart and in mind. Our physicians will work with any case to determine the best option.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Programs

Our physical therapists specialize in managing all of the physical symptoms associated with your condition. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, and rehabilitation of the body. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Should your condition require more intense treatment, we refer you to affiliated facilities that specialize in specific types of pain management and physical rehabilitation.

Treating Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is signals of pain remaining active in the nervous system for weeks, months, or even years. This can take both a physical and emotional toll on a person. The most common sources of pain stem from headaches, joint pain, pain from injury, and backaches. Other kinds of chronic pain include tendinitis, sinus pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and pain affecting specific parts of the body, such as the shoulders, pelvis, and neck. Generalized muscle or nerve pain can also develop into a chronic condition.

Chronic pain may originate with an initial trauma/injury or infection, or there may be an ongoing cause of pain. However, some people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage.

Whether your condition requires surgical or non-surgical procedures, our options share one objective: providing the most accurate treatment and keeping your best interest at heart and in mind. The NORTH Institute

Brain/ Neurological Surgery /Intracranial Disease

The NORTH Institute has embraced the future of cranial surgery. Incorporating exciting new technologies that allow minimally invasive neurosurgery combined with advanced radiologic imaging produce a "State of the Art" service now available on the Northshore.

This technology is managed by a Multidisciplinary Approach, both within the NORTH Institute and within the medical community. This approach minimizes the outcomes from our treatment of Neurological Surgery Disorders - the functional recovery and return to normalcy.

The NORTH Cranial Program is buttressed by our experience in a multidisciplinary spinal program that combines the the expertise of both Neurological Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery. After three years in the making, the Cranial Program is ready to launch and offer elective cranial surgery at "Home."

Dr. Alan Weems trained at Tulane University Department of Neurosurgery and has dedicated his professional practice to provide the state of the art surgical and medical treatments to maximize functional outcomes. Combining empathy and compassion with clinical and surgical expertise, Dr. Weems is able to partner with his patients and assist them through these difficult times. His professionalism and dedicate makes him a leader in cranial surgery.

The symptoms of brain diseases vary widely depending on the specific problem. In some cases, damage is permanent. In other cases, treatments such as surgery, medicines or physical therapy can correct the source of the problem or improve symptoms.

Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Contrary to procedures performed in the past, modern spine surgery produces much better results and is minimally invasive. Minimally invasive spine surgery is a surgery technique that uses a small incision and the aid of an endoscopic visualization, which is a very small device or camera designed for viewing internal portions of the body. Minimally invasive surgery usually results in a rapid recovery and less injury to spinal discs and muscles surrounding the spine.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement is a common way we treat specific types of back pain. It is a surgical procedure in which discs in between your vertebra in your spine are replaced with artificial discs. The procedure is use to treat chronic back pain that is a result of degenerative discs. Artificial disc replacement was developed as an alterative to spinal fusion, with the intention of reducing pain while still allowing motion throughout the spine. Artificial discs can be placed in the lower (lumbar) or upper (cervical) areas of the spine.