Dr. Buttermann Patient Testimonials

“In July of 2011, at age 57, I had a lumbar surgery with a L3-S1 disc replacement and fusion combination for my low back condition. Now 13 years later, I am able to comfortably walk any distance (did Grand Canyon Rim to Rim 2023), bike up to 30 miles, lift weights and make annual trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area without limitations. I’m blessed I had surgery and the outcomes. I also strongly credit my success and continued activity levels to my rigorous exercise and stretching workouts.”

“As a teenager I had scoliosis which caused me to have daily pain. At the time I had no idea that having back pain was abnormal because it was truly all I had ever known. When my mom noticed my curvature we were referred to Dr. Buttermann who recommended spinal fusion surgery. As a young teenager I was terrified but Dr. Buttermann and his team made me feel comfortable and well cared for. After healing from surgery I no longer had daily pain and I’m pleased to say that 20 years later I continue to live free of daily pain and without limitations. I have carried two healthy babies, had a successful career as a bedside nurse and continue to work as a nurse practitioner. I’m so grateful to Dr. Buttermann and his team for his excellent care and continued follow up.”

“Dr. Buttermann – I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for me. I cannot put into words how grateful I am. I am an artist and because I was in so much pain I had to stop doing my art, which was like torture for me. Now I can finally pain and draw again without so much pain. Now I can do the things I love again. I can run around with my nieces and nephews and not have to worry about getting shooting pain up my spine and collapsing to the ground. You literally gave me my life back and it means the world to me. I could not have asked for a better doctor.”

I spent the majority of my working career in the trucking business. The work was not only driving but involved getting in and out of the truck and trailer with a lot of heavy lifting all day. That came to an end in 2007 when I injured a disk. I was in extreme pain and it was difficult to walk, stand, or sit. To compound the injury I found out I had two disks with degenerative disk disease. My quality of life was not good. I went to see my family doctor and tried a number of treatments that were not helping and therefore was referred to Dr Buttermann and his staff at Midwest Spine. They went to work on me and immediately did a pain block to get me through until I had a spinal fusion. Dr Buttermann removed the lumbar disks and fused that area with bone and metal rod and plates. A lot of time has passed since 2007 and although my working career was over, Dr Buttermann gave me my quality of life back through this surgery and rehab. I am able to enjoy retirement and do many things with friends and family with few limitations pain free. I have recommended Dr Buttermann and his team to friends and family members. At this time my wife is under his care for her back issues and we specifically asked her doctor to do a referral for Dr Buttermann. Dr Buttermann is a great person and surgeon. I owe him and his team a lot of thanks and gratitude.

 “I cannot express how deeply grateful I am for your staff, truly. All of those beautiful gals are so incredibly kind and empathetic, understanding… and I believe they’re understanding because they actually listen to understand, rather than “listening” to respond. They are so organized and on top of their responsibilities (in my case tenfold) in regards to calls, returning calls, referrals, appointments, prescriptions… I am experiencing some of the most challenging major and very important life changes right now.. these ladies have made me feel so taken care of…. I’m so emotional with all this craziness it makes me tear up. I just wanted you to know how they are appreciated, so very much… thank you for also seeing their amazingness.”

“I had scoliosis as a teenager and was evaluated by Dr. Buttermann. I was in a brace until I stopped growing. My pain and scoliosis became worse and more painful over time. In my twenties I saw Dr. Buttermann again and he recommended that I have scoliosis surgery. Surgery was 9 years ago and I am very happy I had the surgery, as I am still pain free today. I am able to do all activities, and most of the time I do not even remember that I had the surgery. I am very thankful for everything and would recommend this to others with a similar condition!”

“My back has been amazing post-surgery. No pain EVER! Dr. Buttermann is the greatest back surgeon and I would 100% recommend anyone dealing with scoliosis to find treatment at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute!”

“Because Dr. Buttermann and Eric Salman are excellent providers, they spend time with their patients and answer all your questions and concerns you may have, and they are excellent surgeons. I have already sent a friend to Dr. Buttermann and he really liked him. I know he’ll get the best care from him.”

“I had been suffering from back pain progressively getting worse for ten years. And then in February of 2016 at 37 years old, my back pain was so severe that I now needed a cane to walk without falling. I spent the next seven months doing chiropractor visits and physical therapy with no pain relief. I asked my general practitioner to see a surgeon. She refused me and offered pain medication. So, I switched hospitals, got a new GP, and tried again. My new GP refused me as well and offered pain medication.

I was discouraged, but not defeated. I asked my chiropractor if he would order an MRI. He reluctantly agreed. I made sure I didn’t leave the MRI facility without my own copy of the disc. That was important. With the disc in hand, I could request to see any surgeon I wanted without the referral of my GP. I called surgeons everywhere from Arizona to Germany, and then I found Dr. Buttermann at Midwest Spine and Brain Institute in Stillwater, MN. My meeting with Dr. Buttermann was short. We looked at my MRI together and he asked what I wanted. I said, “I have two blown out discs, I’d like two artificial discs.” He said very plainly that he needed exactly this much room to work to replace my discs with artificial ones, and my L5-S1 was too far gone. “I’ll give you one artificial disc and one fusion.”, he said. “Deal.” , I replied.

He set my expectations low for recovery. The surgery and recovery days are foggy, but I thought he said if my pain was a 9, then I could expect to be a 5 or a 6. Surgery went as planned. Recovery was brutal. But there was a carrot at the end of the stick, because I felt a little better every day.

In the past six years since my recovery, I have had zero back pain. That’s not an exaggeration. I have not had any lower back pain at all since Dr. Buttermann put me on the table in October 2016. Since then, I have done things I was sure were behind me. I surfed in Maui with my wife for her 40th birthday. I hiked the Grand Canyon to the bottom and back. I’m back on the mats doing competitive grappling and Jiu Jitsu in my 40s. I coach high school wrestling. I can’t quantify how many times over my quality of life has improved. My gratitude to Dr. Buttermann and Midwest Spine and Brain Institute is infinite.”

“I had my tailbone removed by Dr. Buttermann. He was great! Everything is already healing and I was barely in any pain.”

“Dr. Buttermann is a brilliant and amazing surgeon! He has been my doctor for many years and has performed his “magic” on my neck. Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery (R), Nov, 2020, was a Success and the R.F.A. (L) Radio Frequency Ablation he ordered in January of this year (2022), was also a Success! It’s amazing how I can actually turn my head with no pain! Like I said…DR. BUTTERMANN IS BRILLIANT AND AMAZING!”

“Wonderful care from Dr. Buttermann and Eric Salmon PA.”

“I have had spinal surgeries due degenerative disc disease. Dr. Butterman and Eric Salman have been my care team since 2011. They have always made me feel like I was respected and in good care. The office staff have always been organized and ready to help me get organized for surgery. I drive 125 miles to see them.. I will not let anyone else take care of me and my back.”

“Dr. Buttermann is an incredible spine surgeon and I would recommend him to any and all people in need of spine diagnosis/treatment! I filled out the online survey, but those responses don’t do justice to how absolutely incredible my experience was with him. He and I went to school together, grades 7-12 in Santa Monica, so my knowledge of how brilliant he is goes way back to age 11! The trust level can’t get any higher! Incredible man with incredible parents, both MDs. Absolute geniuses. He’s a people person who can combine his skills as a World Class surgeon with a reassuring manner that is so comforting to patients, especially important when a patient is struggling with pain and uncertainty! I had a cervical total disc replacement in 2018. I am doing phenomenal and have returned to actively coaching baseball 6 days a week including participation in pitching, batting practice and throwing overhand! For a number of years prior to having my surgery with Dr. Buttermann I was unable to throw a baseball or swing a golf club without extreme pain and I’m happy to say I’ve returned to playing golf on a regular basis. My recovery exceeded my expectations and motivated me to set new goals for enhancing my physical conditioning in order to be the best coach I can be. It is impossible to thank Dr. Buttermann enough for all he has done to help me regain my active lifestyle. I also want to extend my gratitude to the amazing staff he has, as well as those at St Croix Regional Hospital. They are First Class! Whether it’s a First Opinion or a 2nd Opinion for a spine condition, Dr. Buttermann is ‘The Man’!!”

“Huge thank you to Dr. Buttermann, Eric Salman, and the rest of the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute! This surgery has changed my everyday life and I am finally able to actually enjoy day to day life! Back in 2019, I was in a vehicle accident that destroyed a disc in my lower back and finally, in March I had a full disc replacement. Before surgery, the pain was horrible! I couldn’t stand for more than 15 min. I couldn’t even hold my daughter! Now I can stand for at least half the day, hold my daughter, play at the park with her and actually enjoy doing things! Thanks again to all the medical staff that has helped me on my road to recovery! Highly recommend Dr. Buttermann at Midwest Spine and Brain Institute!”

“Surgical procedure to remove bone that was creating problems swallowing was successful. Literally had no pain from the procedure and the incision is hardly noticeable after 7 weeks. Extremely pleased with the outcome.”

“I would like to share how much Midwest Spine& Brain Institute has changed my life. In 2004, I had a back injury that led me into addiction with opiates. I suffered for many years with depression and addiction. I was in so much pain that I could not even walk. I was so blessed to have been referred to Dr. Buttermann and Eric – these two men are amazing! Last March I received an AP Fusion by Dr. Buttermann and Eric. I was scared going in, but Dr. Buttermann and Eric stuck by my side through thick and thin. They were always just a phone call away to respond to my needs or to answer any questions I had. I can proudly say that Midwest Spine & Brain was part of my recovery journey. I had not worked since 2011 and I am now off all pain medications and back to work. It feels great to be pain-free and set free from all the pain medication. Thank you so much Dr. Buttermann and Eric for changing my life!”

“After 25 years of being in constant pain (even after one cervical fusion), and losing the use of my left hand last fall (I could not grasp a knob to open a door, hold things – like knives, and lost the sense of “touch”), I was referred to Dr. Buttermann. What a miracle worker! The hump on the back of my neck is reduced; I have stopped taking all pain medications and I am practically pain free. I am now working on re-strengthening my muscles; which should take care of any residual pain. THANK YOU Dr. Buttermann.”

“Dr. Buttermann, Eric Salman – I would like to take the time to Thank You!! Both for the success of my back surgery.  I can do so much now that I couldn’t before, because of back pain.  God bless you both!”

“I was experiencing excruciating neck and shoulder pain, as well as extremely low blood pressure, and chronic cold hands and feet. It got to the point where I wasn’t living, I was just surviving. I went to multiple specialists who microdiagnosed me with several different conditions, but none of them were able to actually resolve any of my symptoms. Then I met Dr. Buttermann and everything changed. Right after I woke up from my cervical fusion procedure I didn’t have any more pain. On top of that, my blood pressure was back to normal for the first time in a decade. Got rid of my pain and got my blood pressure back to normal.

Run don’t walk to Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. I’ve told so many friends about what Dr. Buttermann was able to do. I had been to so many specialists before I found MSBI and none of them were able to help me at all. Every one of my issues was resolved after the surgery to remove pressure on my spinal nerves.”

“After scoliosis surgery I felt straight for the first time in a long time. I was two inches taller than I was before the procedure, and all the pain was gone.”

“Dr. Buttermann, Thank you so much for helping me. I feel very confident in your care. You have been a miracle worker for me. I have complete and total trust in us. You r outstanding knowledge, experience and skillful hands are a true blessing. Thank you again for your help, your kindness and being such a wonderful surgeon that you are.

“I had many surgeons tell me that I would have to live with my lower back pain for the rest of my life. I was depressed and hopeless until I met Dr. Buttermann and Eric Salman. They gave me my life back! I had a total disc replacement in my L5. The recovery was quicker than anticipated. I’ve also appreciated all their referrals! They have the best connections. They truly care about you as a person and will refer you to physical therapy or other treatments if that’s what is best for your situation. I highly recommend Dr. Buttermann and Eric Salman!”

“A very heartfelt thank you Dr. Buttermann, for giving me my life back. I’m now able to do all the things I want and am pain free.”

“I was supposed to be in hospital for 8 days, but I was in such good shape that I was able to go home the day after the procedure.”

“I just want to thank you for taking on my challenging back issues. You and your team did such a wonderful job. It truly has made such a difference in my life already. I can’t quit looking at my back in the mirror. Even the scars are beautiful! Scoliosis has made me so self concious for 40+ years. I’ve missed out on a lot. I never thought I’d be brave enough to go through with the surgery(ies). Something told me I could put all my trust in you and I’m so glad I went with that feeling. Thanks to everyone involved. It’s always a team effort but a little bit of EXTRA thanks to you, Dr. Buttermann!”

“How does one begin to say Thank You for giving me my past joys in life! I came to you and thought I was going to have nothing but pain to deal with for a lifetime. Instead you wrapped me in your hands and made my life so joyful!! You put my belief in doctors back into my life and there is just no way one can say Thank You enough! I have shared the experience I had with you with everyone who has ever doubted or has questioned a doctor’s care. I know you are one who gave me a reason to believe. You have always been the happiness back in my life. My thoughts and prayers are always there for you in all I pray for!”

“I had a great experience. The surgery went well and the follow up was great. Thanks Dr. Buttermann and Eric!”

“I am very happy with my surgery. Dr. Glenn Butterman operated a spinal fusion on me. At the time I was 14 and in excruciating amount of pain due to having scoliosis. I am also on the Autism spectrum but my mental state didn’t discourage Dr. Butterman. It helped him understand and helped me understand what Dr. Butterman was saying what needed to happen and what the procedure of my surgery was. My surgery took 9 hours and I lost less than half the amount of blood that the average person having back surgery would lose. After I woke up from my surgery I could feel a big difference. And I knew that my life could continue pain free. Though it took a couple months to heal and for the normal tenderness on my back to go away (it went away after 1 month). I feel so much better. All thanks to Dr. Glenn Butterman.”

“After being in a nasty car accident when I was 36 weeks pregnant, I developed low back pain. After trying a number of doctors, medications, injections, physical therapy, and more, nothing helped my pain. As time went on, with the only diagnosis of “phantom pain that my brain is creating,” my pain kept continuously increasing. For nearly 4 years this continued, then I found Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. The images showed a little dislocation but after trying different possible remedies, the surgical team decided to do a Coccygetomy. During surgery, is when Dr. Buttermann finally saw what my pain was. To his surprise my tailbone had broken, leaving my tailbone twisted and completely dislocated. Even though images didn’t show my pain, Dr. Buttermann’s team believed me, rather than saying it was in my head. Now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. They believed me when no one else did. They also didn’t jump right into surgery but tried again, other options first. I can’t wait to heal fully after surgery, so my son, for the first time ever will see me without back pain.”

“I have been a patient of Dr. Buttermann’s since 2003. excellent Doctor.”

“Straight forward, honest care. Surgery was a success, I couldn’t be more grateful! I would absolutely recommend.”

“I have appreciated all of the staff for their compassion, knowledge and kindness.”

“Dr. Buttermann has been my Doctor for many years. He understands my complex condition and the pain that I am feeling. He is very through with his explanation of my condition and he is willing to go to bat with the insurance companies when they deny any procedures. I am thankful to have him as my Doctor.”

“Very satisfied with my care here for the last 19 years!”

“Excellent Care!! I love that Dr. Buttermann is thorough with his assessment.”

“I always have good experiences and support with my care. I’m very pleased with Dr. Buttermann and his team for my care.”

“Great experience. Doc is knowledgeable & clearly an expert yet willing to explain to me as a patient what’s going on in my spine. He also gave me hope with his treatment recommendations.”

“Many thanks to Dr. Buttermann. Very nice office and staff.”