Conservative Treatment

Treatment often begins without surgery. Dr. Stieber emphasizes targeted, non-operative care to reduce pain, restore function, and address the underlying cause before considering more invasive options.

doctor with a clipboard smiling at a patient

Conservative Treatment Options for Spine Care

Whether your spine condition is acute or chronic, non-operative treatment is always our goal with surgery as the last resort. Dr. Stieber’s focus is to help you return to normal activity and prevent further progression of your condition, whenever possible. Our comprehensive approach incorporates a multidisciplinary philosophy of patient care working as a team with other health-care professionals, and optimal results are often obtained with a combination of treatments. Medical professionals use the term “conservative treatment” to describe a wide range of therapies that do not involve surgery. Many patients suffering from back or leg pain can be successfully managed with conservative treatment, alleviating symptoms and restoring function.

Medications

Medications are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. These include:

NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce inflammation
Non-narcotic prescription drugs for treatment of moderate or chronic pain
Muscle relaxants
Narcotic pain medication for the treatment of acute or severe pain
Antidepressants and/or neuromodulating drugs can relieve neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerve fibers)

When needed, Dr. Stieber refers patients to trusted colleagues for pain management.

doctor testing a woman's knee-jerk reflex

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy can correct postural imbalances, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility. Types of PT include:

Passive therapies i.e., treatment that does not require patient participation such as spinal manipulation, myofascial release, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Active therapies such as therapeutic exercise to increase flexibility, build strength and endurance
Biomechanics i.e., postural correction, lifting techniques, etc.

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Interventional Pain Management

Dr. Stieber works with a carefully selected group of highly respected colleagues to provide care for his patients with a multidisciplinary team. Epidural Steroid Injections or nerve blocks, may be helpful when other conservative treatments have failed. Injections are sometimes recommended in cases of acute or chronic pain. The injection contains a steroid (a potent anti-inflammatory) and a local anesthetic for pain. Types of nerve blocks include:

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Selective Nerve Root Block – to determine specific source of pain as well as provide relief
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Peripheral Nerve Root Block – injection is given next to the nerve that supplies the painful area

A Top NYC spine surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, works with a carefully selected group of highly respected colleagues to provide care for his patients with a multidisciplinary team.

Testimonials What Our Patients Are Saying

Gold standard in todays medicine

Dr stieber corrected previous 2 surgeries that did not take. I had a L4-L5 fusion He is professional and listens to the patient feedback. I should have started with him from the get go – gold standard in todays medicine.

R.H.

The man is a life saver

Dr. Stieber performed a MIS TLIF at L4 / L5 in January 2015. At a year and a half, I am pain free and doing well. The man is a life saver. I have and will continue to recommend him to anyone experiencing back pain.

J.F.

Dr. Stieber changed my life

I have been in pain for over a decade. I no longer am. Dr. Stieber changed my life.

H.H.

Thank you for working wonders

Thank you for working wonders and giving me my mom back. I cannot thank you enough.

M.K.

It has changed my life

I have been sciatica free for almost 7 months. I can stand without having to sit right away. It has changed my life.

J.H.

Dr. Stieber and his entire staff are the best.

Dr. Stieber and his entire staff are the best. From scheduling, appointments, surgery and post op, they are top notch. Doctor Stieber is a very smart and a highly skilled surgeon.

I’m living a new life after the surgery.

I’m living a new life after the surgery. The whole team was impressive. Very responsive, clear and supportive.

E.R.

Always trust a surgeon with great hair.

Incredible team from the desk, techs, PA to the magical hands of the surgeon. Always trust a surgeon with great hair.

J.G.

That was on the mark!

Dr Stieber performed a discectomy on a Tuesday. I was able to go back to the office the next day. i was told the pain would be reduced at least 95%. That was on the mark!

L.P.