In the spine, nerve compression and subsequent pain can be caused by a herniated disc, bone spurs, thickened ligaments, and other degenerative or traumatic problems. When a nerve root that is part of the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, this can cause “sciatica,” leading to pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the lower back, buttock, and leg.
Laser spine surgery can be utilized to decompress the nerve and relieve nerve dysfunction. This surgery is much less invasive than other types of traditional back surgery.
A laser is a highly focused beam of light energy that can cut or shrink soft tissues such as herniated disc bulges, disc fragments, or thickened ligaments that may be compressing or pinching the nerve roots or nerve sac.
In traditional surgery, a scalpel or other instruments are used to cut tissue in or around the spine. During laser spine surgery, the initial incision in the skin is made with a surgical scalpel. Still, a surgical laser is also used to shrink or dissolve tissue affecting the nerves and causing problems.
Laser surgery is minimally invasive and is typically done with an endoscope or a microscope. Through an incision less than an inch long, a small probe containing a laser is passed into the spine. This is accomplished with the help of imaging technology. Then, the energy from the laser and other precision tools are used to carefully remove tissue that may be pressing on the nerves.
Patients are usually able to go home the same day, with minimal downtime.
Depending on your specific physical needs, there are different types of spine surgery. Laser spine surgery is not for every back pathology or problem. After consultation and careful examination, Dr. Stieber will recommend a traditional (or open approach), minimally-invasive spine surgery, robotic spine surgery, or laser spine surgery.
During this surgery, a long incision would be made in the back, and the muscles and other tissue would be moved away to access and correct the affected area of the spine. The subsequent hospitalization and recovery period after this surgery is usually longer.
During Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, a unique tool is used, called a tubular retractor, to create a small channel from which to access the surgical site. Various specialized microsurgical tools are employed during the surgery to operate on the spine. MISS can lead to less pain and a faster recovery because it’s less invasive. You will be able to return to work in days to weeks.
During robotic spine surgery, the procedure technique begins with a small incision, then utilizes a cutting-edge robotic system. The robot’s computer system combines a CT scan of the patient’s anatomy with special x-rays taken in the operating room of the actual patient to tell the robot where the patient’s spine is located. Dr. Stieber can point to a precise location on the CT scan and the robot will aim for that site, processing what the navigation system sees in real time. Dr. Stieber will use the robotic guidance and navigation to place implants or do other spinal operations with precision. The procedure time and recovery time are shorter than the same procedure would be if done using the traditional method.
During laser back surgery, a laser is used to remove portions of tissue located around the spinal cord and nerves of the back. It is used for very specific conditions such as nerve compression around the spinal nerves or spinal cord. The recovery time can be as short as 7-10 days.
During your consultation and subsequent preparation for surgery, you will be given detailed instructions about how to prepare. Be sure to tell Dr. Stieber about all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements that you are taking.
For traditional spine surgery, recovery time may take longer, including some time in the hospital. MISS is usually done as outpatient surgery, which allows you to go home the same day and return to work in days to weeks.
Laser back surgery is also done as an outpatient surgery, which allows you to go home the same day. You will usually be able to return to gentle, sedentary work in days.
During the first two weeks of recovery, avoid the following:
To perform laser spine surgery, a medical license is needed, but the doctor is not legally required to be a trained surgeon. Some anesthesiologists or other doctors without actual spine surgical training attempt to perform these procedures. This makes the importance of choosing the right surgeon, who is highly trained and expert, paramount.
A laser beam is an intense source of heat that, while focused, is still less precise than other surgical tools. This technology requires extreme expertise and control to avoid damaging the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Laser surgery can be inadequately understood and used by people who are not highly qualified for this type of precision procedure. In the hands of less practiced technicians, laser surgery can result in increased nerve damage when compared to traditional surgery techniques. When you’re looking for a doctor to perform this procedure, you will want a trained surgeon with experience and expertise who knows the technology and procedure extremely well.
Dr. Stieber is one of the best spine surgeons in NYC. Dr. Stieber is globally recognized as a leading orthopedic specialist. He is skilled in traditional and emerging technologies, and he has a specific interest in minimally invasive solutions for the treatment of spinal disorders, such as laser spine surgery.
He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. His training and background make him a trusted choice for patients with back pain and problems.
Dr. Stieber! I have no words to thank you enough. Thank you for changing my life. God bless you, your hands and your family. I’m so happy God put you in my way. You are the best surgeon in the world.
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.
I wanted to personally write to you as well as Bethany, Nancy, and Jennifer, to thank you so much. Not to sound overly dramatic but living with that pain for years, then having that surgery end of Nov. and feeling like a new person- you certainly changed my life! I know I’ve said this befor...
Thanks to you I can lift my toddler without any issues- thank you from the bottom of my heart.
No words can covey how grateful I am for your care and expertise, but I will try. You are not just a world-class surgeon, you are a world-class human being. The level of care and professionalism from you and your staff has placed me on a faster track to recovery than I ever thought possible.
Dr Stieber fixed me from extreme pain and has such a great way about him. I’ve got nothing but the best to say about him and his team. I am a new person and my recovery was very quick due to his work. After 3 weeks, I was back in the gym doing light workouts. The man is great!
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.
I am a 69 year old male, who up until 5 years ago, walked 3-5 miles per day. Lower back pain became such an issue that I could hardly walk 100 feet before I had to stop. After consulting with 5 different neurosurgeons, with no positive results, Dr. Stieber was referred to me by a friend. I met wi...
Dr Stieber changed my life, I went from being in constant pain to no pain at all and from being almost unable to work to working full time. The surgery was surprisingly almost painless and my recovery quick, His staff always was available to speak to me when I had questions or concerns and were v...
I have been in pain for over a decade. I no longer am. Dr. Stieber changed my life.
I am so grateful for your help–I wouldn’t be progressing towards a brighter future otherwise.
Thanks for putting me back together.
Thank you for working wonders and giving me my mom back. I cannot thank you enough.
You operated on my spine and enabled me to walk again — which is no small thing. I want you to know that even though a year has passed (88 in my case). I will remember you not only as a fine surgeon but as an impeccable dresser and a real nice guy.
This is to express my sincere gratitude to you. May the good Lord richly bless you for the wonderful thing you have done for me. May you live long so that you help others as well.
From your ability to communicate complicated MRI images and medical jargon in a way that made perfect sense to me, to your honesty and candid demeanor, to your ability to empathize, and obviously your extraordinary skill as a spine surgeon…
This time last year I was in so much pain I could not enjoy the holidays with my family. You have changed that for me this year. Thank you is not enough. When I walk down the street and I realize I have walked more than two blocks without pain, I thank God and you, I feel great, you are the BEST!...
I thank you with all my heart and my family’s too. If it wasn’t for your wonderful gift of your hands I would not be walking today.
You identified my condition, arrived at a solution… and most importantly repaired my lower spine. Every morning when I arise pain free, know that I am so very grateful to you and your skillful hands. Thank you for restoring my health. Now I can begin to live again.
I have been sciatica free for almost 7 months. I can stand without having to sit right away. It has changed my life.
I would like to take this time to truly thank you for the hard work and dedication in helping me reach some semblance of normalcy. No words can express how grateful I am. You all have demonstrated the true meaning of PATIENT CARE.
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. The whole team was impressive. Very responsive, clear and supportive.
Incredible team from the desk, techs, PA to the magical hands of the surgeon. Always trust a surgeon with great hair.
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!
The manner in which you diagnosed my orthopedic problem compelled to write to you. When I came to your office on 11/19/20 after an exhaustive search for an accurate diagnosis, I had previously received three contradictory evaluations and various treatments and yet continued to experience progress...
I wanted to reach out to express my thanks to you for the past few years. You performed an L5-S1 decompression and revision on me in 2019 and 2021, when I was in medical school.
I was able to successfully complete my training, and am slated to begin neurosurgery residency at the Cleveland ...
Thank you for taking great care of me!
My deepest gratitude for everything you did to ensure I received the surgery needed, as quickly as possible; and by the best in the business.
Thank you just doesn't seem to express how grateful I am to you for giving me my life back.
NYC spine surgery specialist, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, provides his patients with the most effective treatment options available, all of which are tailored to meet your individual needs. With Dr. Stieber guiding your care, it is possible to say goodbye to pain and enjoy an active lifestyle once again.
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