Conservative Treatment

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:

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

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.

Epidural Steroid Injections

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

A Top NYC spine surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, relies on his medical expertise and sophisticated technology to evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the prognosis for patients with a spinal disorder.

Medications

Physical Therapy

Epidural Steroid Injections

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