Spine Surgeon Serving Montpelier, Ohio
Quick Answer
Montpelier residents have access to fellowship-trained spine surgery expertise with evaluation available in Bryan, OH—about 15 minutes away. Dr. Marc Greenberg specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery, focusing on the least invasive approach that solves the problem. Most patients start with conservative care; surgery is considered only when appropriate treatment has been tried and imaging confirms a correctable structural issue.
Common Reasons Montpelier Patients Come In
Leg Pain (Sciatica)
- Sharp, shooting pain down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in leg/foot
- Worse with sitting or bending
Walking Limits (Stenosis)
- Leg pain/heaviness with walking
- Relief when sitting or leaning forward
- Shrinking walking distance
Neck Pain with Arm Symptoms
- Radiating arm pain or numbness
- Weakness in hand or arm
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks
Other Spine Conditions
- Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
- Compression fractures
- Failed back surgery syndrome
What the Visit Looks Like
Your initial consultation includes a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine the best path forward:
History & Symptoms
Detailed discussion of your symptoms, what makes them better or worse, and how they impact daily activities.
Physical Examination
Neurologic exam to assess strength, reflexes, sensation, and identify specific nerve involvement patterns.
Independent Imaging Review
If you have MRI or CT scans, Dr. Greenberg reviews them independently—not just reading the report, but examining the images directly to ensure accuracy.
Treatment Discussion
Clear explanation of diagnosis, treatment options (conservative and surgical), realistic expectations, and shared decision-making about next steps.
Next-Step Ladder: Start Conservative, Escalate When Needed
Step 1: Physical Therapy & Activity Modification
Most spine conditions improve with structured PT, core strengthening, and activity adjustments. This is typically the first step unless red flags are present.
Step 2: MRI When Appropriate
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, limit function, or neurologic deficits are present, MRI helps confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Step 3: Targeted Injections (Select Cases)
Epidural steroid injections can reduce nerve inflammation and provide temporary relief, allowing more effective PT participation. Relief duration varies.
Step 4: Minimally Invasive Surgery (When Conservative Care Insufficient)
When appropriate conservative treatment hasn't provided adequate relief and imaging confirms a correctable structural problem, minimally invasive options may include endoscopic discectomy, microdiscectomy, or decompression—depending on your specific diagnosis and anatomy.
Step 5: Fusion (Only When Instability Present)
Fusion is considered when instability, spondylolisthesis, or deformity drives symptoms. Not everyone with stenosis or disc problems needs fusion—motion preservation is prioritized when appropriate.
When to Seek Urgent Care
The following symptoms require prompt medical evaluation:
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction (loss of control, retention)
- Saddle anesthesia (numbness in groin/inner thighs)
- Progressive weakness (foot drop, difficulty walking)
- Fever with back pain (possible infection)
- History of cancer with new back/leg pain
- Major trauma (fall, accident)
Related Resources
Bryan, Ohio Spine Surgeon
Fellowship-trained spine surgery serving Northwest Ohio
Endoscopic Spine Surgery Guide
Self-check for candidacy and next steps
Sciatica Self-Check
What it might be and when to get an MRI
Lumbar Stenosis Walking Guide
Self-check for leg pain when walking
Understanding Sciatica
Causes, symptoms, and treatment options
Spinal Stenosis Education
Comprehensive patient guide
Herniated Disc Guide
What it is and treatment options
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive procedure details
Request an Evaluation
If symptoms are limiting walking, sleep, or daily function, request an evaluation in Bryan, Ohio to confirm the diagnosis and map the least invasive plan.
Content reviewed by Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon
Last Updated: February 24, 2026