“I treat my patients as I would want a family member treated, with a goal of reducing pain and improving quality of life.”

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When to see a specialist: Steven Sabers, MD

Summit Orthopedics spine specialist Steven Sabers, MD gives insight about when to see a specialist for back or neck pain.

Dr. Steven Sabers’ Approach to Care

“I treat my patients as I would want a family member treated, with a goal of reducing pain and improving quality of life.”

Spine pain spans all ages

Spine pain can affect people of any age. “We see some patients who are as young as 13 or 14 years of age, though the vast majority of the people we treat are adults between the ages of 25 and 75,” explains Dr. Sabers. “We treat slightly more women than men, but when it comes to the number of patients who experience spine pain, there’s a fair balance between men and women.

Ask Dr. Sabers: When Should I Have My Spine Pain Medically Evaluated?

Dr. Steven Sabers brings empathy and a depth of experience in spine pain treatment to his practice. He completed his undergraduate work, medical school, and residency at Mayo Clinic, and is board certified by both the American Academy of Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation and the American Board of Medical Specialties/Pain Management.

Full suite of treatment options

“Spine pain is challenging to treat,” he explains. “The strength of our Summit Orthopedics spine care is in the breadth of the care we are able to offer. I have an entire spectrum of treatment options at my fingertips. That spectrum encompasses monitoring a patient to see if pain will resolve with time—and sometimes that’s the right decision for the patient—to physical therapy, medication, injections, and procedures including surgery. This comprehensive treatment model enables us to really give the patient the best available option for his or her problem without any lengthy waits or delays.”

Insights from Dr. Sabers: What Questions Should I Ask Before Committing To A Pain Treatment Program?

Empowering patients to participate in their care

“For me, the physician-patient relationship is a partnership. It’s important for my patients to understand that their treatment doesn’t end when they leave my office. Physical therapy doesn’t help if you don’t do it. Day-to-day decisions make a difference. What we eat, whether we smoke, and the kinds of activities we engage in all have an impact on whether or not we are successful in treating pain. Part of my job is to help patients change the habits by which they live their lives when they are not here. My goal is to make the doctor’s visit unnecessary, and to give people the tools to manage their discomfort effectively at home.”

Video resources featuring Dr. Steven Sabers

Interventional procedures for pain relief

Dr. Sabers spends about half of his workday in clinic seeing patients. The remainder of his time is spent performing the interventional procedures—short of surgery—that treat pain when physical therapy and medication aren’t enough. “We provide an entire spectrum of nonsurgical treatments and tools to help patients manage spine pain—up to and including surgery. I think it’s also important to help patients navigate treatment decisions, and I advise them the same way I would advise a member of my family.

“I think we are lucky to work in the Midwest,” he observes. “People here are straightforward and hardworking, and they just want to get back to their lives. Our approach is focused on making a functional difference that really improves quality of life. When my patients come in and tell me that they’ve gotten their life back, that’s incredibly rewarding.”

Additional resources from Dr. Sabers

Undergraduate Studies
Saint John’s University — Collegeville, MN

Medical School & Internship
Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN

Residency
Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN

  • Board Certified: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Board Certified: American Board of Medical Specialties/Certification in Pain Management

  • Pending publications regarding research on non-surgical management of spinal stenosis and facet joint cysts.
  • Previous publications focused on the comprehensive management of chronic pain and the rehabilitation of hospitalized cancer patients.

  • American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)
  • Spinal Injection Society (SIS)
  • Minnesota Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
  • American Medical Association
  • Minnesota Medical Association

Patient Education

Spine Animated Conditions and Treatments Library

Spine Injections Animated Library

comment from patient satisfaction survey

Dr. Sabers is an excellent physician! I would not go to anyone else for the procedures I’ve had done. I have complete confidence in him!

comment from patient satisfaction survey

Dr. Sabers is the best. He cares deeply for his patients and it shows when he answers my many questions. He always seems to know what to do to help me. He has been my physician for many years and I hope to have him for many more years.

Survey Feedback

Dr. Sabers is an exceptional and remarkable doctor! A few other words. Excel-Excellence-Excellent.

comment from patient satisfaction survey

I have to say that I have had numerous surgeries and have to say that this is the best group I have ever worked with and trusted. That is a pretty high praise in my book as you just don’t get customer service like that at all anymore. Thank you very much Summit Orthopedics and the Dr. Saber staff! I truly will make the hour drive whenever I have to just to get this care! Thank you it is appreciated!

Comment from patient satisfaction survey

Dr. Sabers has a wonderful team.

Survey Feedback

I have the utmost respect for Dr. Sabers and his team.

Kori's Story

I had a steroid injection and very positive experience, with the staff at the Plymouth office and with Dr. Sabers. I felt that when they were with me in anyway, that there were present and actually felt like they cared. Dr. Sabers was amazing. He explains the process and it was quick and painless (for me). Unfortunately, for me we had an emergency in the family, so the nurse who took care of me was quick in getting me out after the injection. Please let the staff and Dr. Sabers know how I appreciated their professionalism, their cheeriness, the thoughtfulness and their appearance of caring. Thank you!

Articles and Videos from Steven R. Sabers, M.D.