Back Pain
Lumbar Strain Treatment Specialists
Expert Lumbar Strain Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
A lumbar strain is painful but usually heals — and the right care speeds recovery and prevents it from becoming chronic. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, makes sure your lower back pain really is a strain and treats it the right way.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
A lumbar strain — an overstretched or torn muscle or ligament in the lower back — is one of the most common causes of sudden back pain. Most heal within weeks, but the right care speeds recovery and keeps a simple strain from turning into a chronic problem. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon confirms the diagnosis and gets you moving again.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500What Happens in a Lumbar Strain
What Is a Lumbar Strain?
A lumbar strain — often called a pulled back muscle or a lower back sprain — happens when the muscles or ligaments that support the lumbar spine are overstretched or torn. It's usually triggered by lifting something heavy, a sudden twist, or an awkward movement, and it causes sharp pain, stiffness, and muscle spasm in the lower back.
Unlike a disc or nerve problem, a strain involves the soft tissue — not the bones or discs — which is why most lumbar strains heal with conservative care. The key is confirming it really is a strain and not something that looks similar.
When to See a Specialist for a Lumbar Strain
Most strains ease within a couple of weeks. See a specialist if the pain is severe, doesn't improve within two to three weeks, keeps returning, or radiates down your leg — which can mean a disc or nerve is involved rather than a simple strain.
Go to an emergency room or call us immediately if back pain comes with leg weakness or numbness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, or follows a significant fall or accident.
How We Treat a Lumbar Strain
A lumbar strain is treated conservatively — the goal is to calm the pain, protect the healing tissue, and get you moving safely as soon as possible.
Active recovery & therapy
Brief relative rest, gentle movement, and physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine to restore strength and prevent re-injury — prolonged bed rest actually slows recovery.
Supportive bracing
Short-term back bracing can offload the strained tissue and ease movement while it heals.
Targeted injections — if pain persists
If pain lingers, trigger-point injections relax painful muscle knots and an epidural steroid injection can help if a nerve has become irritated.
Why Choose Our Lumbar Strain Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right lumbar strain specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a lumbar strain doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.
A rare dual credential — so the specialist who treats you can also perform surgery if it's ever needed.
Most patients get better without surgery. We only advance when your condition truly requires it.
No referral needed. We make it straightforward to see a top spine specialist, even out-of-network.
24/7 concierge response and close coordination with personal-injury attorneys.
Life Beyond the Pain
What to Expect: Your Care Journey at Desert Spine and Pain
From your first visit, the goal is a clear diagnosis and a plan built around you — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Consultation
We listen to your history, examine you, and review any prior imaging — no referral required.
Diagnosis
If needed, we order or review MRI/X-ray imaging and may use diagnostic nerve testing or a diagnostic injection to confirm the exact source.
Personalized plan
Dr. Greenwald explains your options in plain language and starts with the least invasive treatment likely to work.
Treatment & follow-up
We deliver your care — therapy, a procedure, or surgery at an affiliated accredited facility — and follow you closely until you're back to living.
Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost
Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.
Injured in an Accident?
If your pain started with a car accident, slip-and-fall, or work injury, we offer a dedicated pathway: prompt evaluation, thorough documentation and records for your case, and direct coordination with your personal-injury attorney. You focus on recovering; we handle the medical side.
Schedule Your ConsultationProudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area
Patients travel to Desert Spine and Pain from across Arizona for specialist spine care — because the right spine surgeon is worth the drive. We welcome patients from Phoenix and communities throughout the Valley and beyond:
…and surrounding Arizona communities. Out-of-network patients are welcome, and no referral is required — schedule a consultation.
Related Conditions We Treat
Sports Spine Injuries
Spine injuries from athletic activity, from strains to herniated discs.
Learn MoreNot sure which applies? Start with the back & neck pain conditions we treat.
Heal your lumbar strain the right way.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to confirm the diagnosis and get back to living, faster.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Lumbar Strain: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a lumbar strain take to heal?
Most lumbar strains improve within one to three weeks with the right care. More significant strains can take six weeks or longer. Staying gently active speeds recovery — prolonged bed rest slows it.
How do I know if it's a strain or a disc problem?
A strain usually causes pain centered in the lower back; pain that shoots down the leg, or numbness and weakness, points to a disc or nerve. A specialist can tell the difference and confirm the diagnosis.
Will I need surgery for a lumbar strain?
No. A strain is a soft-tissue injury and is treated without surgery. If pain persists, it's worth re-checking that a disc or joint isn't the real source.
Do I need a referral to be seen in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix spine specialists — no referral required, out-of-network welcome.
My back strain is from a work or car accident — can you help?
Yes. We provide prompt evaluation, documentation for your case, and coordination with your personal-injury attorney.
Your Journey Begins with us.
Every step you take toward your health is a step toward a better tomorrow. With our compassionate care and expert guidance, we’ll be with you at every turn, helping you recover, regain strength, and thrive. You deserve to feel your best, and we’re here to make it happen, one day at a time.
Voted Best Spine Doctor
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS
Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon with extensive experience diagnosing and treating lumbar strain, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. He uses advanced imaging to pinpoint the true source of your symptoms and builds a personalized, least-invasive-first plan — from conservative care and targeted injections to minimally invasive surgery only when it is truly needed. His skill and patient-centered approach help patients throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area experience meaningful pain relief, reduced recovery time, and restored mobility.
Book your Spine Care Consultation Today!
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