Back & Neck Pain
Upper Back Pain Treatment Specialists
Expert Upper Back Pain Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Upper back pain is less common than neck or lower back pain — and often overlooked. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, finds the real cause of your mid-back pain and treats it with the least invasive option that works.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Upper and mid-back pain often comes from muscle strain, posture, or the joints of the thoracic spine — and because it's less common than neck or lower back pain, it's frequently dismissed. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon finds what's really causing your upper back pain and treats it, least-invasive-first.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Common Sources of Upper Back Pain
What Causes Upper Back Pain?
Upper back pain — also called mid-back or thoracic pain — comes from the thoracic spine, the twelve vertebrae that connect to your ribs. The most common causes are muscle strain and poor posture, along with irritated facet joints or rib joints. Disc herniations are uncommon here because the ribs make this part of the spine very stable.
Because serious structural problems are rarer in the mid-back, most upper back pain responds well to conservative care — but persistent or severe pain still deserves a specialist's evaluation to rule out other causes.
When to See an Upper Back Pain Specialist
See a specialist when mid-back pain lasts beyond a few weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with breathing, sleep, or daily activity. Persistent thoracic pain should be evaluated to rule out less common causes.
Go to an emergency room or call us immediately if upper back pain follows a significant fall or accident, comes with chest pain or shortness of breath, or includes fever, numbness, or weakness in the legs. These can signal a fracture, infection, or spinal cord problem that needs urgent attention.
How We Treat Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain is treated least-invasive-first, and the vast majority of patients improve without any procedure at all.
Conservative care & therapy
Posture correction, activity changes, physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine, and supportive bracing when helpful.
Targeted injections
When pain persists, trigger-point injections relieve tight, painful muscles and epidural steroid injections calm an irritated nerve.
Advanced evaluation & surgery — rarely needed
In the uncommon event the thoracic spinal canal is narrowed, thoracic stenosis surgery relieves the pressure — reserved only for the rare cases that require it.
Why Choose Our Upper Back Pain Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right upper back pain 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 upper back pain 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
Vertebral Compression Fractures
A collapse of the front of a vertebra, often from osteoporosis.
Learn MoreNot sure which applies? Start with the back & neck pain conditions we treat.
Find out what's really causing your upper back pain.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a clear diagnosis and a least-invasive-first plan.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Upper Back Pain: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my upper back pain not going away?
Persistent mid-back pain is often muscular or postural, but it can also come from the facet or rib joints — or, less commonly, a fracture. A specialist can identify the source so it's treated correctly instead of just managed.
Will I need surgery for upper back pain?
Almost never. Thoracic disc and structural problems are uncommon because the ribs stabilize this part of the spine. Nearly all upper back pain is treated without surgery.
Could my upper back pain be serious?
Usually it isn't, but new, severe, or persistent mid-back pain — especially with chest symptoms, fever, or after trauma — should be evaluated promptly to rule out a fracture or other cause.
Do you take my insurance, and what if you're out-of-network?
We welcome out-of-network patients and explain your likely costs and coverage before anything is scheduled.
Do I need a referral to see an upper back pain doctor in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix spine specialists — no referral required.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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Phone: (602) 566-9500
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Get the Relief you deserve.
Every step you take toward relieving upper back pain is a step toward restoring your strength and peace of mind. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team are committed to guiding you through a personalized plan designed to reduce pain and improve spinal health. Whether your discomfort stems from posture, injury, or degenerative conditions, we’re here to help you move and feel better. Don’t let pain hold you back—schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life.
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 upper back pain, 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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