Spinal Arthritis & Degeneration
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) Treatment Specialists
Expert Treatment for Spinal Degenerative Joint Disease in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Degenerative joint disease, the “Arthritis of the Spine”, wears down the small joints of the spine over time — but it's highly treatable. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, relieves the pain at its source, least-invasive-first.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Degenerative joint disease of the spine — the wearing down of the small facet and sacroiliac joints that let your back move — is a leading cause of ongoing back and neck pain as we age. The reassuring news: nearly all of it is treated without surgery once the painful joint is pinpointed. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon finds the exact joint and calms it down.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Healthy vs. Degenerated Spinal Joint
What Is Degenerative Joint Disease of the Spine?
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) — also called spinal arthritis or facet joint degeneration — is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage in the spine's small joints, mainly the facet joints at the back of each vertebra and the sacroiliac joints at the base. As the cushioning cartilage thins, the joint space narrows and bone spurs form, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
DJD is one of the most common reasons for back and neck pain as we age — and because it's a joint problem, it usually responds well to targeted, joint-focused treatment rather than surgery.
When to See a Specialist for Degenerative Joint Disease
See a specialist when stiffness and aching in your back or neck persists beyond a few weeks, worsens with activity, or limits your daily life. A specialist can confirm which joints are involved and treat them directly.
Go to an emergency room or call us immediately if you develop progressive leg or arm weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, fever, or symptoms that follow a significant accident or fall.
How We Treat Degenerative Joint Disease
DJD is treated least-invasive-first — the goal is to calm the arthritic joint and keep you moving. Most patients never need surgery.
Conservative care & therapy
Activity changes and physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine to strengthen the muscles that support the arthritic joints.
Image-guided joint injections
Targeted facet joint and sacroiliac joint injections calm inflammation and confirm which joints are causing your pain.
Radiofrequency ablation
When a facet joint is the proven source, medial branch blocks confirm it and radiofrequency ablation can quiet the pain for many months.
Why Choose Our Degenerative Joint Disease Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right degenerative joint disease 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 degenerative joint disease 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
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related drying and thinning of the discs that can cause pain.
Learn MoreNot sure which applies? Start with the spinal arthritis & degeneration conditions we treat.
Calm your degenerative joint pain at the source.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a precise diagnosis and a least-invasive-first plan.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Degenerative Joint Disease: Frequently Asked Questions
Is degenerative joint disease the same as arthritis?
Essentially, yes — in the spine, degenerative joint disease is the “wear-and-tear” arthritis of the facet and sacroiliac joints. It's closely related to spinal osteoarthritis.
Will I need surgery for degenerative joint disease?
Almost never. Because DJD is a joint problem, it's usually well controlled with therapy, joint injections, and radiofrequency ablation. Surgery is reserved for rare cases with instability or nerve compression.
How long does radiofrequency ablation last?
When a facet joint is the confirmed source, ablation often provides many months of relief and can be repeated as the nerves gradually regenerate.
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 be seen 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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If degenerative joint disease is limiting your mobility or causing daily pain, Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team are here to help you find lasting relief. Through expert evaluation and tailored treatment, we’ll work together to restore comfort, strength, and confidence in your movement. Every step you take toward better spine health is a step toward a more active and pain-free life. Schedule your consultation today and begin your journey toward renewed spinal health and comfort.
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 degenerative joint disease, 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.
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