Spinal Arthritis & Degeneration
Spinal Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialists
Expert Spinal Osteoarthritis Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Spinal osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear arthritis of the spine's joints — and it's very treatable. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, relieves arthritic spine pain with the least invasive option that works.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Spinal osteoarthritis — the wear-and-tear arthritis of the spine's facet joints — is one of the most common causes of chronic back and neck pain. It can't be reversed, but it can be managed well: with the right plan, most people stay active and comfortable without surgery. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon targets the arthritic joints directly.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Where Spinal Osteoarthritis Strikes
What Is Spinal Osteoarthritis?
Spinal osteoarthritis — also called facet joint arthritis, facet arthropathy, or spinal arthritis — is “wear-and-tear” arthritis affecting the facet joints at the back of the spine. Over years of use, the smooth cartilage that lets these joints glide wears down, the joint space narrows, and bone spurs form — producing pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve irritation.
Osteoarthritis can't be undone, but the pain it causes is very manageable. Because the problem is concentrated in specific joints, treatment that targets those joints is highly effective.
When to See a Specialist for Spinal Osteoarthritis
See a specialist when arthritic back or neck pain persists for weeks, limits your activity, or is only being masked by medication. Targeting the arthritic joints directly usually works far better than managing pain in general.
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 Spinal Osteoarthritis
We treat spinal osteoarthritis least-invasive-first, targeting the specific arthritic joints driving your pain.
Conservative & regenerative care
Physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine, plus regenerative options like PRP and stem cell therapy for suitable patients.
Image-guided facet injections
Facet joint injections calm inflammation in the arthritic joints and confirm them as your pain source.
Nerve blocks & radiofrequency ablation
Medial branch blocks confirm facet-driven pain, and radiofrequency ablation quiets it for many months at a time.
Surgery — only when necessary
In the uncommon case arthritis causes instability or nerve compression, a spinal fusion stabilizes the segment — reserved for cases that truly require it.
Why Choose Our Spinal Osteoarthritis Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spinal osteoarthritis 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 spinal osteoarthritis 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.
Take control of your spinal arthritis.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a targeted, least-invasive-first plan for your spinal osteoarthritis.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Spinal Osteoarthritis: Frequently Asked Questions
Can spinal osteoarthritis be cured?
It can't be reversed, but the pain it causes is very manageable. Most patients stay active and comfortable with therapy, facet injections, and radiofrequency ablation — without surgery.
What's the difference between spinal osteoarthritis and facet disease?
They overlap closely — facet disease is osteoarthritis specifically of the facet joints. Both are treated by targeting those joints with injections and, when confirmed, radiofrequency ablation.
Will I need surgery?
Rarely. Surgery is considered only if arthritis leads to instability or nerve compression. The large majority of spinal osteoarthritis is treated without an operation.
Do you take my insurance, and what if you're out-of-network?
We welcome out-of-network patients and explain your likely costs before anything is scheduled.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No referral is required. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix spine specialists.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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If spinal osteoarthritis is limiting your movement or affecting your quality of life, Dr. Greenwald and his experienced team are here to help. We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, explain your options, and design a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Every step you take toward spine health brings you closer to lasting relief and greater mobility. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a stronger, more comfortable future.
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 spinal osteoarthritis, 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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