Spinal Arthritis & Degeneration
Post-Traumatic Arthritis Treatment Specialists
Expert Treatment for Post-Traumatic Spinal Arthritis in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
An old injury can catch up with you years later as post-traumatic arthritis. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, treats accident-related spine arthritis — and coordinates directly with your personal-injury attorney.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Post-traumatic arthritis is spinal arthritis that develops after an injury — a car accident, a fall, or a sports injury — sometimes months or years later. Because it's rooted in an old trauma, it often has a clear, treatable pain source. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon finds it, treats it, and documents it for your injury claim.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How an Injury Leads to Arthritis
What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis is arthritis that develops in a spinal joint that was previously injured — in a car accident, fall, or sports injury. The original trauma damages the joint's cartilage or alignment, which accelerates wear and leads to arthritis, pain, and stiffness — sometimes years after the event.
Because post-traumatic arthritis traces back to a specific injury, the painful joint is often clearly identifiable — which makes it very treatable, and makes thorough documentation important if your pain is tied to an accident claim.
When to See a Specialist for Post-Traumatic Arthritis
See a specialist if you've had a spine injury and now have persistent pain or stiffness, or if arthritis pain has emerged in a previously injured area. If your pain relates to an accident, early evaluation and documentation protect both your health and your claim.
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 Post-Traumatic Arthritis
We treat post-traumatic arthritis least-invasive-first, targeting the specific injured joint causing your pain.
Image-guided injections
Epidural steroid and facet joint injections calm the inflamed, injured joint and confirm it as the pain source.
Radiofrequency ablation
When a facet joint is the confirmed source, radiofrequency ablation can provide many months of relief.
Surgery — when the joint is unstable
If the injury left the segment unstable, a spinal fusion restores stability — reserved for cases that truly require it.
Why Choose Our Post-Traumatic Arthritis Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right post-traumatic arthritis 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 post-traumatic arthritis 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
Not sure which applies? Start with the spinal arthritis & degeneration conditions we treat.
Don't let an old injury keep hurting.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for accident-related spine arthritis — with full documentation for your claim.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Frequently Asked Questions
Can arthritis really come from an old injury?
Yes. An injury that damages a joint's cartilage or alignment can accelerate wear and lead to arthritis — sometimes months or years later. This is called post-traumatic arthritis.
My arthritis is from a car accident — can you help with my claim?
Yes. We provide prompt evaluation, thorough documentation and records, and direct coordination with your personal-injury attorney for accident-related spine arthritis.
Will I need surgery?
Usually not. Most post-traumatic arthritis is treated with injections and radiofrequency ablation. Surgery is reserved for cases where the injury left the spine unstable.
Do I need a referral, and are you out-of-network?
No referral is required, and we welcome out-of-network patients, including those treated under a personal-injury claim.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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Your Journey Starts with us.
If you’re living with pain or stiffness from post-traumatic arthritis, Dr. Greenwald and his caring team are here to help you find relief and restore function. We’ll work with you to identify the underlying damage and design a treatment plan that supports your recovery and long-term joint health. Every step you take toward healing brings you closer to regaining your strength and comfort. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and renewed mobility.
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 post-traumatic arthritis, 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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