Disc Disorders
Annular Disc Tear Treatment Specialists
Expert Annular Tear Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
An annular tear can cause surprisingly intense back pain from a small crack in the disc wall. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, confirms the tear and relieves the pain, least-invasive-first.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
An annular tear is a crack in the tough outer wall of a spinal disc. Because that wall is richly supplied with pain nerves, even a small tear can cause intense, deep back pain — and it can be the first step toward a herniation. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon confirms the tear and treats the pain at its source.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Anatomy of an Annular Tear
What Is an Annular Tear?
Each spinal disc has a tough outer wall of concentric rings — the annulus fibrosus — surrounding a soft center, the nucleus pulposus. An annular tear is a crack in that outer wall, from wear or injury. Because the annulus is densely supplied with pain-sensing nerves, even a small tear can cause significant, deep back pain, sometimes without any nerve compression at all.
An annular tear can also be the first step toward a disc herniation, since it weakens the wall that holds the disc's center in place — which is why confirming and treating it early matters.
When to See a Specialist for an Annular Tear
See a specialist for deep, persistent back pain — especially a pain that worsens with sitting and bending — that hasn't improved with rest. Confirming an annular tear directs treatment to the right disc.
Go to an emergency room or call us immediately if you develop progressive leg or arm weakness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, or symptoms following a significant accident or fall.
How We Treat an Annular Tear
An annular tear is treated least-invasive-first, with an emphasis on calming the pain and supporting the disc's own healing.
Conservative care & therapy
Physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine and activity modification let many annular tears heal over time.
Epidural steroid injections
An epidural steroid injection calms inflammation around the disc and relieves pain while the tear heals.
Regenerative & intradiscal options
For suitable patients, PRP and PRP injections support healing, and minimally invasive intradiscal procedures treat pain coming from within the disc.
Why Choose Our Annular Tear Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right annular tear 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 annular tear 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 intervertebral disc disorders we treat.
Relieve the pain of an annular tear.
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) 566-9500Annular Disc Tear: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a small annular tear hurt so much?
The disc's outer wall (the annulus) is densely supplied with pain-sensing nerves. Even a small crack can trigger significant, deep back pain — sometimes without any pressure on a spinal nerve at all.
Will an annular tear heal on its own?
Many do, with time and the right care. Physical therapy and activity changes support healing, and regenerative options may help. The key is calming the pain while the tear recovers.
Can an annular tear lead to a herniation?
Yes. Because the tear weakens the wall that contains the disc's soft center, it can be the first step toward a herniation — which is why early evaluation is worthwhile.
Do I need a referral, and are you out-of-network?
No referral is required, and we welcome out-of-network patients.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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If you suspect you may have an annular disc tear, taking action early can make all the difference in your recovery. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team will guide you through every step of diagnosis and treatment, focusing on solutions that promote healing and long-term spinal health. Every step you take toward relief brings you closer to moving freely and living without pain. Schedule your consultation today and let us help you begin your journey toward lasting comfort and mobility.
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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, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon with extensive experience diagnosing and treating annular tear, 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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