Disc Disorders
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Specialists
Expert Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a normal part of aging — but when worn discs cause pain, 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 disc-related pain with the least invasive option — including motion-preserving alternatives to fusion.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Degenerative disc disease isn't really a “disease” — it's the natural drying and thinning of the spinal discs as we age. For many people it's painless, but when worn discs cause chronic back or neck pain, there's a lot we can do. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon offers the full range — from regenerative care to motion-preserving disc replacement.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Healthy Disc vs. Degenerated Disc
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the gradual wear of the spinal discs — the cushions between your vertebrae. Over time, discs lose water content, thin, and stiffen, which can reduce disc height, strain nearby joints, and sometimes irritate nerves. It most often affects the lower back and neck.
DDD is extremely common and frequently painless. When it does cause pain, the goal is to relieve it and keep the spine moving — and because we offer both fusion and motion-preserving disc replacement, your plan can fit your spine rather than a single technique.
When to See a Specialist for Degenerative Disc Disease
See a specialist when chronic back or neck pain limits your activity, flares repeatedly, or is only being masked by medication. Targeting the specific worn disc — and knowing all your options — is what makes treatment effective.
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 Degenerative Disc Disease
DDD is treated least-invasive-first, and when surgery helps, motion-preserving options are considered before fusion.
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.
Injections & intradiscal procedures
Epidural steroid injections calm nerve irritation, and minimally invasive intradiscal procedures treat pain coming from within the disc itself.
Motion-preserving disc replacement
For the right candidate, an artificial disc replacement — cervical or lumbar — relieves pain while preserving natural motion.
Spinal fusion — when appropriate
When a worn segment is unstable or painful despite other care, a lumbar or cervical fusion provides durable stability.
Why Choose Our Degenerative Disc Disease Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right degenerative disc 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 disc 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
Not sure which applies? Start with the intervertebral disc disorders we treat.
Relieve disc pain — and keep your spine moving.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a least-invasive-first plan, including motion-preserving options.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Degenerative Disc Disease: Frequently Asked Questions
Is degenerative disc disease serious?
It's a normal part of aging and is often painless. When it does cause pain, it's very manageable — and having a surgeon who offers both fusion and motion-preserving options means you get the right treatment, not just one choice.
Can degenerative disc disease be reversed?
The degeneration itself can't be reversed, but the pain it causes is very treatable, and regenerative options may support the disc. Most patients do well without surgery.
Is fusion my only surgical option?
No. For the right candidate, a motion-preserving artificial disc replacement is an alternative to fusion. Because Dr. Greenwald performs both, he can recommend what genuinely fits your spine.
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 you’re living with pain from degenerative disc disease, Dr. Greenwald and his dedicated team are here to help you find relief and restore your quality of life. From diagnosis to recovery, you’ll receive compassionate care and personalized guidance every step of the way. Whether your pain is mild or severe, there are effective treatments that can help you move better and feel stronger. Take the first step toward a healthier spine—schedule your consultation today and start your path to lasting relief.
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 disc disease (DDD), 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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