Disc Disorders
Degenerative Disc Herniation Treatment Specialists
Expert Treatment for Degenerative Disc Herniation in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
When a worn, degenerated disc herniates, it can press on a nerve and cause radiating pain. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, treats both the herniation and the underlying wear — least-invasive-first.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
A degenerative disc herniation is a herniation that happens in a disc already weakened by age-related wear. The worn disc is more prone to tearing, and when it does, the escaping material can press on a nerve — causing sciatica or arm pain on top of chronic stiffness. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon treats both problems with a single, least-invasive-first plan.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500When a Worn Disc Herniates
What Is a Degenerative Disc Herniation?
A degenerative disc herniation combines two problems: a disc worn down by degeneration, and a herniation where that weakened disc tears and pushes material onto a nerve. Because the disc is already thinned and brittle, it herniates more easily — often with less force than a healthy disc would need.
The result is usually chronic stiffness from the degeneration plus the sharp, radiating pain of nerve compression. Treating it well means addressing both the herniation and the worn disc behind it.
When to See a Specialist
See a specialist when radiating arm or leg pain develops in the setting of known disc degeneration, or when chronic back pain suddenly becomes sharp and shooting. Early treatment relieves pain and protects the nerve.
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 Herniation
We treat degenerative disc herniation least-invasive-first, relieving the nerve compression while managing the underlying wear.
Conservative care & therapy
Physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine settles many degenerative herniations as inflammation resolves.
Epidural steroid injections
An epidural steroid injection reduces inflammation around the compressed nerve and relieves radiating pain.
Minimally invasive microdiscectomy
When pain persists, a lumbar microdiscectomy or minimally invasive microdiscectomy removes the herniated fragment.
Fusion — when the segment is unstable
If the worn segment is unstable, a spinal fusion stabilizes it along with relieving the nerve — reserved for cases that truly require it.
Why Choose Our Degenerative Disc Herniation Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right degenerative disc herniation 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 herniation 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.
Treat the herniation — and the wear behind it.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a single, least-invasive-first plan.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Degenerative Disc Herniation: Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a regular herniated disc?
A degenerative disc herniation happens in a disc already weakened by age-related wear, so it combines chronic degeneration symptoms with the sharp, radiating pain of a herniation. Treatment addresses both.
Will I need surgery?
Usually not at first. Most degenerative herniations settle with conservative care and an epidural injection. A minimally invasive microdiscectomy is considered if pain persists or there's significant weakness.
Could I need a fusion?
Only if the worn segment is also unstable. In that case a fusion both relieves the nerve and stabilizes the spine — but it's reserved for cases that truly require it.
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’re struggling with pain or nerve symptoms from a degenerative disc herniation, Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team are here to help you find the right solution. We’ll work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that relieves pain, restores strength, and helps prevent future flare-ups. Every step you take toward better spine health is a step toward a more active, comfortable life. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and renewed confidence in your movement.
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 herniation, 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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