Disc Disorders
Herniated Disc Treatment Specialists
Expert Herniated Disc Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon, Least-Invasive-First
A herniated disc can send sharp, radiating pain down your arm or leg — but most heal without surgery. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, confirms the herniation and treats it with the least invasive option that works.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
A herniated disc happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer wall and presses on a nearby nerve — causing the sharp, radiating pain, numbness, or weakness of sciatica or a pinched arm nerve. The reassuring truth: most herniated discs improve without surgery. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon confirms yours and treats it, least-invasive-first.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Normal Disc vs. Herniated Disc
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc — also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc — occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc (the nucleus) pushes through a tear in its tough outer wall (the annulus) and presses on a spinal nerve. In the lower back it causes sciatica — pain radiating into the buttock and leg; in the neck it sends pain down the arm.
Herniated discs are common and, in most cases, heal on their own as inflammation settles and the fragment shrinks. Confirming the herniation and which nerve it affects is what allows treatment to be precise — and surgery to be avoided when it isn't needed.
When to See a Specialist for a Herniated Disc
See a specialist when arm or leg pain from a suspected disc lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or comes with numbness or weakness. Early, targeted treatment relieves pain faster 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 a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is treated least-invasive-first — most patients recover without surgery.
Conservative care & therapy
Activity changes and physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine, which resolves the majority of herniated discs over time.
Epidural steroid injections
An epidural steroid injection reduces inflammation around the compressed nerve and can relieve radiating pain for months while the disc heals.
Minimally invasive microdiscectomy
When pain persists, a lumbar microdiscectomy or minimally invasive microdiscectomy removes just the herniated fragment through a small incision — fast relief of sciatica.
Cervical disc surgery
For a neck herniation, options include ACDF or a motion-preserving disc replacement. See all discectomy options.
Why Choose Our Herniated Disc Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right herniated disc 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 herniated disc 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.
Get relief from your herniated disc.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a clear diagnosis and a least-invasive-first plan — surgery only if you truly need it.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Herniated Disc: Frequently Asked Questions
Will my herniated disc heal without surgery?
Most do. The majority of herniated discs improve over weeks to months with conservative care and, when needed, an epidural steroid injection. Surgery is reserved for persistent pain or significant weakness.
How do I know if I need surgery?
Surgery is considered when leg or arm pain doesn't improve with conservative care, or when there's progressive weakness or numbness. A minimally invasive microdiscectomy often relieves sciatica quickly in those cases.
What's the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?
A bulge is a broad, contained extension of the disc; a herniation is a focal rupture where inner material pushes through the wall. A herniation is more likely to press on a nerve.
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 to see a herniated disc specialist in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix spine specialists — no referral required.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
Call Now!
Desert Spine and Pain
A Spine Specialist is standing by.
Relief is just a phone call away!
Available Around the Clock.
Phone: (602) 566-9500
Email: [email protected]
Contact Us
Schedule a Consultation
Living with a herniated disc can make even simple movements painful, but relief is within reach. Dr. Greenwald and his dedicated team are here to help you understand your condition and find the most effective treatment for your needs. Whether you require non-surgical care or advanced minimally invasive procedures, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Take control of your spine health today—schedule your consultation and start your journey toward a stronger, pain-free 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 herniated disc, 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!
Desert Spine and Pain
Patient Centered & Partner Focused
Quick Links
Resources
Connect With Us
21001 N Tatum Blvd SUITE 78 1640, Phoenix, AZ 85050
© Desert Spine and Pain. 2026. All Rights Reserved. Sitemap