Injury & Trauma
Spinal Fracture Treatment Specialists
Expert Spinal Fracture Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
A spinal fracture ranges from a stable crack to an unstable injury that threatens the spinal cord — and expert judgment makes the difference. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, treats spine fractures and coordinates directly with your personal-injury attorney.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
A spinal fracture can be anything from a stable, self-healing crack to an unstable injury that endangers the spinal cord — which is why expert evaluation is so important. Many fractures are treated without surgery; others need prompt stabilization. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon determines exactly what your fracture needs.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Common Types of Spinal Fractures
What Is a Spinal Fracture?
A spinal fracture is a break in one of the vertebrae. Fractures vary widely: a compression fracture (the front of the vertebra collapses, often from a fall or weakened bone), a burst fracture (the vertebra shatters, usually from high-energy trauma), or a fracture-dislocation (the bone breaks and shifts out of alignment, the most unstable type).
Because fractures range from stable to spinal-cord-threatening, the single most important step is an expert assessment of stability — which determines whether a brace, a minimally invasive repair, or surgical stabilization is the right treatment.
When to See a Specialist for a Spinal Fracture
Any suspected spinal fracture should be evaluated promptly — and urgently after significant trauma. Even a compression fracture that seems minor deserves assessment, especially if pain is severe or persistent.
Go to an emergency room or call us immediately if you develop progressive weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain after a significant accident or fall.
How We Treat Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures are treated based on stability — least-invasive-first when the fracture is stable, and prompt stabilization when it isn't.
Bracing & monitoring
Stable fractures often heal with a supportive brace, activity modification, and close monitoring — no surgery needed.
Minimally invasive vertebral repair
For painful compression fractures, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty stabilizes the broken vertebra through a needle — often same-day relief.
Surgical stabilization & decompression
An unstable fracture, or one pressing on nerves, may need a fusion to stabilize the spine or a laminectomy to relieve pressure.
Why Choose Our Spinal Fracture Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spinal fracture 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 spinal fracture 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
Vertebral Compression Fractures
A collapse of the front of a vertebra, often from osteoporosis.
Learn MorePost-Traumatic Arthritis
Spinal arthritis that develops after an earlier injury to a joint.
Learn MoreNot sure which applies? Start with the spine injuries & trauma we treat.
Get expert care for your spinal fracture.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for an expert assessment — and the right treatment for your fracture.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Spinal Fractures: Frequently Asked Questions
Do all spinal fractures need surgery?
No. Many stable fractures heal with bracing and monitoring, and painful compression fractures are often treated with a minimally invasive needle-based repair. Surgery is reserved for unstable fractures or those pressing on nerves.
How do you know if my fracture is stable?
Imaging (X-ray, CT, or MRI) and a careful exam determine whether the fracture threatens the spine's stability or the nerves — which guides whether bracing, a repair, or stabilization is right.
My fracture is from an accident — can you help with my claim?
Yes. We provide prompt evaluation, thorough documentation and records, and direct coordination with your personal-injury attorney.
How fast is relief for a compression fracture?
When kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is appropriate, many patients feel significant relief within a day or two of the procedure.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No referral is required, and we welcome out-of-network patients — but a suspected fracture should be evaluated promptly.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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Phone: (602) 566-9500
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If you’ve suffered a spinal fracture due to trauma or an accident, timely evaluation is critical to preventing complications and promoting recovery. Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team are here to provide expert care, advanced imaging, and individualized treatment tailored to your injury. Every step you take toward proper spine care brings you closer to healing, mobility, and comfort. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward recovery with a trusted spine specialist by your side.
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 spinal fracture, 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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