Injury & Trauma
Spondylolisthesis Treatment Specialists
Expert Spondylolisthesis Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Spondylolisthesis — when one vertebra slips forward over another — can cause back pain, leg pain, and instability. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, treats the slip and relieves the symptoms, least-invasive-first.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward out of position over the one below it. Depending on how far it slips and whether it pinches nerves, it can cause lower back pain, stiffness, and leg symptoms. Many cases are managed without surgery. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon finds the right treatment for your slip.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500What Happens in Spondylolisthesis
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slides forward over the vertebra below it, most often in the lower back. It can develop from a stress fracture in the bony bridge of the vertebra (spondylolysis), from age-related degeneration that loosens the joints, or, less often, from a congenital difference or injury.
A small slip may cause only occasional back pain; a larger one can stiffen the back and narrow the space for the nerves, causing leg symptoms. Grading how far the vertebra has slipped — and whether nerves are affected — guides treatment.
When to See a Specialist for Spondylolisthesis
See a specialist for persistent lower back pain, stiffness, or leg symptoms — especially if a slip has been found on imaging. Monitoring and the right treatment prevent a stable slip from becoming a bigger problem.
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 Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is treated least-invasive-first — most patients are managed without surgery.
Conservative care & therapy
Physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine — core and back strengthening — controls symptoms for most patients.
Epidural steroid injections
When the slip narrows the nerve space, an epidural steroid injection relieves inflamed-nerve pain.
Decompression surgery
If nerves are significantly compressed, a laminectomy reopens the space around them.
Stabilizing fusion
For an unstable or progressing slip, a TLIF or lumbar fusion stabilizes the segment — often minimally invasively.
Why Choose Our Spondylolisthesis Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spondylolisthesis 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 spondylolisthesis 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 spine injuries & trauma we treat.
Get the right treatment for your slip.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a precise assessment of your spondylolisthesis — and a least-invasive-first plan.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Spondylolisthesis: Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need surgery for spondylolisthesis?
Most patients won't. Many slips are stable and well-controlled with physical therapy and, when needed, injections. Surgery is considered for significant nerve compression or an unstable, progressing slip.
Is spondylolisthesis dangerous?
Most slips are stable and manageable. The main concerns are nerve compression and progression, which is why monitoring and the right treatment matter — especially for higher-grade slips.
What's the difference between spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the bony bridge of the vertebra; spondylolisthesis is when the vertebra then slips forward. Spondylolysis can lead to spondylolisthesis.
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
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 Spondylolisthesis Consultation
If you’re living with pain or nerve symptoms caused by spondylolisthesis, expert care can help you move and feel better. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team are here to identify the cause of your discomfort and create a treatment plan designed to relieve pain and restore stability. Whether your condition requires conservative care or minimally invasive surgery, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and a stronger, more stable spine.
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 spondylolisthesis, 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