Injury & Trauma
Spondylolysis Treatment Specialists
Expert Spondylolysis Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Spondylolysis — a stress fracture in the spine, common in young athletes — usually heals well with the right care. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, confirms the fracture and guides recovery.
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Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the small bony bridge (the pars) of a lower-back vertebra — a common cause of back pain in young athletes in sports with repeated bending and twisting. Caught early, it usually heals well with rest and rehabilitation. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon confirms it and guides recovery.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500A Pars Stress Fracture
What Is Spondylolysis?
Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the pars interarticularis — a small bony bridge connecting the joints at the back of a vertebra, usually in the lowest level of the lower back. It's typically caused by repetitive hyperextension (bending backward), which is why it's common in young athletes in gymnastics, football, dance, and similar sports.
Spondylolysis often responds well to conservative care when caught early. Left untreated, a pars fracture can allow the vertebra to slip forward — progressing to spondylolisthesis — which is why confirming and treating it matters.
When to See a Specialist for Spondylolysis
See a specialist for persistent lower back pain in an active adolescent or young adult — especially pain that worsens with bending backward or with sport. Early diagnosis gives the best chance of healing the fracture.
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 Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis is treated least-invasive-first — the large majority heals without surgery.
Activity rest & bracing
The first step is pausing the aggravating activity and, when helpful, a supportive brace to let the stress fracture heal.
Physical therapy & return to sport
Physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine rebuilds core strength and guides a safe, staged return to activity.
Surgery — rarely needed
In the uncommon case a fracture doesn’t heal and pain persists or a slip develops, a fusion stabilizes the segment.
Why Choose Our Spondylolysis Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spondylolysis 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 spondylolysis 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
Sports Spine Injuries
Spine injuries from athletic activity, from strains to herniated discs.
Learn MoreNot sure which applies? Start with the spine injuries & trauma we treat.
Heal a stress fracture the right way.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to confirm spondylolysis and guide a safe recovery.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Spondylolysis: Frequently Asked Questions
Will spondylolysis heal on its own?
Often, yes — especially when caught early. Pausing the aggravating activity, bracing when helpful, and physical therapy let most pars stress fractures heal without surgery.
Can my child return to sports?
Usually, yes. After the fracture settles and core strength is rebuilt, we guide a safe, staged return to sport — the goal is healing first, then a durable return.
What happens if it's not treated?
An unhealed pars fracture can allow the vertebra to slip forward, progressing to spondylolisthesis. That's why confirming and treating spondylolysis early is worthwhile.
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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Schedule a Spondylolysis Consultation
If you’ve been diagnosed with spondylolysis or are experiencing persistent lower back pain, early evaluation and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team are here to help you find lasting relief through personalized, effective spine care. Whether through non-surgical methods or advanced minimally invasive options, we’ll guide you toward a stronger, healthier back. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward recovery and long-term spinal health.
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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 spondylolysis, 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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