Neurological
Myelopathy Treatment Specialists
Expert Myelopathy Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — Spinal Cord Compression Care From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord itself — a serious condition that needs prompt, expert care. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, relieves the pressure to protect your spinal cord and function.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord — not just a nerve root — most often in the neck. Because the cord carries signals to your whole body, myelopathy can cause hand clumsiness, balance and walking trouble, and weakness, and it tends to progress if left untreated. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon provides the prompt, expert care this condition demands.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Spinal Cord Compression in Myelopathy
What Is Myelopathy?
Myelopathy is dysfunction of the spinal cord caused by compression. Unlike a pinched nerve root (radiculopathy), myelopathy affects the cord itself — so symptoms can appear anywhere below the compression. It's most common in the neck (cervical myelopathy), usually from spinal stenosis, bone spurs, or a large disc herniation.
Myelopathy is a more serious condition because the spinal cord doesn't tolerate pressure well and symptoms tend to progress. Early diagnosis and timely decompression are what protect long-term function — which is why this condition belongs with an experienced spine surgeon and neurosurgeon.
When to See a Specialist for Myelopathy
See a specialist promptly for signs of myelopathy: new clumsiness with your hands (buttons, writing), balance or walking difficulty, or weakness. Because myelopathy can progress, timely evaluation matters.
Go to an emergency room or call us immediately if you develop rapidly worsening weakness, loss of balance or coordination, numbness around the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control — these can signal serious spinal cord compression.
How We Treat Myelopathy
Because myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord and tends to progress, treatment is focused on relieving the pressure — and for most patients that means surgical decompression, chosen to be as targeted as possible.
Prompt evaluation & imaging
A thorough exam and MRI confirm the level and severity of spinal cord compression — the basis for an individualized plan.
Decompression surgery
The core treatment is relieving the pressure on the cord — via ACDF, corpectomy, cervical stenosis surgery, or a laminectomy, chosen for your anatomy.
Stabilization when needed
When decompression affects spinal stability, a cervical fusion restores it — performed as part of the same plan.
Why Choose Our Myelopathy Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right myelopathy 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 myelopathy 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 neurological spine conditions we treat.
Protect your spinal cord — don't wait.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix promptly for expert evaluation and decompression of spinal cord compression.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Myelopathy: Frequently Asked Questions
How is myelopathy different from a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve (radiculopathy) compresses a single nerve root; myelopathy compresses the spinal cord itself. Because the cord serves the whole body below it, myelopathy is more serious and tends to progress.
Does myelopathy require surgery?
Usually, yes. Because the spinal cord doesn't tolerate ongoing pressure, surgical decompression is typically recommended to relieve the compression and protect long-term function. The specific procedure depends on your anatomy.
What happens if myelopathy is left untreated?
It tends to progress, with worsening hand function, balance, and strength. Timely decompression is what protects function — which is why prompt evaluation is important.
Why see a spine surgeon and neurosurgeon for this?
Myelopathy involves the spinal cord directly. Dr. Greenwald's dual training as a spine surgeon and neurosurgeon is exactly the expertise this condition calls for.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No referral is required, and we welcome out-of-network patients — but given the nature of myelopathy, don't delay being seen.
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
Your Journey Begins with us.
Every step you take toward your health is a step toward a better tomorrow. With our compassionate care and expert guidance, we’ll be with you at every turn, helping you recover, regain strength, and thrive. You deserve to feel your best, and we’re here to make it happen, one day at a time.
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 myelopathy, 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