Neurological
Pinched Nerve Treatment Specialists
Expert Pinched Nerve Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
A pinched nerve in the spine can cause pain, numbness, and tingling that travel into your arm or leg. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, finds exactly what's compressing the nerve and relieves it, least-invasive-first.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
A pinched nerve happens when something — a disc, a bone spur, or a thickened ligament — presses on a spinal nerve, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along that nerve's path. It's a common and very treatable problem. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon identifies the exact source of the compression and relieves it.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Common Causes of a Pinched Nerve
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve — medically, a compressed or entrapped nerve — occurs when surrounding tissue presses on a spinal nerve. In the spine, the usual culprits are a herniated disc, a bone spur, or a thickened ligament narrowing the space the nerve needs. The pressure disrupts the nerve's signals, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiate along its path.
Pinched nerves are common and usually very treatable. The most important step is identifying exactly what's compressing the nerve, and where — which directs the right treatment.
When to See a Specialist for a Pinched Nerve
See a specialist when symptoms of a pinched nerve — radiating pain, numbness, or tingling — last more than a few weeks or come with weakness. Prompt treatment relieves symptoms 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 Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve is treated least-invasive-first — most resolve without surgery.
Conservative care & therapy
Activity changes and physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine relieve many pinched nerves.
Epidural steroid injections
An epidural steroid injection reduces inflammation around the compressed nerve and relieves radiating pain.
Decompression surgery — when needed
When pressure persists, a foraminotomy, laminectomy, or microdiscectomy reopens the space and frees the nerve — minimally invasively whenever possible.
Why Choose Our Pinched Nerve Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right pinched nerve 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 pinched nerve 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 neurological spine conditions we treat.
Free your pinched nerve.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find exactly what's compressing your nerve — and relieve it.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Pinched Nerve: Frequently Asked Questions
Will a pinched nerve heal on its own?
Many do, with time and conservative care. Rest, activity changes, and physical therapy relieve most pinched nerves; an epidural injection helps when inflammation is significant.
How do I know what's pinching my nerve?
A focused exam, imaging, and sometimes nerve testing reveal whether a disc, bone spur, or narrowing is responsible — which determines the right treatment.
Will I need surgery?
Usually not. Surgery is considered only when a pinched nerve causes persistent pain or weakness despite conservative care — and it's often a minimally invasive decompression.
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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Phone: (602) 566-9500
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If you’re living with pain, tingling, or weakness caused by a pinched nerve, relief is possible. Dr. Greenwald and his dedicated team are here to help you understand your condition and find the most effective path to recovery. Through expert diagnosis and personalized treatment, we’ll help you get back to doing what you love—without the pain holding you back. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and better spinal health.
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 pinched nerve, 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.
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