Neurological
Radiculopathy Treatment Specialists
Expert Radiculopathy Treatment in Phoenix, AZ — From a Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Radiculopathy — a pinched nerve root — can cause pain, numbness, and weakness that radiate 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, pinpoints the compressed nerve and relieves it, least-invasive-first.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Radiculopathy is what happens when a spinal nerve root is compressed or irritated — sending pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along that nerve's path into the arm or leg. In the neck it's cervical radiculopathy; in the lower back it's lumbar radiculopathy (often felt as sciatica). At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon finds the pinched root and relieves it.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Nerve Root Compression
What Is Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is the set of symptoms caused when a spinal nerve root is compressed or inflamed where it exits the spine. The culprit is usually a herniated disc, a bone spur, or a narrowed nerve opening (foramen). The result is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows the path of that specific nerve into the limb.
Which nerve is affected determines where you feel it — so identifying the exact compressed root is the key to targeted, effective treatment. Most radiculopathy improves without surgery.
When to See a Specialist for Radiculopathy
See a specialist when arm or leg symptoms from a suspected pinched nerve last more than a few weeks or come with numbness or weakness. Early 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 Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is treated least-invasive-first, targeting the specific compressed nerve root.
Conservative care & therapy
Activity changes and physical therapy through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine settle many irritated nerve roots.
Epidural steroid injections
An epidural steroid injection reduces inflammation around the compressed root and relieves radiating pain.
Decompression & disc surgery
When pain persists, options include microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, and for the neck ACDF or a motion-preserving disc replacement.
Advanced pain control
For persistent nerve pain after other care, spinal cord stimulation — trialed first — can provide lasting relief.
Why Choose Our Radiculopathy Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right radiculopathy 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 radiculopathy 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.
Relieve your pinched nerve root.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to pinpoint and treat the compressed nerve causing your radiculopathy.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Radiculopathy: Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between radiculopathy and sciatica?
Radiculopathy is the general term for a pinched nerve root; sciatica is lumbar radiculopathy felt as radiating leg pain. Cervical radiculopathy affects the neck and arm.
Will I need surgery for radiculopathy?
Usually not at first. Most radiculopathy improves with conservative care and an epidural injection. Surgery is considered for persistent pain or significant weakness.
How do you know which nerve is affected?
Your symptom pattern, a focused exam, imaging, and sometimes nerve testing identify the exact compressed root — which directs treatment precisely.
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
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Phone: (602) 566-9500
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Schedule a Radiculopathy Consultation
If you’re experiencing radiating pain or nerve-related symptoms consistent with radiculopathy, Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team are here to help. With a patient-first approach, we’ll pinpoint the root cause of your pain and design a treatment plan to restore comfort and function. Every step you take toward addressing your symptoms brings you closer to living with confidence and ease. 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 radiculopathy, 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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