Dual Board-Certified Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon
Back and Spine Treatments
Least-Invasive-First Spine & Pain Care in Phoenix, AZ — From Conservative Treatment to Complex Surgery
Desert Spine and Pain offers the full range of spine and pain treatments in Phoenix — conservative care, interventional pain procedures, and minimally invasive to complex spine surgery. Led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, we always start with the least invasive option that works.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews!
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
There's rarely just one way to treat spine and back pain — and the best plan is almost never the most aggressive one. Desert Spine and Pain offers the full spectrum of care in Phoenix, from conservative treatment and image-guided injections to minimally invasive and complex spine surgery, and we always start with the least invasive option that works.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Our Spine & Pain Treatments
Non-Invasive & Conservative Care
Bracing, diagnostic nerve testing, PRP and regenerative options, and coordinated conservative care — the first step for most patients.
Explore non-invasive care →Interventional Pain Management
Image-guided injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation to relieve pain precisely — often without surgery.
Explore pain management →Spine Surgery
From minimally invasive procedures to complex spine surgery, performed by a dual board-certified surgeon when conservative care isn't enough.
Explore spine surgery →
Our Least-Invasive-First Philosophy
Most spine and back problems improve without surgery. That's why we move up the ladder only as far as your condition truly requires — starting with conservative care, advancing to targeted interventional pain procedures when needed, and reserving surgery for the cases where it's genuinely the best option. Because Dr. Greenwald is both a spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon, he can see the full picture and recommend the right treatment — not just the one a given specialty happens to offer.
Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain
Your treatment is planned and performed by a specialist who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon — rare in Phoenix — so you get one expert across the entire spectrum of care. We welcome out-of-network patients, require no referral, and partner closely with personal-injury attorneys for accident-related injuries.
Schedule Your ConsultationSpine Treatments: Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need surgery?
Most patients don't. The majority of spine and back conditions are treated successfully with conservative care and, when needed, image-guided injections. Surgery is recommended only when it's genuinely the best option for you.
What does "least-invasive-first" mean?
It means we start with the gentlest effective treatment and advance only if your condition requires it — conservative care first, then interventional pain procedures, and surgery last.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can schedule a consultation directly, and we welcome out-of-network patients of any kind.
Do you offer treatment for accident injuries?
Yes. We treat accident-related spine injuries and coordinate closely with personal-injury attorneys, with 24/7 concierge response and full documentation.
Find the right treatment for your spine or back pain.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a least-invasive-first plan built around your diagnosis.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Spine Treatments
Your Treatment Options
Non-Invasive Care
Improvement often within weeks to several months.
Injections
Relief may last several months, repeatable as needed
MIS
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) patients resume activities in weeks.
Surgery
Spine Surgery recovery can take a few weeks to several months.
Non-Surgical Back and Spine Treatments
We always start with conservative care when appropriate:
Medications – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants
Physical Therapy – Improves flexibility, posture, and core strength
Lifestyle modifications – Weight management, smoking cessation, ergonomic adjustments
Bracing – Short-term support for instability or fractures
Alternative therapies – Massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic care (adjunctive when helpful)
Interventional Pain Management
When conservative care isn’t enough, interventional treatments may help:
Epidural Steroid Injections – Reduce inflammation around nerves
Facet joint injections – Relieve arthritis-related joint pain
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – Long-lasting relief by disabling pain nerves
Nerve blocks – Used for diagnosis and temporary relief
Surgical Back and Spine Treatments
Surgery is reserved for patients who do not improve with non-surgical care, or who have severe nerve compression, spinal instability, or deformity. Options include:
Microdiscectomy – Removes herniated disc fragments
Laminectomy / Foraminotomy – Relieves pressure on nerves
Spinal Fusion – Stabilizes unstable areas of the spine
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) – Small incisions, less pain, faster recovery
Motion preservation procedures – Such as artificial disc replacement (select cases)
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 delivering the full spectrum of spine care, from conservative treatment to complex surgery. He plans and guides care with advanced imaging and builds a personalized, least-invasive-first plan — recommending a procedure only when it is genuinely the best option. His skill and patient-centered approach help patients throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area experience meaningful pain relief, reduced recovery time, and restored mobility.
Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?
Nationally recognized neurosurgeon
Dr. Greenwald provides world-class spine surgery and non-surgical care.
Conservative-first philosophy
Surgery is only considered when necessary.
Comprehensive treatment options
Everything from PT to MIS available in one center.
Compassionate Care & Recovery
We guide patients through the process step by step.
Book your Spine Care Consultation Today!
Desert Spine and Pain
Patient Centered & Partner Focused
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