Spinal Decompression
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Release in Phoenix, AZ — Relieve a Compressed Median Nerve
When carpal tunnel syndrome causes hand numbness and weakness, especially at night or with repetitive activities, releasing the compressed median nerve restores function. When splints, medications, injections, and therapy are no longer effective, carpal tunnel release surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS uses both open and endoscopic techniques, with a focus on minimally invasive approaches for faster recovery.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, causing hand numbness, tingling, and weakness. A carpal tunnel release divides the ligament crowding the nerve, relieving the pressure and restoring function. As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Greenwald brings deep nerve expertise to this common peripheral-nerve procedure.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How Carpal Tunnel Release Works
Procedure Overview
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, beneath a tough band called the transverse carpal ligament. When that tunnel is crowded, the nerve is compressed — causing the numbness, tingling, and weakness of carpal tunnel syndrome, often worst at night or with gripping. A carpal tunnel release divides the ligament to enlarge the tunnel and free the nerve. Because it treats a compressed nerve, it fits naturally within a neurosurgeon's expertise.
Conditions We Treat
Am I a Candidate?
Carpal tunnel release is considered when symptoms persist despite conservative care — splinting, activity changes, and sometimes an injection — or when there's weakness or nerve changes on nerve testing. Confirming the diagnosis and ruling out a nerve problem higher up (including the neck) is part of the evaluation — an advantage of being assessed by a spine and nerve specialist.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Directly relieves a compressed median nerve; usually a quick outpatient procedure; reliably improves numbness, tingling, and grip for most patients; evaluated by a surgeon who can also rule out a nerve problem in the neck.
Risks include soreness, scar tenderness, infection, and, uncommonly, incomplete relief or nerve irritation. Dr. Greenwald reviews your individual risks beforehand.
Expected Outcomes
Carpal tunnel release is one of the most reliable nerve-decompression procedures. Most patients have prompt relief of night-time numbness and tingling, with grip strength and sensation improving over the weeks that follow. Recovery is better the earlier the nerve is released, before long-standing compression causes permanent changes.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
The procedure is typically outpatient, often under local or regional anesthesia. Through a small incision at the base of the palm (or an endoscopic approach where appropriate), the transverse carpal ligament is divided to open the tunnel and decompress the median nerve. The skin is closed, and you go home the same day.
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Greenwald at an affiliated, accredited surgical facility — not in the clinic office — with a full surgical and anesthesia team.
Recovery & Return to Activity
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First few days | Outpatient procedure; the hand is bandaged. Keep it elevated; gentle finger movement is encouraged. |
| Weeks 1–2 | Stitches are removed; gradual return to light activities; grip comfort begins to improve. |
| Weeks 3–6 | Most daily activities resume; numbness and tingling continue to improve as the nerve recovers. |
| Months 2–3 | Full strength and sensation return for most patients. |
Recovery is usually quick. Heavy gripping and lifting are limited for a few weeks while the area heals, and nerve symptoms continue to improve over the following months.
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.
Proudly 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.
Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spine 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 spine 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.
Relieve the pressure on your median nerve.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find out whether carpal tunnel release is right for you.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Carpal Tunnel Release: Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a spine surgeon do my carpal tunnel surgery?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressed nerve, which is squarely within a neurosurgeon's expertise. Being evaluated by a spine and nerve specialist also means a nerve problem in the neck can be ruled out as a contributor.
Is it outpatient?
Yes. It's typically a quick outpatient procedure, often under local or regional anesthesia, and you go home the same day.
How soon will my symptoms improve?
Night-time numbness and tingling often improve promptly, with grip strength and sensation continuing to recover over the following weeks to months.
Will it come back?
Recurrence is uncommon after a complete release. Treating it before long-standing compression causes permanent nerve changes gives the best result.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix specialists, and we welcome out-of-network patients.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand from carpal tunnel syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Release may be the solution you need for lasting relief. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team will evaluate your symptoms, review diagnostic testing, and determine the most effective treatment for your condition. Every step you take toward proper nerve care brings you closer to comfort and restored hand function. Schedule your consultation today and let Dr. Greenwald help you return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
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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 advanced expertise in carpal tunnel release. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as pinched nerve (carpal tunnel syndrome), which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, Dr. Greenwald relieves nerve compression and instability while protecting healthy tissue and preserving spinal stability. 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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