Discectomy Procedures
Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Microdiscectomy in Phoenix, AZ — Fast Relief From Sciatica
When a herniated lumbar disc is pinching the nerve, a microdiscectomy removes the offending fragment through a small incision — often with fast relief of sciatica. Performed minimally invasively by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
A lumbar microdiscectomy removes the herniated portion of a disc that's pressing on a spinal nerve in the lower back — the most direct way to relieve sciatica. Performed through a small, muscle-sparing incision with magnification, it's one of the most effective and quickest-recovery spine procedures.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How a Lumbar Microdiscectomy Works
Procedure Overview
When the soft center of a lumbar disc herniates and presses on a nerve root, it causes the radiating leg pain of sciatica. A microdiscectomy removes just that herniated fragment — decompressing the nerve — through a small, muscle-sparing incision using an operating microscope or tubular retractor. Because it removes only the problem fragment and preserves the rest of the disc and the spine's stability, recovery is typically quick.
Conditions We Treat
Am I a Candidate?
A microdiscectomy is considered when a herniated disc causes persistent or severe sciatica, or leg weakness, that hasn't resolved with several weeks of conservative care and an epidural injection — or sooner if there's significant weakness. Imaging confirms the herniation matches your symptoms. It's one of the most common and successful spine operations.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Fast, reliable relief of sciatica; small, muscle-sparing incision; typically same-day discharge and quick recovery; preserves the rest of the disc and spinal stability.
Risks include bleeding, infection, dural leak, re-herniation of the same disc, and, uncommonly, nerve injury. Dr. Greenwald reviews your individual risks in detail.
Expected Outcomes
Microdiscectomy is highly effective for sciatica caused by a herniated disc — most patients experience prompt, significant relief of leg pain, with numbness and weakness improving as the nerve recovers. A small percentage can re-herniate; we discuss how to minimize that risk and what to expect realistically.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
Under anesthesia, through a small incision, a tubular retractor or microscope gives the surgeon a clear, magnified view with minimal muscle disruption. The herniated fragment pressing on the nerve is carefully removed, and the nerve is confirmed to be free before closing. Most patients 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 week | Usually home the same day. Short walks; avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting; keep the incision clean and dry. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Steady increase in activity; many return to desk work; a short course of physical therapy may begin. |
| Weeks 4–8 | Resume most activities and light exercise as directed. |
| Months 2–3 | Full recovery for most patients, with ongoing improvement of any residual numbness. |
Microdiscectomy has one of the quickest recoveries in spine surgery. To reduce the small risk of re-herniation, we guide a sensible return to lifting and high-impact activity.
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.
Fast relief from a herniated disc.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find out whether a minimally invasive microdiscectomy is right for you.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
How fast will my sciatica improve?
Many patients feel significant relief of leg pain very soon after surgery, because the nerve is immediately decompressed. Numbness and weakness improve as the nerve heals.
Is it minimally invasive?
Yes. It's done through a small, muscle-sparing incision with magnification, which is why recovery is typically quick and same-day discharge is common.
Will my disc herniate again?
A small percentage of discs re-herniate. We guide a sensible return to lifting and high-impact activity to reduce that risk.
Will I need a fusion?
Usually not. A microdiscectomy removes only the herniated fragment and preserves the rest of the disc and the spine's stability.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix spine specialists, and we welcome out-of-network patients.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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If you’re experiencing persistent lower back or leg pain from a herniated disc, a Lumbar Microdiscectomy may provide the relief you need. Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team will perform a detailed evaluation, review your imaging, and determine whether this minimally invasive procedure is right for you. Every step you take toward expert spine care brings you closer to comfort, strength, and a pain-free life. Schedule your consultation today and let Dr. Greenwald help you regain mobility and confidence through advanced, minimally invasive spinal surgery.
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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 advanced expertise in lumbar microdiscectomy. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as herniated disc, sciatica, and disc extrusion, 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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