Spinal Fusion
Cervical Fusion Surgery (Anterior or Posterior)
Cervical Fusion in Phoenix, AZ — Stabilize an Unstable or Damaged Neck
When the neck is unstable or a damaged segment needs lasting support, cervical fusion joins the vertebrae into one solid, stable unit. Performed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Cervical fusion permanently joins two or more neck vertebrae so they move as one — restoring stability when a segment is unstable, damaged, or has been decompressed. It's often part of an ACDF, and a reliable way to relieve pain from abnormal motion in the neck.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How a Cervical Fusion Works
Procedure Overview
Cervical fusion joins two or more vertebrae in the neck into a single, solid segment using a bone graft (which grows the vertebrae together) and usually a plate and screws for immediate stability. It's used when a segment is unstable or painful from abnormal motion, after a disc is removed (as in an ACDF), or to support the spine after decompression. By ending the abnormal motion, fusion relieves pain and protects the nerves.
Conditions We Treat
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related drying and thinning of the discs that can cause pain.
Learn MoreAm I a Candidate?
Cervical fusion is considered for instability, significant degeneration, or after a decompression that would otherwise leave the segment unstable — when conservative care and injections haven't resolved the problem. For a disc-related issue in a suitable patient, a motion-preserving disc replacement may be an alternative; Dr. Greenwald performs both and recommends what fits your neck.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Restores stability and ends painful abnormal motion; protects the nerves after decompression; a durable, time-tested solution; little effect on overall neck motion when one or two levels are fused.
Risks include swallowing difficulty or hoarseness (front approaches), bleeding, infection, hardware or non-union (failure to fuse) issues, and, uncommonly, nerve injury. Dr. Greenwald reviews your individual risks in detail.
Expected Outcomes
Cervical fusion reliably stabilizes the neck and relieves pain from instability or a damaged segment, with high fusion rates. Fusing one or two levels has little impact on your overall neck motion. We discuss realistic, individualized expectations based on your specific condition.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
The approach depends on the problem — often from the front (as with ACDF), sometimes from the back. The damaged disc or compression is addressed, a bone graft is placed between the vertebrae, and a plate with screws stabilizes the segment while the bone fuses. Minimally invasive, tissue-sparing techniques are used where appropriate.
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 or after one night. Neck soreness is common; a soft collar may be used briefly. |
| Weeks 2–6 | Steady return to daily activities and desk work; avoid heavy lifting and extreme neck motion as the fusion forms. |
| Months 2–3 | Resume most normal activities; symptoms continue to improve. |
| Months 6–12 | The fusion solidifies and most patients reach full recovery. |
Single- or two-level fusions generally recover faster than longer constructs. Your timeline depends on the number of levels and your overall health.
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.
Stabilize your neck, relieve the pain.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find out whether cervical fusion — or a motion-preserving alternative — is right for you.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Cervical Fusion: Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose neck movement?
Fusing one or two levels has little effect on your overall neck motion, because the fused level was already moving abnormally and causing pain. The rest of your neck moves normally.
Is cervical fusion the same as ACDF?
ACDF is a specific front-of-neck procedure that removes a disc and fuses that level. Cervical fusion is the broader category — it can be done from the front or back, for various reasons.
Is there an alternative to fusion?
For some disc-related problems, a motion-preserving artificial disc is an alternative. Because Dr. Greenwald performs both, he can tell you honestly which fits your neck.
How long until the fusion heals?
Immediate stability comes from the hardware; the bone fusion solidifies over roughly six to twelve months.
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 chronic neck pain, numbness, or weakness due to cervical spine disease, Cervical Fusion Surgery may provide the lasting relief you need. Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team will perform a detailed evaluation, explain whether an anterior or posterior approach is best for your case, and guide you through every step of your recovery. Every step you take toward advanced spine care brings you closer to strength, stability, and restored quality of life. Schedule your consultation today and discover how Dr. Greenwald’s expertise in cervical fusion can help you move and live without pain.
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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 cervical fusion. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as neck pain, degenerative disc disease, and myelopathy, 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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