Motion Preservation
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) Surgery
Motion-Preserving Artificial Disc Replacement in Phoenix, AZ — An Alternative to Fusion
For the right patient, a worn or damaged disc can be replaced with an artificial one that preserves natural motion — instead of fusing the spine.. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS specializes in cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement, carefully selecting candidates who benefit most from motion-preserving implants.
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Artificial disc replacement removes a worn or damaged disc and replaces it with an implant that keeps the spine moving — a motion-preserving alternative to fusion. For suitable candidates, it relieves disc-related pain while protecting the discs above and below from extra stress.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How Artificial Disc Replacement Works
Procedure Overview
When a disc is worn or damaged and causing pain, one option is to fuse that segment; another, for the right patient, is to replace the disc with an artificial disc that preserves natural motion. By keeping the segment moving, disc replacement may reduce the extra stress that a fusion can place on neighboring discs over time. It can be performed in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar).
Conditions We Treat
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related drying and thinning of the discs that can cause pain.
Learn MoreAm I a Candidate?
Disc replacement suits patients with disc-related pain who have healthy facet joints and good alignment at the treated level — the features that make motion preservation appropriate. Not everyone is a candidate. Because Dr. Greenwald performs both disc replacement and fusion, a thorough evaluation determines which genuinely fits your spine.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Relieves disc-related pain while preserving motion; may protect neighboring discs from extra stress; no fusion to heal; a muscle-sparing front approach for a comfortable recovery.
Risks include bleeding, infection, implant issues, and, uncommonly, nerve injury (plus temporary swallowing difficulty with anterior neck approaches). Not every spine is suited to motion preservation. Dr. Greenwald reviews your candidacy and risks in detail.
Expected Outcomes
For well-selected patients, artificial disc replacement relieves pain comparably to fusion while preserving motion, and modern implants are engineered for long-term durability. The decisive factor is candidacy — which is why evaluation by a surgeon who performs both procedures matters. We set clear, individualized expectations.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
Through a front approach (anterior) to the neck or lower back, the damaged disc and any bone spurs compressing the nerves are removed. A precisely sized artificial disc is implanted to restore height and alignment while allowing the segment to move naturally. No fusion is needed.
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. Short walks; avoid heavy lifting and extremes of bending; early gentle motion is encouraged. |
| Weeks 2–6 | Steady return to daily activities and desk work; because there's no fusion to protect, motion is often resumed sooner than after a fusion. |
| Months 2–3 | Resume most normal activities with preserved motion at the treated level. |
| Month 6 | Most patients reach full recovery. |
Because there's no fusion to heal, recovery after a disc replacement can be quicker than after a fusion for suitable patients. Your timeline depends on your anatomy and 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.
Relieve disc pain — and keep your motion.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find out whether motion-preserving disc replacement is right for you.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Artificial Disc Replacement: Frequently Asked Questions
Is disc replacement better than fusion?
For the right candidate, disc replacement preserves motion and may reduce stress on neighboring discs. For others, fusion is more reliable. The best option depends on your specific disc, alignment, and joints.
Am I a candidate?
Generally if you have disc-related pain but healthy facet joints and good alignment. A thorough evaluation determines whether disc replacement or fusion suits your spine.
How long do artificial discs last?
Modern artificial discs are engineered for long-term durability. Your surgeon will review the current evidence and what it means for you.
Will I keep my motion?
That's the goal — for suitable patients, the implant preserves natural motion at the treated level.
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 living with chronic neck or back pain due to degenerative disc disease, Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) may be an excellent solution. Dr. Greenwald and his experienced team will carefully evaluate your condition, explain your treatment options, and determine whether ADR is the best approach for your spine. Every step you take toward advanced, motion-preserving care brings you closer to comfort, flexibility, and renewed quality of life. Schedule your consultation today and let Dr. Greenwald help you restore movement and live pain-free.
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 advanced expertise in artificial disc replacement. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease and herniated disc, 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.
Book your Spine Care Consultation Today!
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