Stenosis Surgery
Thoracic Stenosis Surgery
Surgery for Thoracic Spinal Stenosis in Phoenix, AZ — Decompress the Mid-Back
Thoracic spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the mid-back narrows, compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. Though less common than lumbar or cervical stenosis, it can cause mid-back pain, numbness, weakness, balance problems, or even paralysis if left untreated. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS provides expert surgical care for thoracic stenosis, using microsurgical and minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Our goal is to relieve compression, protect the spinal cord, and restore your function and confidence.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Thoracic spinal stenosis — narrowing of the canal in the mid-back — is less common than in the neck or lower back, but because the thoracic canal is tight and houses the spinal cord, compression here can affect the legs and trunk. Decompression surgery relieves that pressure.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How Thoracic Decompression Relieves Stenosis
Procedure Overview
Thoracic stenosis surgery relieves pressure on the spinal cord in the mid-back by removing the bone, thickened ligament, or disc material narrowing the thoracic canal. Because the thoracic spine is stabilized by the rib cage and the canal is relatively tight around the cord, these decompressions require careful planning — exactly the kind of judgment a spine surgeon and neurosurgeon brings. The approach is tailored to where the compression lies.
Conditions We Treat
Am I a Candidate?
Surgery is considered for thoracic stenosis causing cord-compression symptoms — leg weakness or numbness, balance changes, or trunk symptoms — confirmed on imaging, when the compression is significant. Because thoracic stenosis is uncommon, a careful evaluation confirms it's the source before surgery is planned.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Relieves spinal cord compression in the mid-back; can protect leg and trunk function; approach tailored to the compression; performed by a surgeon experienced with the spinal cord.
Because the thoracic canal is tight around the cord, these are careful procedures; risks include bleeding, infection, hardware or fusion issues, and, uncommonly, neurological injury. Dr. Greenwald discusses your individual risks thoroughly.
Expected Outcomes
For appropriately selected patients, thoracic decompression relieves cord compression and protects leg and trunk function. Because thoracic stenosis is uncommon and the canal is tight, careful planning and experience matter — which is why this belongs with a surgeon comfortable at every level of the spine. We set clear, individualized expectations.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
Under general anesthesia, the thoracic cord is decompressed through the approach best suited to the location of the compression — typically from the back, sometimes a more specialized corridor. The compressing bone, ligament, or disc is carefully removed, and the spine is stabilized with a fusion if the decompression affects stability.
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 1–2 weeks | A short hospital stay is typical. Gentle activity and walking; no heavy lifting; the incision is cared for. |
| Weeks 2–6 | Activity increases gradually; light activity resumes; any fusion begins to form. |
| Months 2–3 | Return to most normal activities as symptoms improve. |
| Months 6–12 | Recovery continues; any fusion solidifies over this period. |
Recovery depends on the approach and whether a fusion was needed. Neurological recovery depends on the pre-operative severity of the cord compression.
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.
Expert care for mid-back stenosis.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find out whether thoracic stenosis surgery is right for you.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Thoracic Stenosis Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
Is thoracic stenosis common?
No — it's much less common than cervical or lumbar stenosis, because the rib cage stabilizes the thoracic spine. But when it occurs, it can compress the spinal cord and deserves careful evaluation.
What symptoms does it cause?
Because the thoracic cord serves the legs and trunk, compression can cause leg weakness or numbness, balance changes, or trunk symptoms — which is why prompt evaluation matters.
Will I need a fusion?
Sometimes, if the decompression affects the spine's stability. Whether it's needed depends on your anatomy and the approach.
Why choose an experienced surgeon?
The thoracic canal is tight around the cord, so these decompressions require careful planning and experience — which Dr. Greenwald's dual training provides.
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 back pain, balance issues, or leg weakness caused by thoracic spinal stenosis, timely treatment is essential. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team will conduct a thorough evaluation, review your imaging, and determine whether Thoracic Stenosis Surgery is the best option for your condition. Every step you take toward expert spine care brings you closer to comfort, mobility, and peace of mind. Schedule your consultation today and learn how Dr. Greenwald’s specialized approach to thoracic spine surgery can help you regain control of your health and quality of life.
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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 thoracic stenosis surgery. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis and upper back pain, 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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