Lasting neck pain deserves a real answer.
Neck pain can come from muscles, discs, joints, or nerves. Finding the source is the first step toward relief.
Schedule EvaluationUnderstanding neck pain.
The neck, or cervical spine, carries the weight of your head through thousands of movements a day. Pain here can come from strain, worn discs, arthritic joints, or irritated nerves.
When a nerve in the neck is pinched, pain can travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Pressure on the spinal cord itself can affect balance and hand coordination. These patterns matter, and they guide the diagnosis.
Common symptoms
- Stiffness or aching in the neck
- Pain when turning or tilting the head
- Pain that spreads to the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Weaker grip or clumsy hands
- Headaches that start at the neck
What could be causing it.
Several conditions can cause neck pain, and the right treatment depends on which one is responsible.
Conditions that can be responsible
- Herniated cervical disc
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord pressure)
- Facet joint arthritis
- Muscle strain or posture-related pain
When rest is not enough.
Most neck pain settles within a few weeks. Pain that lingers, or symptoms that move into the arms, deserve a closer look.
Trouble with balance or with fine hand movements can be a sign of pressure on the spinal cord. That deserves prompt evaluation.
Schedule a spine evaluation →Consider evaluation if
- Pain has lasted more than four to six weeks
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm or hand
- Weaker grip or dropping objects
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- Pain keeps getting worse despite rest
- Past treatment did not help
An early answer gives you more options.
How Dr. Pompliano evaluates your condition.
Dr. Pompliano starts by listening: when the pain began, where it travels, and what it stops you from doing. The exam checks your neck motion, arm strength, reflexes, and coordination.
If imaging is needed, X-rays or an MRI show the discs, joints, and nerves in detail. He walks through the images with you so the diagnosis is clear before treatment is discussed.
The pattern of your symptoms tells the story. The exam and imaging confirm it.
Your path to treatment.
Most neck conditions improve without surgery. Care usually starts with therapy, activity changes, and medication, with injections when they can help.
Surgery is considered when nerve or spinal cord pressure will not respond to conservative care. Where it fits, Dr. Pompliano favors cervical artificial disc replacement, which relieves pressure while keeping the neck moving.
Non-surgical options
- Physical therapy and posture training
- Activity changes and ergonomic advice
- Medication management
- Cervical steroid injections
Surgical options when indicated
- Cervical artificial disc replacement
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
- Posterior cervical decompression
- Minimally invasive approaches
The right spine surgeon for your neck.
Fellowship-trained. Conservative first. Focused on function.
Fellowship
Fellowship-trained in minimally invasive spine surgery at the San Diego Spine Foundation.
Philosophy
Surgery is recommended only after non-surgical care has had a fair chance.
Cervical expertise
Trained in cervical disc replacement, ACDF, and decompression of the cervical spine.
Integrated care
Practices with Columbia Orthopaedic Group, with imaging and pain management in the same group.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Pompliano
[Patient testimonial: Dr. Pompliano to supply]
[Attribution placeholder]
[Patient testimonial: Dr. Pompliano to supply]
[Attribution placeholder]
[Patient testimonial: Dr. Pompliano to supply]
[Attribution placeholder]
Neck pain that will not let up?
Schedule an evaluation to find the cause of your symptoms and learn your options.
The first step is a conversation.
Request ConsultationPrefer to call? (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Accepting new patients · Second opinions welcome