Neck pain limiting your day?
Review your options.
Neck pain may arise from muscles, discs, joints or nerves. Review your symptoms, examination and prior care to understand the appropriate next step.
Request a Neck Evaluation (Form)Telehealth or in person. Your request does not confirm an appointment.
A careful review before a surgical decision.
Your evaluation connects your history, a neurological examination and imaging when needed. The aim is to understand the source of your symptoms before discussing nonsurgical treatment or a procedure when appropriate.
Bring your imaging
Bring available neck imaging, reports and details of symptoms and previous treatment.
Discuss the alternatives
Review previous care, nonsurgical options, expected benefits, limitations and risks.
Choose the appropriate next step
Surgery is discussed when symptoms, examination and imaging support it. No outcome is guaranteed.
Experience & careful judgment
Meet Dr. Cornacchia.
Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS
A board-certified neurosurgeon with 30 years of spinal cord stimulation experience.
More about Dr. Cornacchia’s experience and SCS device decisions
Spinal cord stimulation experience
Experienced neurosurgical judgment before device decisions.
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device decision, but it is also a diagnosis decision. Apteum’s evaluation is designed to clarify whether SCS is reasonable, whether another spine problem needs attention, and what goals should define success for you.
He works with a community of experienced pain-management doctors and with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and other manufacturers.
Manufacturer relationships do not imply endorsement of a specific device for every patient. Brand and system selection should be based on clinical need, anatomy, MRI considerations, programming goals, prior device history, and shared decision-making.
Additional systems as clinically appropriateYour evaluation focuses on listening, reviewing your imaging and explaining your options clearly. Surgery is considered when it is appropriate for your case.
Your evaluation focuses on your diagnosis, prior care and goals. Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before choosing your next step. An evaluation is not a commitment to surgery or an implant.
Read Dr. Cornacchia’s training and experience →How spinal cord stimulation works
Watch this explanation created by Dr. Cornacchia. Spinal cord stimulation is one option for selected patients after evaluation; it is not appropriate for every cause of pain and does not replace the discussion of the treatment on this page.
Full neck pain information, treatment and FAQs
Neck Pain
Neck pain can be debilitating and affect every aspect of your life. Apteum Spine’s expert team provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment to address the root cause of your neck pain.
Your request does not confirm an appointment.
Understand your condition. Know your options.
The first step is understanding what is causing your symptoms. We review your history, imaging, and previous treatment so you can understand which options deserve consideration.
- Listen
Your history, symptoms, and goals.
- Review
Your imaging and previous treatment.
- Explain
Your options and the next steps.
Information for your evaluation
Understanding Neck Pain
The cervical spine (neck) is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Neck pain can originate from any of these structures. It can range from a mild, nagging ache to severe, disabling pain that interferes with daily activities. Understanding the cause of your neck pain is essential for effective treatment.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain from poor posture or overuse, degenerative conditions like cervical spondylosis or disc herniation, injuries such as whiplash, spinal stenosis in the cervical region, or nerve compression (cervical radiculopathy). In some cases, neck pain may also be associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or meningitis.
Preventing Neck Pain
Many cases of neck pain can be prevented through good habits. Maintain proper posture, especially when using computers or phones. Take regular breaks from prolonged sitting, keep your monitor at eye level, sleep with proper neck support, and perform regular neck stretching and strengthening exercises.
Common Symptoms
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion
- Sharp or stabbing pain in one spot
- Pain that radiates to shoulders, arms, or fingers
- Headaches originating from the neck
- Muscle tightness and spasms
Treatment Options
- Physical therapy and posture correction
- Cervical epidural steroid injections
- Cervical facet joint injections
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
- Cervical disc replacement
Neck Pain & the Cervical Spine
Most neck pain is short-lived and improves with conservative care — but persistent pain, or pain that radiates into the arm with numbness or weakness, deserves a closer look. At Apteum Spine, we identify whether your neck pain is muscular, disc-related, or from nerve compression, and treat accordingly.
Symptoms
• Stiffness or aching in the neck
• Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
• Headaches originating at the base of the skull
Treatment Options
• Physical therapy, posture and ergonomic changes, and medication
• Cervical epidural injections or nerve blocks
• Minimally invasive cervical procedures, disc replacement, or fusion in select cases
Common Causes
Muscle strain, cervical disc herniation, cervical spondylosis (age-related wear), spinal stenosis, or whiplash from an accident.
Diagnosis
History, a neurological exam, and imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) as needed to pinpoint the source.
When to Seek Care
Seek prompt evaluation for arm weakness, numbness, pain after an accident, or pain that won’t resolve. Seek emergency care for problems with coordination or bladder/bowel control.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is neck pain serious?
Red flags include arm weakness or numbness, trauma, fever, or unrelenting night pain.
Will I need neck surgery?
Rarely — most cervical pain is managed without it, and surgery is reserved for nerve compression that hasn’t responded to conservative care.
Medically reviewed by Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS — board-certified neurosurgeon. Last updated: June 2026. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. For urgent symptoms, call (609) 831-0998 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Take your next step with clarity.
Request an evaluation of your condition and options. Our team will contact you to discuss your request and arrange the next step.
Your request does not confirm an appointment.
Understand your neck pain and next step.
Request an evaluation to review your symptoms, imaging, goals and prior treatment history.
The team will contact you to discuss your request. No outcome is guaranteed.