Conditions we treat
Ongoing Neck Pain Deserves a Clear Answer
The right treatment starts with identifying the source. A clear diagnosis is the first step.
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Overview
Understanding Neck Pain
Neck pain may develop gradually from posture or degenerative wear, or appear suddenly after strain or injury. Some cases stay localized. Others involve nerve irritation that causes pain, numbness, or weakness into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Identifying the specific source is essential to choosing the right treatment.
Common symptoms
- Persistent or recurring neck pain
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Weakness or loss of grip strength
- Headaches originating from the neck
Causes
What May Be Contributing
Neck pain can result from several conditions affecting the cervical spine. In many cases, more than one factor is involved. Treatment depends on identifying the primary driver.
Conditions that cause neck pain
- Disc herniation or degeneration
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Arthritis of the cervical spine
- Muscle strain or ligament injury
- Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
When to seek evaluation
When It Needs More Than Rest
Most neck pain resolves within days to weeks. When it persists, or produces symptoms beyond the neck, further evaluation is warranted.
If your neck pain is affecting your daily life, it's worth understanding why.
Schedule a neck evaluation →Consider evaluation if
- Pain has persisted for more than 4–6 weeks
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Weakness in your grip or arm
- Pain worsens despite rest or OTC treatment
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Previous treatment has not resolved symptoms
Early evaluation leads to better options.
Diagnosis
How Dr. Varghese Evaluates Your Condition
Dr. Varghese begins by listening to your symptoms, how they started, and how they affect your daily function. A focused physical exam assesses range of motion, strength, and any signs of nerve involvement.
When imaging is needed, X-rays or MRI provide a clearer picture of what's happening inside the cervical spine. Dr. Varghese reviews all findings together with you before making any recommendations.
Every recommendation is grounded in a complete understanding of your condition.
Treatment
Your Treatment Path
Treatment begins with the least invasive options appropriate for your condition. Many patients improve with non-surgical care alone.
Surgery is considered when symptoms persist or when nerve compression is causing ongoing pain, weakness, or functional limitation. When Dr. Varghese recommends surgery, it is because it offers the most reliable path to lasting improvement.
Non-surgical options
- Physical therapy and targeted exercises
- Activity and ergonomic adjustments
- Medication management
- Interventional injections
Surgical options when indicated
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
- Cervical disc replacement
- Posterior cervical decompression
- Minimally invasive approaches
Why Dr. Varghese
The Right Spine Surgeon for Your Neck
Fellowship-trained at one of the nation's top spine centers. Conservative when possible. Precise when it counts.
Fellowship
Advanced spine fellowship at Twin Cities Spine Center with focused cervical training.
Philosophy
Surgery is recommended only when it offers a clear advantage over non-operative care.
Cervical expertise
Trained in ACDF, cervical disc replacement, and posterior cervical decompression.
Integrated care
Practices within Synergy Health Partners with coordinated PT, pain management, and imaging.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Why Patients Trust Dr. Varghese
"My ACDF surgery was a major success story… Dr. Varghese gave me my quality of life back."
— Patient of Dr. Varghese
"Dr. Varghese listens. It's that simple. He is not quick to cut."
— Patient of Dr. Varghese
"He spends as much time with you as needed and explains everything clearly."
— Patient of Dr. Varghese
Schedule your consultation
Ongoing Neck Pain?
Schedule an evaluation to understand the cause of your symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
The next step is a conversation. Everything else follows from there.
Prefer to call? (855) 750-5757Accepting new patients · Second opinions welcomed · Most major insurances