Cervical Spine Disorders

The cervical spine — the seven vertebrae that make up your neck — is one of the most mobile and complex regions of the spine. It supports the weight of your head, allows a wide range of motion, and protects the spinal cord as it passes from the brain down through the body. Because of this mobility and the demands placed on it daily, the cervical spine is also one of the most common sources of pain, nerve symptoms, and functional limitation.

Dr. Ryan Snowden is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance in Nashville, specializing in the full spectrum of cervical spine conditions — from conservative management of neck pain to complex surgical reconstruction. He trained at the Indiana Spine Group under nationally recognized cervical spine specialists and has published research in cervical disc arthroplasty and anterior cervical fusion outcomes.

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting millions of Americans each year. It can range from a dull, persistent ache to sharp, limiting pain that interferes with sleep, work, and daily activities. Common causes include muscle strain, poor posture, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis of the facet joints. For most patients, neck pain resolves with conservative care including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification.

When neck pain persists beyond several weeks, is associated with headaches, or begins radiating into the shoulders or arms, a more thorough evaluation is warranted. Dr. Snowden takes a comprehensive, non-operative-first approach and will always explore all conservative options before recommending surgery.disorders that produce pain and restrict motion. For many people, neck pain is fortunately a temporary condition that disappears with time. Others need medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve their symptoms. 

Cervical radiculopathy — commonly known as a pinched nerve — occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated as it exits the spinal canal. This is typically caused by a herniated disc or bone spur that narrows the foramen (the opening where the nerve exits). Patients often describe sharp, shooting pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand, along with numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Many cases of cervical radiculopathy respond well to non-surgical treatment such as physical therapy, cervical traction, epidural steroid injections, or oral anti-inflammatory medications. When symptoms are severe, progressive, or fail to improve with conservative care, surgical options such as ACDF, cervical disc replacement, or posterior cervical foraminotomy may be recommended.

 Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a condition in which the spinal cord itself becomes compressed due to degenerative changes in the cervical spine — including bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or herniated discs that narrow the spinal canal. Unlike radiculopathy, which affects a single nerve, myelopathy affects the spinal cord and can produce a broader range of symptoms including difficulty with hand dexterity, unsteady gait, weakness in the arms or legs, and in advanced cases, problems with bladder or bowel function.

Myelopathy is a serious condition that generally requires surgical intervention to prevent progression. It is often underdiagnosed because symptoms can develop gradually and be attributed to other causes. If you are experiencing clumsiness with fine motor tasks, difficulty walking, or dropping objects, an evaluation with a spine specialist is important.

Not all neck pain requires surgical evaluation — and most does not require surgery. However, you should seek a specialist consultation if you experience any of the following:

• Neck pain that has not improved after 6 or more weeks of conservative treatment

• Pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand

• Difficulty with grip, writing, or fine motor tasks

• Balance problems or difficulty walking

• Neck pain following a traumatic injury

Dr. Snowden offers the full range of cervical spine treatments, both non-surgical and surgical. Surgical procedures for cervical conditions include Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), Cervical Disc Replacement, Cervical Laminoplasty, Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion, and Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy. The right option depends on your specific diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms, and your goals for recovery.