Conditions — Cervical Spine

Cervical Spine Disorders

The cervical spine — the seven vertebrae that make up the neck — is one of the most mobile and complex regions of the spine. It supports the weight of the head, allows a wide range of motion, and protects the spinal cord as it travels from the brain into the body. Because of this mobility and daily demand, 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 Orthopaedic 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

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting millions of people 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 explores conservative options fully before ever recommending surgery.

Learn more at OrthoInfo (AAOS) →

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

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, typically from a herniated disc or bone spur narrowing the foramen. Patients often describe sharp, shooting pain traveling from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand, along with numbness, tingling or weakness.

Many cases respond well to non-surgical treatment: physical therapy, cervical traction, epidural steroid injections, or oral anti-inflammatory medication. 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.

Learn more at OrthoInfo (AAOS) →

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (Spinal Cord Compression)

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

Myelopathy is a serious, often underdiagnosed condition that generally requires surgical intervention to prevent progression, since symptoms can develop gradually and be attributed to other causes. Clumsiness with fine motor tasks, difficulty walking, or dropping objects warrant a spine specialist evaluation.

Learn more at OrthoInfo (AAOS) →

When Should You See a Spine Surgeon?

Not all neck pain requires surgical evaluation — most does not. Seek a specialist consultation if you experience:

Neck pain that hasn't improved after 6+ 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

Treatment Options for Cervical Spine Conditions

Dr. Snowden offers the full range of cervical spine treatments, both non-surgical and surgical. Surgical procedures 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 the specific diagnosis, symptom severity, and recovery goals.

Related Procedures

Cervical Disc Replacement ACDF Cervical Laminoplasty Laminectomy & Fusion Cervical Foraminotomy

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I try conservative treatment before seeing a spine surgeon for neck pain?

Most neck pain improves within four to six weeks with physical therapy, activity modification and anti-inflammatory medication. If pain persists beyond that window, or is accompanied by arm pain, numbness or weakness, a specialist evaluation is reasonable.

What's the difference between cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy?

Radiculopathy affects a single nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness or weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand. Myelopathy affects the spinal cord itself and can cause hand clumsiness, gait imbalance and, in advanced cases, bladder or bowel changes — it generally requires more urgent evaluation.

Is surgery always required for a herniated cervical disc?

No. Most cervical disc herniations improve with non-surgical care. Surgery such as ACDF or cervical disc replacement is considered when symptoms are severe, progressive, or unresponsive to conservative treatment.

Living with neck pain or arm symptoms?

Get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan built around it.

Request an Appointment Call (615) 329-6600