Greenberg Spine
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Neck Surgeon in Fort Wayne, Indiana

A neck surgeon evaluates neck pain, arm pain, numbness, weakness, and spinal-cord symptoms to determine whether non-surgical care, motion-preserving surgery, decompression, or fusion is appropriate. Dr. Greenberg sees Fort Wayne patients with cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, and disc problems.

When to See a Neck Surgeon

Most neck pain gets better without surgery. But when neck pain travels into the arm or is accompanied by certain other symptoms, it may be time to see a neck specialist for a full evaluation.

Neck pain with arm numbness or weakness

Pain that travels down the arm along with numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness (cervical radiculopathy) may signal a compressed nerve in the neck.

Hand clumsiness or balance changes

Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt, or feeling unsteady when walking, may indicate cervical myelopathy — spinal cord compression that can require prompt evaluation.

Not improving with conservative care

Neck and arm pain that has not meaningfully improved after several weeks of physical therapy, medication, or other non-surgical treatments.

Pain that persists or worsens

Neck or arm pain that continues to get worse over weeks rather than improving, or pain that disrupts sleep and daily activities.

Seek urgent or emergency care if you experience:

  • Progressive weakness in the arms or hands
  • Loss of hand dexterity or increasing clumsiness in fine motor tasks
  • Changes in walking or balance, or feeling unsteady on your feet
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness in the saddle area (inner thighs, groin, buttocks)

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition such as cervical myelopathy or spinal cord compression requiring immediate medical attention.

Neck Conditions Dr. Greenberg Treats

Dr. Greenberg evaluates and treats conditions affecting the cervical spine — the seven vertebrae that make up your neck.

Cervical Radiculopathy

When a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that travels down the shoulder and arm.

Cervical Myelopathy

Compression of the spinal cord in the neck, which can cause hand clumsiness, balance problems, and weakness. This condition may require prompt evaluation.

Herniated Disc

When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer — in the neck, this often causes arm pain, numbness, or weakness.

Motion-Preserving Neck Surgery Options

Not every neck problem requires fusion. Cervical disc replacement is one motion-preserving option for selected cervical pathology; candidacy depends on the diagnosis, levels, alignment, facet condition, bone quality, device labeling, and other factors.

ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) and cervical foraminotomy address different anatomical problems and carry different tradeoffs. Endoscopic or other focused corridors may also fit selected cases. The appropriate approach is the one that can safely accomplish the required decompression and any necessary stabilization.

Cervical Disc Replacement

An artificial-disc option intended to preserve motion at the treated level in selected patients.

ACDF

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for selected nerve-root or spinal-cord compression when stabilization is part of the plan.

Cervical Foraminotomy

A targeted procedure to relieve pressure on a single compressed nerve — without fusion or disc replacement.

Schedule a Neck Evaluation or Second Opinion in Fort Wayne

Whether symptoms are new or surgery has already been proposed, an evaluation can clarify the diagnosis, whether imaging findings fit, and which nonsurgical or surgical options are reasonable.

Ready to Get Your Neck Evaluated?

Use the appointment request page to ask about an evaluation or second opinion in Fort Wayne.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if you have any of the following:

  • New clumsiness in the hands — buttons, handwriting, dropping things
  • Unsteadiness, imbalance, or falls when walking
  • Rapidly progressive weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

These can be signs of a problem that needs emergency treatment.

Request a consultGet a second opinion

This is general educational information, not medical advice. A clinical evaluation is the only way to know what’s right for you.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What doctor treats neck pain that runs into the arm?

Neck pain that travels down the arm with numbness, tingling, or weakness is often cervical radiculopathy — irritation of a nerve in the neck. Start with your primary care doctor. If symptoms persist, a neck surgeon (orthopedic spine surgeon) can evaluate whether a disc herniation or bone spur is compressing the nerve and discuss treatment options.

Is neck surgery always a fusion?

No. Cervical disc replacement is a motion-preserving alternative to fusion for many patients. It removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one that maintains natural neck movement. Fusion (ACDF) may still be the right choice depending on your anatomy and condition. A neck specialist can explain which approach fits your situation.

When is neck pain an emergency?

Seek urgent or emergency care if neck pain is accompanied by progressive weakness in the arms or hands, loss of hand dexterity or clumsiness, changes in walking or balance, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the saddle area. These can signal cervical myelopathy or spinal cord compression requiring prompt evaluation.

What does a neck surgeon do for a pinched nerve?

First, confirm that a pinched nerve is actually the problem — arm pain can also come from the shoulder, the elbow, or other sources. If a nerve in your neck is compressed, most patients start with non-surgical care: therapy, medication, and time. When symptoms persist or weakness develops, procedures like cervical foraminotomy, cervical disc replacement, or ACDF can relieve the pressure. The right choice depends on your anatomy, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

When should I see a neck surgeon instead of a chiropractor?

Neck pain that stays in the neck and improves over a few weeks is reasonable to manage with therapy, chiropractic care, or your primary doctor. A surgical evaluation matters more when pain travels into the arm, when you notice numbness, tingling, or weakness, when your hands feel clumsy, or when your balance changes. Those patterns can mean a nerve or the spinal cord is involved, and the stakes are different.

Do I need a referral to see a neck surgeon in Fort Wayne?

Usually not. Many plans allow direct scheduling; some HMO plans require a referral from your primary doctor. Our office can verify your coverage before your visit. Bring any prior MRI or X-rays and a list of what you have already tried.

Is cervical disc replacement better than fusion?

Neither is automatically better — they solve the same problem in different ways. Disc replacement preserves motion at the treated level; fusion eliminates motion there but has a long, predictable track record. Candidacy for disc replacement depends on the levels involved, alignment, the facet joints, and bone quality. I will recommend the option that fits your anatomy and your goals, and explain the tradeoffs either way.

Talk with a fellowship-trained spine surgeon

Most spine problems improve without surgery. When an operation is warranted, the goal is to match the least-disruptive effective option to the diagnosis and anatomy.

Request an appointment Call (260) 484-8551