Neck pain is one of the most common complaints I see in my outpatient clinic. For some, it’s a dull ache after a long day at the desk. For others, it’s something more persistent — radiating to the arm, accompanied by numbness, or interfering with sleep and daily life.

In many of these cases, the underlying cause is what we call degenerative cervical spine disease — a condition I often describe to patients as the “natural wear and tear” of the neck portion of the spine. Like other parts of our body, the spine ages. Discs lose hydration, joints stiffen, and bone spurs can form. When these changes start compressing nearby nerves or the spinal cord, symptoms go from mild discomfort to something more concerning.

Most of my patients are in their 40s or 50s, often professionals who spend long hours on computers or looking down at phones. They describe chronic neck pain, stiffness, or a feeling of heaviness in the arms. Others come in with tingling or numbness in the hands, difficulty gripping objects, or even subtle changes in balance. These are signs that the spinal nerves — or in some cases, the spinal cord itself — are being compressed.

Fortunately, not all degenerative changes require surgery. In fact, most don’t. With early diagnosis, we can manage many cases with physiotherapy, postural correction, medications, and lifestyle modification. The goal is always to reduce inflammation, strengthen supporting muscles, and prevent further damage.

But there are situations where surgery becomes necessary — especially if there’s progressive weakness, unrelenting pain, or signs of spinal cord compromise. When that decision is made, patients often worry about safety and recovery. I reassure them that cervical spine surgery today is safe, precise, and minimally invasive when done with proper planning and modern techniques.

Depending on the problem, I may perform a discectomy and fusion, a disc replacement, or a posterior decompression. These surgeries aim to relieve pressure on nerves, restore alignment, and stabilize the spine. Most patients are up and moving within a day or two, and return to work in a few weeks.

As always, the key lies in early attention. Neck pain that lingers, spreads to the arm, or affects coordination should not be ignored. With the right intervention at the right time, we can preserve function, relieve pain, and most importantly — improve quality of life.

“The spine is your body's central support — caring for it early prevents complications later.”