Neck Pain & Cervical Spine Conditions

Expert diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylosis, disc herniation, and arm pain in Lahore, Pakistan

Neck Pain (Gardan Dard) — When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints in Pakistan. While most neck pain resolves with rest and physiotherapy, certain types signal a more serious problem in the cervical spine (neck bones and discs) that requires specialist evaluation.

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon at MidCity Hospital Lahore, specialises in diagnosing and treating cervical spine conditions — from conservative management to minimally invasive cervical disc surgery.

Warning Signs — Consult a Neurosurgeon Urgently

!Pain radiating from neck down one arm

!Numbness or tingling in fingers or hand

!Weakness in arm, hand, or grip

!Electric shock-like pain in neck or arms

!Loss of balance or coordination

!Difficulty walking or clumsiness

!Neck pain after road accident or fall

!Bladder or bowel changes with neck pain

Common Cervical Spine Conditions

Cervical Spondylosis

Age-related wear and tear of the cervical spine — disc degeneration, bone spurs (osteophytes), and joint arthritis. Extremely common over age 40. Causes neck stiffness, aching, and sometimes arm symptoms.

Cervical Disc Herniation

The soft inner material of a disc pushes out and presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. Causes sharp neck pain, arm pain, numbness, and weakness. Often requires surgical treatment if severe.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Nerve root compression in the neck causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the arm and into the hand and fingers. Often called "pinched nerve in neck."

Cervical Myelopathy

Compression of the spinal cord itself in the neck — the most serious cervical condition. Causes difficulty walking, poor hand coordination, and balance problems. Requires surgery to prevent permanent damage.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, compressing the cord and nerves. Can cause both arm symptoms (radiculopathy) and spinal cord compression (myelopathy) simultaneously.

Whiplash / Post-Trauma Neck Pain

Injury to the cervical spine from road accidents, falls, or sports. Can cause ligament injury, disc damage, and nerve damage. Requires careful evaluation to rule out instability or cord compression.

How is Cervical Spine Disease Diagnosed?

Dr. Waqas Mehdi correlates your clinical symptoms with investigations to reach the correct diagnosis — not just the MRI report.

MRI of Cervical Spine: Gold standard. Shows disc herniation, cord compression, nerve root impingement, and spinal canal size. Always done without and sometimes with contrast.

X-Ray (AP & Lateral): Shows bony alignment, disc space height, bone spurs, and instability (on flexion/extension views).

CT Scan: Better for bone detail — useful for assessing osteophytes and planning surgery.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS/EMG): Confirms which nerve is compressed and the extent of nerve damage. Useful in complex cases.

Neck Pain Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment (First Line)

› Rest and activity modification
› NSAIDs and muscle relaxants
› Physiotherapy and cervical exercises
› Cervical collar (short term only)
› Hot and cold therapy
› Posture correction — especially for desk workers

Interventional (Minimally Invasive)

› Cervical epidural steroid injection — reduces nerve inflammation
› Cervical nerve root block — targeted pain relief for radiculopathy
› Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — for facet joint pain

Surgery (When Conservative Fails)

› ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) — gold standard for cervical disc herniation
› Cervical disc replacement (arthroplasty) — preserves motion
› Posterior cervical laminoplasty or laminectomy — for cervical stenosis and myelopathy
› Full endoscopic cervical disc surgery — minimally invasive, same-day discharge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cervical spondylosis and a slipped disc in the neck?

Cervical spondylosis is gradual age-related wear and tear — disc degeneration, bone spurs, and joint arthritis — while a cervical disc herniation (slipped disc) is when the soft inner material of a disc pushes out suddenly and presses on a nerve root or spinal cord, often causing sharper, more acute arm pain.

Who is the best doctor for neck pain treatment in Lahore?

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor at KEMU and Mayo Hospital, Lahore, is widely recognized as one of the best neurosurgeons in Lahore for neck pain, cervical spondylosis, and cervical disc surgery, seeing patients at MidCity Hospital.

When does neck pain need surgery?

Surgery is considered when conservative treatment (rest, physiotherapy, medication) and interventional options (injections, nerve blocks) fail, or when there are signs of nerve root compression (arm weakness, numbness) or cervical myelopathy (difficulty walking, poor hand coordination, balance problems).

What are the warning signs that neck pain is serious?

See a neurosurgeon urgently if neck pain is accompanied by pain radiating down an arm, numbness or weakness in the hand, electric shock-like sensations, loss of balance or coordination, difficulty walking, or if it follows a road accident or fall.

Is ACDF surgery safe for cervical disc problems?

Yes. ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for cervical disc herniation and has a long track record of safety and effectiveness. Alternatives like cervical disc replacement and endoscopic cervical disc surgery offer motion-preserving, minimally invasive options for suitable patients.

Book a Neck Pain Consultation in Lahore

Dr. Waqas Mehdi sees neck pain patients at MidCity Hospital, Lahore — Mon to Sat, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Bring your MRI or X-ray reports for the first visit.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment

Related Treatments

Spine Surgery Slip Disc Treatment Pain Management Spinal Stenosis Herniated Disc

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi Today

Pakistan's trusted neurosurgeon for brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, and all complex neurological conditions. Book your appointment at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment Online