Neck Pain & Cervical Disc Treatment in Seoul Diagnosed in English
Whether your neck is stiff from long hours at a desk or pain is spreading into your arm, our neurosurgeons find the cause and start with the simplest treatment that works.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital treats neck pain and cervical disc problems at its Spine Center, 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, near Hakdong Station Exit 10. Neurosurgeons examine you, order X-ray or MRI when needed, and usually start with physical therapy and image-guided nerve blocks. Endoscopic surgery or a cervical artificial disc is considered if symptoms persist. Book in English through WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Common causes of neck pain
Most neck pain comes from muscles, joints and discs and settles with simple care. Pain that travels into the arm usually means a nerve is involved. Neck pain is one part of what our Spine Center treats.
Muscle strain and posture
Long hours at screens, poor sleep position or a sudden movement can strain neck muscles and ligaments.
Cervical disc herniation
A disc bulges and presses on a nerve root, often causing arm pain, numbness or tingling.
Wear and tear (spondylosis)
Age-related disc and joint changes can cause stiffness and, sometimes, bone spurs near nerves.
Facet joint pain
Irritated small joints at the back of the neck can cause aching that is worse when turning your head.
Cervical stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that can press on the spinal cord and affect hands or walking.
Whiplash
A sudden back-and-forth movement, often in a car accident, that strains soft tissues of the neck.
Neck pain symptoms to note
Write down when your pain started, what makes it better or worse and whether it spreads. This helps your doctor a lot.
Common symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the neck
- Pain that is worse when turning or tilting your head
- Pain spreading to the shoulder blade or arm
- Numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the hand
- Weak grip or dropping things
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
Seek care urgently if you have
- Clumsy hands or trouble with buttons and writing
- Unsteady walking or loss of balance
- Rapidly worsening arm weakness
- Neck pain with fever, or after a serious fall or accident
These can be signs of spinal cord pressure or another serious problem, so get seen promptly, and call 119 if it is life-threatening.
If your pain is mainly in the lower back or legs, see our back pain page instead.
Tests for neck pain
Many people with simple neck pain do not need scans at first. Your doctor examines your neck, arms and reflexes and orders tests only when they will guide treatment.
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Physical and neurological exam | Range of motion, strength, sensation and reflexes in your arms |
| X-ray | Alignment, disc space narrowing, bone spurs and instability |
| MRI | Discs, nerves and spinal cord, used when arm symptoms persist or red flags appear |
| CT scan | Detailed bone anatomy, helpful when planning surgery |
Bring any previous scans and reports so they can be reviewed first.
How we treat neck pain
Many cervical disc problems improve within 6 to 12 weeks with conservative care. We start there and only move on if needed.
Activity and self-care
Keep moving gently, adjust your screen and pillow, and use short courses of pain relief your doctor recommends.
Physical therapy
Dedicated therapists teach posture correction and neck and upper back exercises to reduce pain and prevent flare-ups.
Image-guided injections
Fluoroscopy- or ultrasound-guided nerve root blocks or medial branch blocks can calm an irritated nerve or joint.
Radiofrequency treatment
For facet joint pain that responds to a block, radiofrequency treatment may give longer-lasting relief.
Surgery when needed
For persistent arm pain, weakness or cord pressure: endoscopic decompression, a cervical artificial disc or minimally invasive fusion.
Taking pressure off a nerve
When a cervical disc keeps pressing on a nerve root despite conservative care, surgery aims to give the nerve room again.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Spine Center neurosurgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Dr. Yun Kyo Jung
Neck disc and endoscopic surgery
Dr. Jin Uk (Alex) Kim
Cervical artificial disc and endoscopy
Dr. Sang Su Choi
Neck disc, stenosis, nerve branch block
Dr. Jun Yong Cha
Neck disc and medial branch block
Nanoori specialist on neck pain · Video may be in Korean — ask our English-speaking team about anything you see.
Common Questions
How long does neck pain usually last?
Simple neck strain often improves within a few days to a few weeks. Pain from a cervical disc can take longer, and many cases improve within 6 to 12 weeks. If pain lasts longer or spreads into your arm with numbness or weakness, get it checked.
Do I need an MRI for neck pain?
Not always. MRI is usually advised when arm symptoms persist, when weakness appears, or when red flags suggest a serious problem. Your doctor will explain if a scan will change your treatment.
Is a cervical artificial disc better than fusion?
Each suits different patients. An artificial disc aims to keep motion at the treated level, while fusion joins the bones for stability. Your surgeon will recommend an option based on your imaging, age, bone quality and symptoms.
Can I use my travel or international insurance?
We can provide itemized receipts, medical reports and other documents for your insurance claim, but coverage depends on your policy, so check with your insurer first. Foreign residents enrolled in Korean NHIS can use it here. See our contact page to send insurance details in advance.
Can I fly after a nerve block or neck surgery?
Most people can travel within a day or two after an injection. After surgery, your surgeon will advise you based on your procedure and recovery. Plan extra days in Seoul in case you need a follow-up check.
What can I do at home to prevent neck pain?
Raise your screen to eye level, take short breaks to move every 30 to 60 minutes and use a pillow that keeps your neck neutral. Regular neck and upper back exercises from your therapist can also help reduce flare-ups.
Get your neck pain checked in English
Message us on WhatsApp with your symptoms and any scans, and a coordinator will arrange your visit.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
