Spine Center for Back & Neck Pain in Seoul Care in English
Our neurosurgeons treat back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, sciatica and spinal stenosis, starting with non-surgical care and using minimally invasive surgery only when you truly need it.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital has a Spine Center at 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, near Hakdong Station (Line 7), Exit 10. Neurosurgeons diagnose back and neck pain with an exam and imaging, then usually start with physical therapy and image-guided injections. Endoscopic spine surgery, artificial disc or minimally invasive fusion are options when needed. English-speaking coordinators help you book through WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Common spine problems we see
Most spine pain is not dangerous and many people improve without surgery. We look for the cause first. If your pain is mainly in the lower back, see our back pain page; for the upper spine and arms, see neck pain treatment.
Herniated disc
Disc material presses on a nerve, often causing leg or arm pain, numbness or tingling.
Sciatica
Pain that travels from the lower back down the leg, usually from an irritated nerve root.
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause leg pain or heaviness when walking or standing.
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra slips over another, which can cause back pain and pinch nerves.
Neck pain and stiffness
From muscle strain, worn discs or arthritis, sometimes with pain spreading to the shoulder or arm.
Scoliosis and deformity
A curved or unbalanced spine, assessed with standing X-rays and followed over time.
Find information on your problem
Each page explains symptoms, tests and treatment options in plain English.
Back pain
Lower back pain, herniated discs, sciatica and stenosis, from rest and therapy to surgery.
Read more →Neck pain
Neck pain, cervical disc problems and arm symptoms, including the artificial disc option.
Read more →Spine endoscopy
Minimally invasive biportal (UBE) and full-endoscopic surgery through small incisions.
Read more →How we treat spine pain
We move up the ladder only when the step before has not helped enough. Many patients never need surgery.
Diagnosis in English
A neurosurgeon reviews your history, examines you and orders X-ray or MRI only when it will change your treatment.
Physical therapy and rehab
Dedicated therapists teach exercises to strengthen your core, improve posture and move with less pain.
Image-guided injections
Fluoroscopy- or ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and injections can calm an irritated nerve. Radiofrequency treatment may help some joint pain.
Endoscopic epidural neuroplasty
A thin catheter delivers medication near the irritated nerve to reduce inflammation and adhesions.
Minimally invasive surgery
If pain or weakness continues, endoscopic spine surgery, cervical artificial disc or minimally invasive fusion may be offered.
Which symptoms point where
This is a rough guide only. Your doctor will confirm the cause after examining you.
| Your main symptom | Common cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Low back pain after lifting | Muscle or ligament strain | Stay active, short course of therapy |
| Pain shooting down one leg | Herniated disc, sciatica | Exam, then MRI if not improving |
| Legs tire or ache when walking | Spinal stenosis | Exam and MRI, therapy or injections |
| Neck pain spreading into the arm | Cervical disc or nerve pinch | Exam, imaging if symptoms persist |
| Stiff, sore neck at a desk | Posture and muscle strain | Exercises and ergonomic changes |
Sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin needs urgent care. In a life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119.
Freeing a pinched nerve
When a herniated disc presses on a nerve and conservative care has not helped, surgeons can remove the pressing fragment through a small endoscope.
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. Il Tae Jang
Chairman, spine surgery
Dr. Jun Ho (Luke) Lee
Biportal endoscopy, stenosis, spondylolisthesis
Dr. Yun Kyo Jung
Endoscopic surgery, disc problems, sciatica
Dr. Jin Uk (Alex) Kim
Spinal endoscopy, scoliosis, artificial disc
Spine surgery for older patients — Dr. Seung Bum Kim on why health status, not age, decides treatment · Video may be in Korean — ask our English-speaking team about anything you see.
Common Questions
Do most people with back or neck pain need surgery?
No. Most back and neck pain improves with time, activity, physical therapy and sometimes injections. Surgery is usually considered only when nerve symptoms are severe or progressive, or when pain does not improve after several weeks to months of good conservative care.
Should I bring my MRI from home?
Yes, please bring any recent MRI, CT or X-ray images on a disc or digital link, plus the written reports. Our doctors will review them and only repeat imaging if it is needed. You can send them in advance through our contact page.
Can I use my insurance at the Spine Center?
If you are a foreign resident enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS), it applies as it does for Korean patients. If you have international health insurance, we can provide itemized receipts, medical reports and other billing documents for your claim. Coverage depends on your insurer, so please check with them first.
Is endoscopic spine surgery an option for older patients?
Age alone does not decide treatment. Your overall health, the cause of your symptoms and what you hope to achieve matter more. Minimally invasive techniques are often considered for older adults, but your surgeon will discuss the risks with you.
How soon can I fly home after spine treatment?
After injections or therapy, many people travel within a few days. After surgery, timing depends on the procedure and your recovery, so ask your surgeon before booking your flight. Short flights are usually easier than long-haul ones in the first weeks.
When is back or neck pain an emergency?
Get urgent care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, rapidly worsening weakness in the legs or arms, or pain after a serious fall or accident. Fever with back pain also needs prompt review. In a life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119.
Talk to our spine team in English
Send your symptoms and any MRI on WhatsApp and a coordinator will help you book a 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
