Neck Pain That Starts at C3‑C4

If you can trace your neck pain to the spot just below your jawline—and feel it shoot toward your shoulder or biceps—the C3‑C4 segment is a potential culprit. A herniated disc, overgrown bone spur, or arthritic facet joint at this level can irritate the delicate nerves that power the upper arm. Physical therapy, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatories, or a precision‑guided epidural resolve the problem for a large majority of patients. When they don’t, modern surgery steps in—not with a six‑inch incision and week‑long hospital stay, but with an endoscopic camera‑guided tools that only require an incision smaller than a dime.

Non-Surgical Options

In most cases we prefer to focus on non-surgical procedures first, as they provide the least disruption and lowest risk of complications.

• Fluoroscopy-Guided Epidural Steroid Injection
  Delivers a concentrated anti-inflammatory dose around the spinal cord and C3-C4 nerve root, often easing pain within 3–5 days and lasting weeks to months.
• Selective Nerve-Root Block (C3 or C4)
  Pin-points the exact irritated root with anesthetic and steroid; doubles as both a diagnostic test and a therapeutic shot of relief.
• Facet Joint / Medial Branch Injection
  Targets the small C3-C4 facet joint or its sensory nerves; if pain lifts, radiofrequency ablation can burn those nerves for 9–12 months of relief.

Why “Minimally Invasive” Matters

Smaller openings mean less muscle disruption, lower blood loss, and a reduced risk of complications. At Total Spine & Orthopedics, our procedures are designed from the ground up to provide the least possible disruption to our patients. The result: a much shorter procedure with less post-operative pain and the ability to return and recover from the comfort of your home that same day.

Common Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques in Everyday Language

Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy (PCF)
A pencil‑thin camera enters from the back of the neck. Through an thin tube only a few millimeters wide, the surgeon removes a sliver of bone and any disc fragment pinching the nerve root. Because the disc space itself stays intact, there’s no need for fusion and almost no loss of motion.

Minimally Invasive Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
For central disc herniations or severe degeneration, we approach through a natural skin crease at the front of the neck. Our surgical team focuses on minimizing the disruption to the surrounding tissue during this procedure

Cervical Disc Replacement
For some patients, especially those who live an active lifestyle total disc replacement may be a good option. This motion‑preserving implant replaces the disc instead of a fusion cage. Some studies have shown preserved range of motion and lower stress on neighboring discs.

From First Visit to Full Recovery

1. Imaging & Diagnosis – A high‑resolution MRI helps our surgical team pinpoint the exact problem. In some cases, CT-Scans or X-Rays may also be ordered.
2. Shared Decision‑Making – You and your surgeon review the scans side‑by‑side, weigh conservative versus operative care, and choose the option that fits your lifestyle and goals.
3. Surgery Day – Our team will coordinate with you about any instructions to prepare for your surgery - usually only minimal disruption is required in your daily routine after procedure.
4. The First Week – Depending on your procedure you may or may not have some minor post-operative pain, in many cases this can be managed with over the counter non-narcotic pain killers such as ibuprofen.
5. Physician Followup– Our team will regularly check in with you to help monitor your recovery. We're always just a phone call away if you ever need us.

Answers to some commonly asked questions:

Is a one‑level fusion really that stiff?
In many cases overall neck flexibility drops by only a handful of percentage points with a single‑level ACDF. If preserving every degree of motion is critical—say you’re a professional golfer—total disc replacement may be the better fit.

What makes endoscopic PCF “muscle‑sparing”?
We utilize tubular dilators between natural muscle planes and other minimally invasive techniques to minimize muscle disruption. Post‑op pain is typically mild enough for over‑the‑counter meds.

Will my insurance cover this?
In most cases yes, actual coverage will depend on your exact plan and benefits. Some insurance providers only cover certain procedures.

Can you fix a problem if I’ve already had neck surgery?
Often, yes. The endoscopic corridor goes around scar tissue, letting us target any residual or recurrent compression without re‑opening the entire previous incision. Our board-certified physicians also have extensive experience treating patients who have already had a previous surgery performed elsewhere (whether it was successful or not).

Protecting the Motion You Have

After surgery, the single most important habit is posture. Keep your monitor at eye level, hold your phone closer to face height, and take a 30‑second stretch break every half hour. If approved by your physician, you can add three sessions a week of deep‑neck‑flexor and upper‑back strengthening to help reduce your risk of recurrant herniation.

Ready to Reclaim Your Range of Motion?

Persistent C3‑C4 pain shouldn’t dictate your workday or weekends. Call 321‑499‑4646 or request an appointment online to sit down with a board‑certified neurosurgeon in Orlando or Melbourne. We’ll review your images, answer every question, and build a plan that gets you back to living—fast.

Disclaimer:
This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a professional and licensed physician. Always consult with a physician before attempting any treatment regimen.