Neck Pain: Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint worldwide - affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether your pain stems from a cervical disc herniation, osteoarthritis, whiplash, chronic muscle tension or facet joint degeneration, persistent neck pain can significantly impact daily life, sleep and mobility. Neck pain often occurs alongside upper back pain, and in some cases it may be helpful to assess both areas.
At CellOrtho Marbella, patients with neck and cervical spine conditions receive a specialist orthopaedic assessment, and the options, both surgical and non-surgical, are explained individually. Some patients come for a second opinion after surgery has been suggested. Assessment considers symptoms, examination findings, imaging where appropriate and your treatment goals. Dr. Arvin Yarollahi is a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology with additional training and clinical experience in spine care.
Cervical Disc Herniation
Slipped or Prolapsed Disc in the Neck
A cervical disc herniation occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc in the neck pushes through the outer layer, pressing on nearby nerve roots and causing pain, numbness or weakness - often radiating into the shoulder, arm or hand. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. Evidence for PRP in this condition is limited or still developing; suitability is decided after assessment.
Cervical Osteoarthritis
Degenerative Joint Disease of the Neck
Cervical osteoarthritis (cervical spondylosis) involves the progressive degeneration of the cartilage and joints in the cervical spine, leading to neck stiffness, pain and sometimes radiating symptoms into the arms. It is particularly common in adults over 50 and those with a history of neck injury. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. Evidence for PRP in this condition is limited or still developing; suitability is decided after assessment.
Whiplash & Cervical Soft Tissue Injury
Ligament, Muscle & Tendon Injury
Whiplash injuries involve rapid acceleration-deceleration forces that damage the muscles, ligaments and soft tissue of the cervical spine. While acute whiplash often resolves with time, chronic whiplash-associated disorder can persist for months or years with ongoing pain, stiffness and headaches. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. Evidence for PRP in this condition is limited or still developing; suitability is decided after assessment.
Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome
Neck Joint Pain & Degeneration
The facet joints of the cervical spine can become inflamed or degenerated through wear-and-tear, injury or poor posture, causing localised neck pain that often worsens with rotation or extension. Cervical facet joint pain is distinct from disc-related symptoms and soft-tissue injury, and frequently refers into the shoulder and upper back. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. Evidence for PRP in this condition is limited or still developing; suitability is decided after assessment.
Chronic Neck Muscle Pain
Myofascial & Cervicogenic Pain
Chronic inflammation of the muscles and soft tissue in the neck and upper back causes persistent stiffness, soreness, reduced range of motion and frequent headaches. It often results from poor posture, prolonged screen use, stress or previous injury. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. Evidence for PRP in this condition is limited or still developing; suitability is decided after assessment.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated - typically by a herniated disc or bone spur - causing radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakness along the path of the affected nerve into the shoulder, arm or hand. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. Evidence for PRP in this condition is limited or still developing; suitability is decided after assessment.
Non-Surgical Options for Cervical Disc Herniation
Management of cervical disc herniation depends on symptoms, neurological findings and imaging. Conventional options include activity modification, physiotherapy, medication and, in selected cases, injections. Surgery may be appropriate for persistent symptoms or neurological involvement; assessment explains which options are realistic for the individual case.
PRP therapy is prepared from a sample of your own blood. It has been studied for disc-related symptoms, but evidence is limited and still developing. Suitability, potential risks and uncertainty are discussed individually after assessment. PRP is not a proven way to prevent surgery and is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is indicated.
Dr. Arvin Yarollahi has additional training and clinical experience in spine care, meaning he can assess your cervical case with a full understanding of both the surgical and non-surgical options available, and provide an honest recommendation based on your specific condition and imaging.
Neck Pain Treatment at CellOrtho Marbella
CellOrtho treats neck pain and cervical spine conditions in Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. We see patients from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands who want a specialist assessment and second opinion. Assessment includes a review of symptoms, previous treatment and relevant imaging before the options are discussed.
Dr. Arvin Yarollahi is a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology with additional training and clinical experience in spine care, and a clinical interest in regenerative medicine. He can evaluate your case from both a surgical and non-surgical perspective and give you an honest, informed view of all the options available to you.
We offer a free video consultation so you can discuss your neck condition with our medical team before committing to travel or treatment.
Options That May Be Discussed
After assessment, the doctor explains the options considered appropriate for your situation. Depending on the diagnosis, these may include:
Physiotherapy and exercise-based rehabilitation
An individual programme based on symptoms, mobility and activity goals, with partner providers where appropriate.
Pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication
Medication options are discussed alongside medical history and potential risks.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
A preparation made from a small sample of your own blood. It may be considered for some conditions after assessment; the evidence differs between conditions.
Learn moreReferral for a surgical opinion where surgery is indicated.
Surgical assessment may be appropriate depending on symptoms and clinical findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment
Other conditions we treat: Back Pain · Shoulder Pain · Elbow Pain · Hand & Wrist Pain · Hip Pain · Knee Pain · Foot & Ankle Pain
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Book a free video consultation with our specialist team to discuss your condition and find the right treatment plan for you.
Book a Free ConsultationMedically reviewed by Dr. Arvin Yarollahi, Specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. Last reviewed .