Expert Cervical Spine Surgery —
Relief for Your Neck, Arms, and Life
Neck pain, arm numbness, hand weakness, or loss of coordination can all signal serious cervical spine conditions — some of which require prompt evaluation. Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Frenkel provides expert diagnosis and the full spectrum of cervical spine surgery in Naples, Florida, from ACDF to motion-preserving disc arthroplasty.
Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon
Neuroscience and Spine Associates · Naples, FL
Understanding Cervical Spine Disease: Conditions Dr. Frenkel Treats
The cervical spine — the seven vertebrae in your neck — is one of the most complex and vulnerable regions of the spine. Conditions here can cause not just neck pain, but arm symptoms, hand weakness, balance problems, and in serious cases, progressive neurological decline requiring prompt surgical attention.
When to Seek Prompt Cervical Spine Evaluation
Progressive hand clumsiness, loss of balance, unsteady walking, or worsening arm weakness may indicate cervical myelopathy — compression of the spinal cord itself. Unlike other cervical conditions, myelopathy can cause irreversible neurological damage. 2025 clinical data confirms that earlier surgical decompression consistently produces better neurological outcomes than delayed treatment. If you are experiencing these symptoms, prompt evaluation is strongly recommended.
Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord itself is compressed — typically by bone spurs, disc herniation, or thickened ligaments. Unlike nerve root compression (radiculopathy), myelopathy affects the spinal cord and can progress to permanent neurological disability without surgical treatment.
- Hand clumsiness — dropping objects, difficulty buttoning
- Loss of balance and unsteady gait
- Weakness in arms and/or legs
- Electric shock sensation with neck flexion (Lhermitte’s sign)
- Bladder or bowel changes (advanced — seek urgent care)
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed — typically by a herniated disc or bone spur. This causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Most patients respond to conservative care; surgery is needed when symptoms persist or worsen.
- Neck pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Weakness in the hand or arm
- Symptoms worsened by looking down or extending the neck
- Most commonly affects C5–C6 and C6–C7 levels
Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, most commonly caused by age-related changes including bone spurs, disc degeneration, and thickening of spinal ligaments. When severe enough to compress the spinal cord, it becomes myelopathy. Milder cases causing nerve compression produce radiculopathy symptoms.
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Arm and hand numbness or tingling
- Gradual onset of symptoms over months or years
- Can coexist with lumbar stenosis in older patients
- Confirmed with MRI or CT myelogram
A cervical disc herniation occurs when the inner material of a cervical disc pushes through its outer casing and presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. Most cervical herniations occur at C5–C6 or C6–C7 levels and cause radiculopathy symptoms.
- Acute neck and arm pain — often sudden onset
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or specific fingers
- Weakness depending on which nerve root is affected
- May resolve with conservative care; surgery when persistent
Cervical spondylosis is a catch-all term for age-related wear and tear in the cervical spine — including disc degeneration, bone spurs, and loss of disc height. It is extremely common after age 40. When spondylosis causes nerve or cord compression, it produces radiculopathy or myelopathy.
- Chronic neck stiffness and pain
- Headaches originating from the neck
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- May progress slowly over years before causing neurological symptoms
Adjacent segment disease (ASD) occurs when the disc levels above or below a prior cervical fusion undergo accelerated degeneration due to the altered biomechanics of the fused segment. It can cause new or returning arm pain, radiculopathy, or myelopathy — and may require revision surgery.
- New arm pain or numbness after prior ACDF surgery
- Return of radiculopathy or myelopathy symptoms
- May occur years after the original procedure
- Dr. Frenkel accepts revision cervical cases — second opinions welcome
Or call: (239) 649-1662
ACDF vs. Cervical Disc Arthroplasty — Two Paths to Relief Explained
When cervical spine surgery is recommended, two primary approaches are available for anterior cervical conditions: ACDF (fusion) and ACDA (disc replacement). Understanding the difference helps you have an informed conversation with Dr. Frenkel.
ACDF
ACDF is the most commonly performed cervical spine surgery in the United States — and one of the most extensively studied. Through a small incision in the front of the neck, the damaged disc and any bone spurs are removed, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused using a bone graft, spacer cage, and metal plate.
ACDF reliably relieves arm pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy symptoms with a well-established success rate. It is appropriate for a wide range of patients including those with multi-level disease, poor bone quality, prior surgery, or spinal cord compression.
- Cervical disc herniation causing radiculopathy
- Cervical stenosis with myelopathy
- Multi-level cervical disease
- Adjacent segment disease (revision)
- Cervical instability
ACDA
ACDA replaces the damaged disc with an artificial disc that continues to allow motion — rather than permanently fusing the vertebrae. This preserves the natural motion of the cervical segment and reduces the mechanical stress transferred to adjacent levels, potentially reducing the risk of adjacent segment disease over time.
Multiple systematic reviews and long-term studies have shown that cervical disc arthroplasty provides comparable or superior outcomes to ACDF for appropriately selected patients at single or double levels — with the added benefit of motion preservation.
- Single or two-level cervical radiculopathy
- Younger, more active patients with good bone quality
- Patients wishing to avoid fusion and preserve motion
- As alternative to ACDF for eligible patients
Expert Cervical Spine Surgery in Naples — What Makes Dr. Frenkel Different
Cervical Myelopathy — Urgency and Precision
Cervical myelopathy requires a different kind of care than routine nerve root compression. When the spinal cord is compromised, surgical precision and timing both matter. Dr. Frenkel’s training as a board-certified neurosurgeon — with 7 years of residency at Wake Forest University under a pioneer in spinal surgery — gives him the neurological expertise that separates neurosurgical cervical care from purely orthopedic approaches.
A 2025 narrative review of surgical techniques for cervical myelopathy highlights the importance of careful patient selection, precise surgical execution, and alignment correction — all factors that directly reflect the quality of the surgeon’s training and judgment.
ACDF vs. ACDA — Dr. Frenkel’s Individualized Approach
Rather than defaulting to a single approach, Dr. Frenkel evaluates each cervical patient for both ACDF and ACDA candidacy. For appropriate patients — typically younger, active individuals with single or two-level disease and good bone quality — cervical disc arthroplasty offers the significant advantage of motion preservation, reducing adjacent segment stress over the long term.
For patients with multi-level disease, spinal cord compression, prior surgery, osteoporosis, or instability, ACDF remains the gold standard — a highly effective, extensively studied procedure with excellent outcomes in skilled hands.
Augmented Reality Navigation — A First-in-the-World Innovation: Dr. Frenkel developed the world’s first augmented reality intraoperative navigation system for spine surgery. Combined with robotic assistance, this delivers surgical precision critical in cervical procedures performed millimeters from the spinal cord and major nerve roots.
Additional Cervical Procedures
Beyond ACDF and ACDA, Dr. Frenkel performs the full spectrum of cervical procedures based on each patient’s specific anatomy and condition:
- Posterior cervical foraminotomy — nerve root decompression without fusion for selected radiculopathy cases
- Cervical laminectomy / laminoplasty — decompression of the spinal cord for multi-level myelopathy
- Cervical corpectomy — removal of a vertebral body for severe multi-level stenosis
- Revision cervical surgery — for adjacent segment disease or failed prior procedures
- Complex cervical deformity correction
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Every cervical spine consultation includes a complete review of your MRI, CT, or X-ray imaging and a thorough neurological examination. Dr. Frenkel will explain your diagnosis clearly, discuss all options including whether surgery is genuinely necessary, and provide a personalized recommendation. You will leave understanding your condition — not confused.
- ACDF — Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion
- ACDA — Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (Disc Replacement)
- Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
- Cervical Laminectomy & Laminoplasty
- Cervical Corpectomy
- Robotic-Assisted Cervical Surgery
- Revision Cervical Surgery / Adjacent Segment Disease
- Complex Cervical Deformity Correction
- Cervical Myelopathy
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Cervical Stenosis
- Cervical Disc Herniation
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Adjacent Segment Disease
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Complex Spinal Deformity
If you’ve been recommended for cervical surgery and want an independent assessment — or if a prior cervical procedure hasn’t provided relief — Dr. Frenkel welcomes second opinion consultations. No referral needed.
Request a Second OpinionThe Credentials and Expertise Your Cervical Spine Deserves
These are not generic claims. Every credential below is specific, verifiable, and directly relevant to the quality of your care.
Neurosurgical Training for Cervical Spine Conditions
As a board-certified neurosurgeon — not only an orthopedic spine surgeon — Dr. Frenkel brings specific expertise in spinal cord and nerve root pathology that is essential for complex cervical myelopathy cases. His 7-year residency at Wake Forest included extensive cervical spine training, and his mentors trained at Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
World-First AR Navigation for Cervical Precision
Dr. Frenkel developed the world’s first augmented reality intraoperative navigation system for spine surgery. For cervical procedures performed millimeters from the spinal cord, this technology delivers precision that freehand technique cannot match. He also holds multiple patents pending for next-generation instruments. cemlif.com →
Accepted by Surgeons for Complex Cervical Cases
Dr. Frenkel regularly receives referrals from other spine and orthopedic surgeons for complex cervical myelopathy, revision cervical surgery after prior ACDF, adjacent segment disease, and cervical deformity. If another surgeon has declined your case or a prior procedure has failed, Dr. Frenkel provides thorough evaluation and a clear, honest assessment of your options.
ACDF and ACDA — Both Options Available
Dr. Frenkel evaluates every cervical patient for both fusion (ACDF) and motion-preserving disc replacement (ACDA), selecting the most appropriate technique based on the patient’s anatomy, age, disease level, bone quality, and goals. Not all surgeons offer or are trained in cervical disc arthroplasty — Dr. Frenkel performs both.
Concierge Program for Patients Nationwide
Distance is no barrier to exceptional cervical spine care. Dr. Frenkel’s Concierge Program provides telehealth consultations, travel coordination, VIP clinic access, and transparent cost information for patients traveling from other states or countries seeking expert cervical spine evaluation and surgery.
Or call: (239) 649-1662
Recognized as One of the Nation’s Leading Cervical Spine Surgeons
Every credential listed is specific and verifiable — meeting the highest E-E-A-T standards for YMYL healthcare content.
Education & Training
- MD, MA — Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland Clinic-affiliated) — Honors and Distinction in Research
- 7-Year Neurosurgery Residency — Wake Forest University, under Dr. Charles Branch (pioneer in spinal surgery)
- Chief Resident — two consecutive years — a rare distinction
- Mentors trained at Harvard and Johns Hopkins
- One of the highest Neurosurgery Board scores in the country
- 2018 CNS SANS Challenge Winner — national competition
Awards, Innovation & Affiliations
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors: 2024, 2025, 2026
- Healthgrades 99th Percentile — Top-Rated Spine Surgeon in Naples, FL
- Naples Illustrated Top Doctor — multiple consecutive years
- Inventor of CemLIF™ · Multiple patents pending · First surgeon to use AR in spinal navigation
- Peer-reviewed: Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, World Neurosurgery, Scientific Reports | Textbooks: Elsevier & Springer Science
- FAANS · FCNS · Member, Neuroscience and Spine Associates
What Patients Are Saying
All reviews are from verified patients posted on Google or Healthgrades — completely uncensored and unedited.
“The most skilled, caring, and compassionate doctor you will ever meet.”
“The best surgeon by far. You won’t go wrong choosing Dr. Frenkel.”
“The Absolute BEST Neck & Back Surgeon!”
Your information is private and secure. We will never share your personal details.
How It Works — 4 Simple Steps
From your first contact to your recovery, Dr. Frenkel’s team manages every step of your cervical spine care.
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact Dr. Frenkel at frenkelmd.com/contact/ or call (239) 649-1662. Out-of-town patients can inquire about the Concierge Program at frenkelmd.com/concierge-contact-form/. Telehealth available for initial imaging review.
Imaging Review & Personalized Plan
Bring your MRI, CT, or X-rays. Dr. Frenkel conducts a complete neurological examination and thorough imaging review. You’ll receive a clear explanation of your diagnosis and a customized plan — including whether ACDF, ACDA, or another approach is most appropriate.
Surgery — Precise and Personalized
Whether your case calls for ACDF, cervical disc arthroplasty, laminectomy, or complex revision surgery, every cervical procedure is performed with augmented reality navigation and robotic assistance — precision critical near the spinal cord.
Recovery & Long-Term Support
Dr. Frenkel personally contacts families after surgery. His Nurse Practitioners are available for all post-operative questions. Concierge patients have direct email access throughout recovery.
Common Questions About Cervical Spine Surgery & Dr. Frenkel
Call Dr. Frenkel’s office: (239) 649-1662
Visit Dr. Frenkel in Naples, Florida
Serving Naples, Southwest Florida, and patients nationwide through the Concierge Spinal Surgery Program.
Office Address
Inside Physicians Regional Medical Center6101 Pine Ridge Road
Naples, Florida 34119
Phone & Fax
(239) 649-1662 (main) · (239) 649-7053 (fax)
Schedule & Contact
Schedule Online — Local Patients →
Concierge Program Inquiry →
Areas Served
Naples · Bonita Springs · Marco Island · Fort Myers · Estero · Collier County · Southwest Florida
Out-of-state & international patients served via Concierge Program
Recommended Accommodations for Traveling Patients
- The Ritz-Carlton Naples — oceanfront luxury
- Inn on Fifth — downtown Naples boutique hotel
- Innovation Hotel — adjacent to the Surgery Center of Naples
6101 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119
Inside Physicians Regional Medical Center
Neck Pain, Arm Symptoms, or Coordination Problems? Don’t Wait.
Cervical spine conditions — especially cervical myelopathy — require prompt expert evaluation. Whether you’re dealing with arm numbness, hand weakness, neck pain, or balance problems, Dr. Frenkel’s team will review your imaging and give you a clear, honest plan. A consultation is a conversation, not a commitment to surgery. Dr. Frenkel’s schedule fills quickly — contact his office today.