Neck Pain Specialist in Nassau County, NY
Neck pain is far more than a stiff neck. For many people, it means persistent aching, headaches, arm pain, or numbness that makes sleep, work, and everyday life difficult. At his offices in Garden City and Lake Success, Dr. Edward Rubin specializes in identifying the exact source of cervical pain and treating it with precision — without surgery and without opioids.
What Is Neck Pain?
Neck pain refers to discomfort in any of the seven cervical vertebrae and the surrounding muscles, nerves, and discs. It ranges from localized stiffness to sharp pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, and hands — a pattern known as cervical radiculopathy.
Because the cervical spine houses and protects critical nerve roots, untreated or mismanaged neck pain can cause progressive weakness, numbness, and functional decline.
Common Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the neck, especially in the morning
- Pain that radiates into one or both shoulders or down the arm
- Numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the hands or fingers
- Headaches originating at the base of the skull
- Muscle spasms alongside the cervical spine
- Weakness in the arms or hands
- Pain that worsens with turning the head, looking up or down, or prolonged screen use
What Causes Neck Pain?
- Cervical disc herniation — a ruptured or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root (cervical radiculopathy)
- Cervical spinal stenosis — narrowing of the cervical spinal canal, often from arthritis or bone spurs
- Cervical facet joint arthritis — degeneration of the small joints that connect cervical vertebrae
- Cervical degenerative disc disease — loss of disc height and flexibility over time
- Muscle strain — from poor posture, prolonged sitting, or whiplash injury
- Whiplash — rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the cervical spine, common after car accidents
- Cervicogenic headaches — headaches whose true source is the cervical spine, not the head
How Dr. Rubin Treats Neck Pain
Every procedure is performed personally by Dr. Rubin at his Garden City or Lake Success office or at affiliated surgical centers. Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis:
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid medication is delivered into the cervical epidural space, directly targeting inflamed nerve roots. Highly effective for disc herniations and cervical radiculopathy, with relief lasting several months.
Cervical Nerve Root Blocks
A precise injection targeting an individual nerve root at the foramen — used both to confirm which level is causing pain and to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source.
Cervical Medial Branch Blocks
For facet joint-mediated neck pain and cervicogenic headaches, medial branch blocks target the nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. A series of two blocks confirms the diagnosis before proceeding to RFA.
Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Once medial branch blocks confirm facet-mediated pain, RFA uses heat to disable the pain-carrying nerves in the cervical facet joints. Relief is typically long-lasting — 12 to 24 months — and the procedure can be repeated as needed.
Trigger Point Injections
For muscle-based neck pain and myofascial trigger points, targeted injections break the cycle of spasm and referred pain, providing immediate and sustained relief.
Cervical Sympathetic Blocks
Used for complex or atypical cervical pain involving the sympathetic nervous system, including stellate ganglion blocks.
FAQs About Neck Pain
Can neck pain cause headaches? Yes. Cervicogenic headaches originate in the cervical spine — often in the upper facet joints — and are felt in the head. They are commonly misdiagnosed as tension or migraine headaches. Dr. Rubin is experienced in diagnosing and treating this pattern.
Is it safe to get a cervical epidural injection? When performed by an experienced physician using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, cervical epidural injections are safe and highly effective. Dr. Rubin performs all procedures personally under imaging guidance.
How long does relief from cervical RFA last? Most patients enjoy 12–24 months of meaningful relief from radiofrequency ablation. Nerves can regenerate over time, but the procedure can be safely repeated.
Do I need an MRI before my appointment? It is helpful to bring any existing imaging, but not required. Dr. Rubin can order cervical MRI or X-rays at your initial consultation.
Does insurance cover neck pain treatment? Most major plans — including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross — cover cervical epidural injections and nerve blocks when conservative treatment has been tried first.
Treating Neck Pain on Long Island
Dr. Rubin sees patients at two convenient Nassau County locations — Garden City and Lake Success — with procedures performed at affiliated surgical centers including NYU Long Island and Northwell Health. Call 516-492-3100 to schedule your evaluation.