Neck and back symptoms do not always point to the same problem. Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or trouble walking can come from discs, joints, bones, nerves, or an injury.
At Premier Spine Institute, Dr. Bonaventure Ngu evaluates adults with spine problems and works to find the cause before recommending treatment. A clear diagnosis helps avoid treating an MRI instead of treating the person.
At a Glance
- Similar symptoms can come from different spine problems.
- A diagnosis should connect your symptoms, exam, and imaging.
- Treatment is based on the cause, not only the name of the symptom.
Why finding the cause matters
Pain is a symptom, not always the diagnosis. Leg pain may come from a lumbar nerve. Arm pain may start in the neck. Numbness may be related to a spinal nerve or a problem outside the spine.
Imaging helps, but it must be compared with the physical exam and the pattern of symptoms. Dr. Bonaventure Ngu focuses on identifying which findings matter and which findings may simply be common age-related changes.
What kinds of spine problems do we evaluate?
Disc problems include herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. Nerve problems include pinched nerves, radiculopathy, and sciatica.
Narrowing problems include spinal stenosis. Stability problems include spondylolisthesis. Trauma can cause fractures, disc injury, ligament injury, or instability.
Common symptoms we evaluate include back pain, neck pain, and neck-related shoulder and arm pain. Each condition page explains the symptoms, evaluation, non-surgical options, and when surgery may be an option.
When should you get urgent help?
New loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or saddle area, sudden or rapidly worsening weakness, or major trauma with severe neck or back pain can be signs of a serious problem. These symptoms need urgent medical evaluation and should not wait for a routine office visit.
Other symptoms can often be evaluated in a scheduled spine consultation.
How is treatment chosen?
Many spine conditions improve without surgery. Non-surgical care may include activity changes, medication, exercise or physical therapy coordinated outside the practice, and other treatment when it makes sense. Class IV Laser Therapy is also available on-site for selected non-surgical cases when the clinic determines it is appropriate.
When surgery is needed, the procedure should be tied to a clear problem such as nerve compression, spinal instability, or a damaged disc.
Care at Premier Spine Institute
Premier Spine Institute is located at 411 Lantern Bend Dr, Suite 100A, Houston, TX 77090. Adults visit the practice from Houston and nearby North Houston communities such as Spring, The Woodlands, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, and Conroe. If you already have X-rays, MRI, CT, or prior records, bring them to your visit when possible.
About Dr. Bonaventure Ngu
Bonaventure Ngu, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in spine surgery. His training includes the University of Maryland School of Medicine, orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and spine fellowship training at the Leatherman Spine Institute.
Common Questions
Do I need an MRI before seeing a spine surgeon?
Not always. Bring any imaging you already have.
The doctor can decide whether new imaging is needed after reviewing your symptoms and exam.
Does back pain always come from a disc?
No. Back pain can come from muscles, joints, discs, nerves, fractures, and other causes.
Can a neck problem cause shoulder or arm pain?
Yes. A compressed or irritated cervical nerve can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Seek urgent care for new bowel or bladder loss, saddle numbness, sudden major weakness, serious trauma, or other severe or rapidly worsening neurologic symptoms.
Schedule a Spine Evaluation
If neck, back, arm, or leg symptoms are affecting your work, sleep, walking, or daily life, schedule an evaluation with Premier Spine Institute. Call (281) 719-9505 or request an appointment online.
Medically reviewed by Bonaventure Ngu, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Last reviewed: September 25, 2026.