Spine Surgeon in Naples, FL: Dr. Nicholas J. Clark at HSS at NCH
If neck pain, arm numbness, sciatica, or leg pain with walking is getting in the way of golf, pickleball, boating, or a beach walk in Naples, an evaluation with an orthopedic spine surgeon can help sort out the cause and your options.
Dr. Nicholas J. Clark is an orthopedic spine surgeon who completed his spine surgery fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York. He sees adults with neck and back conditions at HSS at NCH, 11190 Health Park Blvd, Building 2-2102, Naples, FL 34110. Surgery, when it is needed, is performed at NCH, where Dr. Clark holds hospital privileges.
To schedule a visit, call our team at (239) 624-0306.
Our Office in North Naples
HSS at NCH
11190 Health Park Blvd, Building 2-2102
Naples, FL 34110
The office is on the NCH North Naples Hospital campus, just off Immokalee Road. Follow campus signs to Building 2, Suite 2102. Open the office in Google Maps, or see the office information page for directions.
Getting to the Office From Naples
From I-75, take Exit 111 (Immokalee Road) and head west, then turn onto Health Park Blvd. From elsewhere in Naples, US 41 (Tamiami Trail), Goodlette-Frank Road, and Airport-Pulling Road all lead north to Immokalee Road. Typical drive times without heavy traffic:
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Vanderbilt Beach and Pelican Bay: about 10 to 20 minutes via US 41 north to Immokalee Road.
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Old Naples, Port Royal, and Fifth Avenue South: about 20 to 35 minutes via Goodlette-Frank Road north to Immokalee Road.
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Golden Gate and the Pine Ridge Road area: about 20 to 30 minutes via I-75 North to Exit 111.
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East Naples and Lely: about 30 to 40 minutes via Collier Boulevard (SR 951) and I-75 North.
From January through April, US 41 and Immokalee Road are busiest. Build in a cushion for morning appointments.
Why Naples Patients Choose HSS at NCH
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HSS at NCH and HSS training. HSS at NCH is a partnership between Hospital for Special Surgery and NCH in Naples, and Dr. Clark completed his spine fellowship at HSS.
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Nonoperative care first. Most spine conditions are treated without surgery first, through activity changes, medications, physical therapy, and sometimes injections.
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A minimally invasive focus. When surgery is recommended, Dr. Clark aims for the least invasive approach that accomplishes the goals of the operation safely. Many lower back procedures are done through small incisions with muscle-sparing techniques.
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Robotic guidance. For fusion procedures that use posterior screws, Dr. Clark uses the Globus ExcelsiusGPS robotic system to help guide posterior percutaneous screw placement. The plan is built from imaging, and the approach helps reduce X-ray exposure during surgery.
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A front-of-the-neck approach for many neck problems. For pinched nerves or spinal cord compression in the neck, Dr. Clark generally favors anterior approaches, such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or cervical disc replacement, when they fit the problem.
Conditions We Evaluate
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Spinal stenosis. Tight space around the nerves in the lower back often shows up as leg heaviness or cramping that builds the longer you stand or walk, and settles when you sit or lean forward. Learn more about spinal stenosis.
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Herniated discs and sciatica. Pain that shoots down one leg, sometimes with numbness or weakness. See herniated disc and sciatica.
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Cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. Hand clumsiness, trouble with buttons or handwriting, balance changes, or arm pain and tingling can come from pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve in the neck. Do not wait on these symptoms. See myelopathy and radiculopathy.
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Spondylolisthesis. When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, the nerves can get pinched, causing back and leg pain. See spondylolisthesis.
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Degenerative disc disease and neck and back pain. See degenerative disc disease and neck and back pain.
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Symptoms after prior surgery. See revision spine surgery.
Treatment Options
When surgery is the right next step, the options below may apply:
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MIS microdiscectomy for a herniated disc pressing on a nerve
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MIS decompression for spinal stenosis
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MIS TLIF, a minimally invasive lower back fusion for stenosis with instability or a slipped vertebra
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MIS LLIF and MIS ALIF, lower back fusions through the side or the front
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Robotic spine surgery for accurate posterior screw placement
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Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for pinched nerves or spinal cord compression in the neck
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Cervical disc replacement, which preserves motion at the treated level for appropriate candidates
What to Expect When You Call
Most new patients are seen within about a week to 10 days. So the first visit can focus on a clear plan, Dr. Clark prefers that patients have a recent MRI of the area causing symptoms (the images and the report) and have tried a course of physical therapy. No MRI or therapy yet? You can still call, and our team will help you plan next steps. Progressive weakness, hand clumsiness, or balance changes should not wait for therapy to finish.
Bring your MRI images and report, a list of medications, and notes on any injections or therapy you have had. The patient registration form can be completed ahead of time. Coverage questions? See insurance information.
Referring offices can find referral details on our Referring Physicians page.
Spine Care for Communities Near Naples
Dr. Clark sees patients from across Southwest Florida at the Naples office. If you are traveling in, these pages cover routes and planning for your community:
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Bonita Springs: a short drive south via I-75 or US 41
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Estero: about 20 to 30 minutes via I-75 or US 41
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Marco Island: via Collier Boulevard (SR 951) and I-75 or US 41
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Fort Myers: about 35 to 50 minutes via I-75 South
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Cape Coral: about 45 minutes to an hour via I-75 South
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Lehigh Acres: about 50 minutes to an hour via I-75 South
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Sanibel and Captiva: across the Sanibel Causeway, with tips for island and seasonal residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dr. Clark's office in Naples?
HSS at NCH, 11190 Health Park Blvd, Building 2-2102, Naples, FL 34110, on the NCH North Naples Hospital campus off Immokalee Road.
How long does it take to get there from my part of Naples?
From Vanderbilt Beach and Pelican Bay, usually about 10 to 20 minutes. From Old Naples and Port Royal, about 20 to 35 minutes. From East Naples and Lely, about 30 to 40 minutes. Season and time of day matter, so allow extra time from January through April.
Is surgery performed at the same location as my visit?
Visits take place at the HSS at NCH office in Building 2. Surgery, when it is needed, is performed at NCH, where Dr. Clark holds hospital privileges.
Does Dr. Clark see patients who do not live in Naples?
Yes. Patients travel in from Bonita Springs, Estero, Marco Island, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Sanibel and Captiva. All visits take place at the Naples office.
Do I need an MRI or physical therapy before I call?
No. Dr. Clark prefers a recent MRI and a trial of physical therapy before the first visit, but our team can help you plan if you do not have them yet.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Your MRI images and report, a list of medications, and notes on any injections or therapy you have had.
Schedule an Evaluation in Naples
If neck or back symptoms are getting in the way of daily life, call our team at (239) 624-0306 to schedule a visit at HSS at NCH.