Julia
I have had two surgeries on neck.33 yrs old.Anterior and 3 mos later posterior fusion w surgical implementation.If your pain ='s an inability to function w excrucitaing pain, go for it.The"pain" of it all will not end for some time to come.Having a disectomy is what i had done to my lower back.Your neck needs far more support than eliminating the remaining "cushion" for lack of a better term.I have 6 titanium plates and 12 screws implanted.My first surgery req'd a hard neck brace.Couldnt even lift my head w/out assistance, shower or dress.Wearing a bra even pulls down on your neck.My condition previous to surgery was excruciatingly painful 24 hrs a day and the surgeries, while quite painful alone, have begun to remedy a condition even the toughest guy couldnt handle.Good luck;feel free to write back/chat if you have any questions.I am essentially housebound at this time recovering from my 2nd neck surgery 3 weeks ago and am healing remarkably.All the best