Marcy
I had my first cervical surgery in 1998 and another in 1999 and another in 2000. I stared out with disc 5-6 now I need a massive surgery to fix 3-7. I would try everything prior to surgery. The pain clinic is a good place to start. Have you tried nerve blocks, massage therapy or accupuncture? I highly recommend you try everything possible prior to a fusion! The fusion that I had collapsed. No one ever told me this was a possibility prior to surgery. Good luck!