If your wife, and the cervical issues say SEVERE on the MRI. That is when it is good to seek another opinion. You have every right to question what might happen down the road. The vertebra above and below the surgical site need to be strong enough to handle the hardware. I had C6-7 done, and five years later was fused C3-7. Domino effect can occur. I wish your wife all the best. Good to try all the PT you can. ginnie