Medical imaging is a wonderful diagnostic tool, but it doesn't tell the whole story. I'm not sure how a surgeon (the 2nd one) could—or would—make a snap judgment/statement like that without also doing a complete workup on the patient. IMO it's not medically responsible. He's the one I would avoid.

The first surgeon sounds (to me) like he's taking a more conservative approach. Cervical surgery is a risky proposition that should not be taken lightly. Studies have shown that long term, surgery results are no better than physical therapy.

Physical function outcome in cervical radiculopathy patients after physiotherapy alone compared with anterior surgery followed by physiotherapy: a prospective randomized study with a 2-year follow-up.

I read the other (long version) post. Not being a medical doctor, I don't know if those symptoms are possibly related or completely unrelated (the first surgeon may, and may have based his opinion on that assessment).

Is there some overwhelming reason you're eager to risk surgery at this time?

I have no problem with getting multiple opinions (I would discount/give significantly less weight to the one who saw imaging only).

Doc