The research into MRI's of the spine show many cases are counter intuitive. A highly symptomatic patient may have no imaged injuries or deterioration. A patient with severe imaged injuries or deterioration can have no symptoms.

They struggle to understand this conundrum.

This does not mean that there are not injuries worth treating. I think the question is one of risk benefit analysis. Once tissue is cut on and modified, it is difficult to undo the changes. A conservative approach is often best to start.

I have had knee and shoulder problems since high school. 40 years later, I may finally need a surgical intervention on my shoulder. 20 years ago, the surgeon told me the risks of surgery. 1/3rd get improvement, 1/3rd stay the same and 1/3rd get worse. So, I decided to change my behaviors to reduce further risk to my shoulders. It worked for those 20 years until I fell hard snow skiing last winter.

It sounds like your neck is in bad shape. Can they fix it without putting you at further risk ? A BIG question.

I have some foramina narrowing in a few places with some mild disk bulging. Never even considered taking on the risks of surgery. I learned better posture, especially during rest and sleep. Sometimes, I can move my head and my neck sounds like a bag of bones. Ewwwwww.