Hi , I suggest getting second opinion also, always.
Surgery should be considered as a last resort.

A good Dr should show & clearly explain why surgery is suggested to patient.
Most things requiring surgery should clearly show on the imaging (MRI, Xray, CT scan, etc (& get a copy of it) .

And you can always take the same films to another dr, or even an expert chiropractor an opinion also.

I would ask Dr why not give PT a try first?

There are other repetitive strain injures that share some of the same symptoms as c spine problems, like thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). it can also mimic carpal tunnel or be in combination with carpal tunnel.

Does she do a lot of repetitive activities? - desk work, lots of texting, computer work, sports injuries, previous whiplash, musician?

How is her upper body posture? head forward, shoulders forward?
this can strain & spasm the upper back & neck muscles which can send symptoms down the arms.

here's our TOS forum's useful sticky thread - full of info on TOS and other related conditions & therapies-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html