So sorry you had the accident. I understand about the pain from this. I hope you have had several opinions with neuro surgeons and your pain doctor, before going into surgery. I had three opinions and looked up my doctors references before I had my spinal fusion C3-7. Of course if your spinal cord is compressed, there is sometimes no choice in the matter. There will be plenty of support for you in which ever way you have to decide. I wish you all the best, and that your outcome gives you the relief you need. ginnie