The upper neck injuries may be treatable with some physical therapy. Surgery is a risky procedure if there is not a strong indication of a specific repairable injury.

Bulging disks could be caused by the injury or that could have existed for a long time. Research shows that minor bulging disks have very poor relation to ongoing symptoms.

The two concerns about neck injuries are simple.
Inflammation can cause a change in blood flow to the brain and brain stem with resulting symptoms.
Nerve impingement/radiculopathy can cause muscle spasms and pain to the areas effected by the specific nerve, i.e. head aches. The muscle spams can also effect blood flow.

I have some minor bulging, too. Nothing was suggested. Physical therapy with light traction can sometimes relieve this.