Welcome to Neuro Talk. I am glad you found this site. I have been here for just under two years. I also came looking for answers to my surgery questions. I had C3-7 repaired., a second fusion, so I was more that worried I was terrified. Before you go to surgery I would suggest that you go for another opinion. My reason is that you stated your symptoms were described as "mild" However any cord compression isn't a good thing. Usually if there is cord compression they say it is severe, meaning that a surgical resolution may be the best course of action. After going through both my surgeries, I can tell you I didn't go for a second opinion the first time around. I should have. I didn't know there were problems with other areas of my spine, and I was not told. I had the domino effect, where the ones above and below the origional surgery didn't do very well. I should have addressed all my concerns and be more active in the decision. I was so much in pain, that I just wanted to get it over with. I suppose that was the issue I had to learn. I do wish you all the best with your C4-5 area. None of it is fun, and I am sorry you are going through this. If there are any questions, I am here, and there will be others that may have some ideas for you. ginnie