[I agree with Leesa (almost) --but I would like to add if your spinal cord compressed --surgery might be your only viable option. I agree it should be a last resort....after all conservative measure have been tried. The only part--I dont totally agree with Leesa on --respectfully Lee--- (u know i think you awesome) --is yes surgery is for mechanical issuess--but for alot of people it provides pain relief as well ---it did for me. I was fused c4 thru c7. But there are risk with this surgery-- as with any surgery--- it should be a last resort. You should always get 2-3 consults. I honestly say I have no regrets with my surgery---- but I also had no choice as all 4 disc were pressing the spinal cord. Without surgery I would have became parlyzed. For me the surgery gave me my life back. I strongly agree last resort!! Best wishes!!