[ZorroSF]

Seems cervical disc replacement is the best so far. Lumbar disc replacement encompasses too many factors and has less success than cervical replacements, or so the studies show.

Nerve impingement can come from a variety of different places and isn't always originating from where you would most expect it to. You can get a slight idea of the pain relief you will get if you perform some sort of traction technique. This can range from being in a pool up to your head, or an inversion table. those techniques must be repeated for at least two weeks to get a good idea.

Seems the moajority of people writing on this forum after their surgery still experience pain and need to take meds or perform high upkeep on their spine. be prepared for that. I know I wasn't.

To make this short; you will receive relief no matter what op you have, but it might not be everything you want it to be. Instead you need to think in terms of what you would be willing to deal with. Do you NEED an operation now, or can you wait a couple of years? are you expecting the same range of motion, or can you tolerate a limited movement. The disc obviously shows in your MRI that it is pushing itself into your chord, but do you have any facet joint degeneration? If you do then there's still a good chance you will likely endure some pain long after the op.