I'm not saying I shouldn't have had the surgery, actually I should have had it earlier since the amount of damage was significant. But the recovery was lengthy and I have arthritis too which is what I think I'm having trouble with too. My wife has had a cervical 3 level fusion due to a bad accident before my surgery, her recovery was easier than mine, but I do so much physical type work my body is failing faster than I can fix it or heal up from it. Do your research, pick a good Dr and practice (can't say enough about how good the Dr's are @ Neuromedical Center and Spine Hospital) and you should be better. Good luck man.Yall are making me nervous. I am going to Dr. Today about a herniated disc in my neck from a car accident back in April of last year.