New here and freaking out a little (ok a LOT)

[KL Aguilar]

In my humble opinion, you should continue to research and not rush immediately into surgery. However, you have two troublesome findings on the MRI: narrow spinal canal space of 7.5 to 8 (stenosis) and the osteophytes. Stenosis can be dangerous if one has a serious fall or car accident or the like. Osteophytes are likely to grow and get worse over time.

Due to the similar problems at C5/6 and 6/7, the surgeon was probably recommending a two-level ACDF. There may be other surgeries that could deal with your problem: ADR (artificial disc replacement), laminectomy, foraminotomy, etc. All of these surgeries have advantages and disadvantages.

I am in a similar, although far worse, situation. I have seen or had my films and records seen by 9 surgeons and have had the following recommendations: 4-level ACDF (2 surgeons), 2-level ACDF (1 surgeon), 2 level ADR (1 surgeon), 2-3 level ADR (3 surgeons), 2-level foraminotomy (1 surgeon), and 2-level ACD without fusion. The two surgeons who recommended a 4-level ACDF were not top-notch surgeons; one was a neurosurgeon, but not even a spine specialist. All the other were top-notch spine specialists.

You need a second, and third, opinion from a top-notch surgeon who SPECIALIZES IN SPINES. Where are you located and what are your financial options (i.e., what kind of insurance do you have)?