Alan,
Go to an in-network spine specialist, tell them your symptoms, and get an MRI and x-rays. Screw the VA. After that, you'll get a diagnosis. If they recommend surgery, go see another doctor (bring your MRIs). If they also say surgery, start looking into who does ADRs (preferably Mobi-c's or Prestige LPs in case you need a two level). If both say no surgery, find a GOOD physical therapist and see if that helps. Mine helped me a lot. Computer work is my core problem, as of late.
There is absolutely no point in suffering these days. If you're in pain and can get an ADR, do it. I'd only suffer if ACDF was the only solution.
If you need three levels, then you could start looking into overseas with Dr. Clavel (but expect to pay out the ***).
Stay strong, friend.
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C2-3: Mild desiccation with focal 1.5mm central disc protrusion.
C3-4: Unconvetebral osteophyte formation on the right with minimal foraminal narrowing.
C4-5: Focal 2mm disc protrusion which abuts the thecal sac and slightly abuts the ventral cord.
C5-6: Central right paracentral 2mm disc osteophyte fomplex. Abuts ventral cord with some cord flattening.
C6-7: Disc desiccation with broad based central 1.5mm disc osteophyte complex.
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