@coachdavid - Morning. You didn't ask but I have some perspective that might help you with your pending ACDF.

I had a C4-7 ACDF three months before my four-level lumbar work a little over a year ago. In comparison - the ACDF was much, much easier to recover from. I wore a rigid neck brace for six weeks and experienced some swallowing difficulties on and off for several months - but now recovery feels complete and - compared to the lumbar recovery - a relative breeze. All cervical stenosis symptoms are 100% gone with my only price being some restriction in head-twisting range. A worthwhile trade-off for me.

Do you have your ACDF scheduled? How many levels?