@cjs4handgbear - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. This is a great place to ask questions just like yours.

I had C4-7 (ACDF) 18 months ago. I was nearly 72 and in reasonable condition. I also had little direct pain so I never considered that an ACDF was on the table since I was really working to diagnose lower back pain which was much more painful and life-impactful. But, while digging to define my lumbar problems, the docs at Mayo took cervical images then showed me where the ACDF was necessary.

The good news is - The ACDF was fairly straightforward with a less than 24 hour hospital stay. I used very minor pain meds and I have felt fully recovered for some time. I'm only sharing this as - if an ACDF becomes the recommended treatment for you - that procedure and recovery can be quite tolerable.