@bidcd I was in a position of going from surgeon to surgeon and none would help me because they misunderstood my condition and were afraid of an inflammatory problem like MS. That went on for 2 years before I found a good surgeon at Mayo who helped me. It is worth getting multiple opinions and you may want to research surgeons you would want to consult and read their publications and look a their training, etc. It also helps to work with a physical therapist. My PT bought me some time and helped with the pain by doing electrical stimulation along the nerve roots in my cervical spine. I got some relief for about a week. I know it's difficult, and you need to have a plan for when something doesn't work out on who you will consult next. There is always a wait for the good ones. Ask to be put on a cancellation list wherever you are asking to b seen.

Is your primary care offering pain medication to help?