@grandmaraines Laser spine treatments would not be able to remove spinal cord compression in the central canal. Major medical centers do standard surgical procedures for this. There can also be stenosis in the spaces where the nerve roots exit the spine. There are procedures that go through the front of the neck or the back (which I am told hurts more). It is the frontal approach that can affect the vocal chords. If you can come to Mayo for an opinion, I recommend it, not just because I am a Mayo spine surgery patient, but because they are good and have experience with these procedures for people with singing careers. Mayo also has procedures to place an implant that allows the vocal chords to meet again if one was paralyzed by the ACDF procedure. You should get more opinions and ask how your symptoms and quality of life can change if you never have surgery. Some people can be paralyzed and live in wheelchairs. I had great results with my ACDF at Mayo and did not have any voice issues. I understand your hesitation, I would feel that way too. I am an artist, and my spine problem was taking my talent ability away from me. This surgery restored my ability to do my artwork. There is a lot to think about and we are here to listen. You need a lot of information about what is possible to make this decision. Here is my story. https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/