I have read that Cervical procedures are the much more successful than other areas of the spine. The surgery has stopped my pain but still am wearing my hard collar due to a 3 level fusion. My only complaint is some swallowing difficulties that I believe will pass. I have thorasic issues as well, I go to Mayo next month where I hope that gets addressed along with the DISH condition overall. My surgeon was my second opinion, first with a neurosurgeon, the the second was a orthopedic surgreon.