@jkgraham393 Myofascial release therapists are trained and certified in the John Barnes methods and it takes a while for them to learn to feel the subtleties with their hands of the tight paths of fascial webbing throughout the body. A masseuse likely does not have this level of training or skill unless they are doing medical physical therapy type massage and have taken many of these courses. It's a certification from the skill level of courses of study. My physical therapist is an expert level MFR therapist and she can find these issues before I can, and knows how to open them up. She does other modalities too in treating me and stabilization exercises in addition to MFR. Because she is a licensed physical therapist, insurance pays according to the plan.

Here is our discussion on MFR with lots of information. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

As for anterior cervical fusion, I had that, and it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I had a great surgeon at Mayo, and a great recovery. I was able to tolerate my recovery without pain meds which was a surprise to me. I also took my time with recovery and rested which is important. Perhaps a different surgical opinion would benefit you. If you do nothing, your spine can fuse itself and will be in what ever position that is in which may not be good, and you can prevent nerve deficits by decompressing before nerve issues become permanent. Bone spurs grow in response to uneven pressure and can also grow into the areas where the nerve roots exit the spine. When a disc herniates, the jelly like substance inside spills out and the inflammation that causes can start bone spur growth in an attempt to stabilize the spine. You will get an unbiased opinion if you go to Mayo because doctors are not paid extra for doing surgeries. I'd be happy to answer any questions about my spine surgery. When you find the right doctor for you, it makes taking that big step easier. This was my first major surgery and I worked on ways to overcome my fears, and doing all of this changed my life for the better in many ways, and I am so grateful to my surgeon. Here is my story. https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/