Key idea: Most cases settle with conservative care in 6–12 weeks. Surgery is considered for persistent pain, progressive weakness, or imaging-confirmed compression that matches your symptoms.

Conservative pathway (first-line)

• Anti-inflammatory medication (as tolerated), short rest, activity modification.
• Targeted physiotherapy: traction, nerve gliding, postural strengthening.
• Selective nerve root block/epidural for pain control and diagnosis.

When surgery makes sense

Absolute: worsening neurological deficit, myelopathy signs. Relative: disabling pain > 8–12 weeks despite care, with MRI/CT showing concordant nerve compression.

Common procedures

• ACDF: gold standard decompression with fusion; reliable pain relief, limits motion at one level.
• Arthroplasty (disc replacement): preserves motion in suitable single-level disease.

Outcome pearl: Matching symptoms, exam findings and imaging is the best predictor of surgical success.