Yes, extrusions of nucleus pulposus, causing an irritative reaction leading to pressure on the cervical nerve. Hot/cold sensation, tinging, numbness, and a surprisingly high pain level ensues. Currently I'm going with option (1). That should work in the long term, if not your option (2) is the way to go. As I understand it, that may not be just a case removing material; often flexible material gets inserted between where the discs are damaged. Now doesn't sound picking the right rubber to insert between the vertebrae to ease things out like the ultimate EJ challenge? Not going there, though. Pain levels have dropped to a level I now consider to be negligible, and I think I'm moving freely. Yet the body seems to have lost nuances of its timing, balance. Basic automation is off, like it needs recalibration.
I've had (and am still doing) exercises. Some of them are conditioning, intended to improve basic stance; others are basically muscle usage and relaxation ones. Many people came with unsolicited advice and suggested to visit a chiropractor, an osteopath, a fysiotherapist. My neurologist however sternly warned me in no uncertain terms not to mess with it along these lines.
There's this thing with getting older. You need to come to terms with degradation. Sometimes it's gradual and small, and sometimes it's a bit more abrupt. I'll see how this plays out, but at some point you just realise that there's a limit to things, and that is't not the sky.
