Absolutely, you need a neurosurgeon and a complete work up by one before
even thinking of doing fusion in that area.    There are other options for
you, if it is pain that you are dealing with.
I myself right now, am undergoing blocks in to the cervical spine, SOUNDS
nasty but it is not.  YOU are put under.  I have to have them to help
control the pain from arthritis (spondlysis and or  spondylitis ) is the
name for it.  I had a fusion done in 99 in my C 6 C 7 and now art set in
there, down and up from there.  AT that time, I had to have it done, I
could not turn my head..and had a ruptured area pinching on nerve.  NOW
this pain from apparantly what you are fighting.

Can you tell me what this is due from for you?  You can write me private if
you want.
Do you wear a soft neck collar at all for stability?  or hard collar? That
might give you some relief and help.  Ask the doc about this, if you are
medicare they pay I believe for them.
Tis a very touchy area for you and the spinal column is right there, please
see a neuro for a work up and all the pro's and con's for  your options...

janers