You now plan to decompress the nerve roots at C5-6 and C6-7. You mention posterior foraminotomies or “disc replacement” but do not mention ACDF (decompression and fusion).
Posterior foraminotomies have their place with mild to moderate compression of the nerve root without large anterior spurs (uncovertebral joint hypertrophy-see cervical radiculopathy on the website). WIth large spurs or motor weakness (muscle weakness), the posterior foraminotomies are much less effective (remember Peyton Manning?). See the section on posterior foraminotomies on this website.
Artificial disc replacement vs ACDF is a topic I have covered on a sticky at the beginning of the neck pain forum. Please review that on the forum. Being a type 1 diabetic makes surgery somewhat more challenging but you could still consider either ADR or ACDF surgery.
Dr. Corenman
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.