I have had 5 neck surgeries, I have 3 fusions, steel plates from C-1 to C-5 in the rear, a metal cage in the front to make more room for the spinal cord. Along with an implanted pain pump with a line to my neck to dispense meds. They told me to quit racing and working, I didn't till the 3rd operation. I did more damage and ruptured my spinal cord. If the doc's advise you to quit..Quit...The pain I have now is miserable even with all the drugs. poppaj