The goal of surgery is to stabilize the neck and secondarily to provide pain relief. You will pain after the surgery but should gradually decrease post op to a level which is manageable. Discuss expected outcome with the surgeon.  Rehab after surgery will be important to control pain and developing functional arm and upper body use.

However, if you feel there has been negligence on the part of your physician then its crucial that you speak to an attorney as in Tennessee you have only one year from date of negligent act or from date you were on notice of such act whether having actual or constructive knowledge.  The statute of repose has a three year cap from date of negligent act regardless of notice.   There are numerous cervical fusions that are performed negligently by surgeons and many do not find out till much later with symptoms often presenting themselves latently.