Weasel - sorry to hear bro. I've had some serious ruptured disk issues and before you go the surgery route, get to a doctor who performs spinal injections.

Although mine is lower back, the injection of cortisone (called an Epidural Injection) immediately decreased pain and inflammation. It shrinks the disc tissue and relieves the pressure on the nerve. Got it twice and cured my significant pain. I was ready to get surgery in my mind, the pain was so bad. Then my doctor suggested this route to see if it would work and I avoided surgery.

It is absolutely worth seeing a specialist in this to see if this is a recommended treatment for your condition.

No fun at all, good luck and keep us posted.