Jingleman,
About 5 years ago I started having tingling and numbness in my arms. I eventually had Cervical Spine surgery which included a fusion of 3 vertebrae. Best thing I decided to do. Here is what I learned. ANYTHING related to nerve damaged needs to be fixed ASAP. The reason-once nerves reach a certain point of damage they can NOT be repaired and the symptoms will remain regardless of the surgery. The best they can do is stop the progression of the damage. Because I waited to long today I still have numb finger tips in both hands.

About 3 years ago I started having tingling in my left leg. I had Lumber Spine surgery( a lamenectomy) done and all is great today. This time I knew not to wait and it ended really well.
FYI- both surgeries were required because of spinal stenosis.

Neither of the surgeries were difficult to go through and I would do either again without hesitation.

This has been my real life experience -- hope it helps your thinking about it all.

Deane