Osteophyte in C5 section - surgery?

had an MRI done, and it shows a bone spur on the c5 section of my neck impinging on the thecal sac/nerve.  went for two consultations.  One suggested traction therapy, which caused me more discomfort and the second suggested a surgery where they enter thru the front of my neck and remove the osteophyte and place a metal plate to secure.  I am leaning toward surgery as I am not sure if there are any other option to relieve this pain.  Additionally, I thought there might be a less invasive method of surgery now a days, i.e. laser etc.  Any thoughts, suggestions?

[Terry67]

Hi,  I had the same surgery for bone spurs on C5/6.  It was not a painful surgery but I will say that I have more problems now then before surgery.  This could just be my specific case but since the surgery, which did help aleviate my neck pain, I have had problems with my right arm tingling and my hand and some fingers going numb at times.  As i said this did not happen before surgery.  
I suggest that you give therapy a good try and if it really doesnt help or didnt help then do the surgery.  Just ask the doc about possible complications.