Any advice much appreciated

I have had a bad back for almost 10 yrs ( used to be a carer ) Mri showed a prolapse disc few years ago but now after new Mri have spinal cord compression C4/5 to C5/6 consultant hasn't explained the operation cervical decompression well all he said was what could go wrong ! Though apparently the op won't clear my pain in lower back very confused and worried as don't do operations easily but lack of knowledge not helping thank you