Jason,
It is natural to have doubts before surgery. I had them, and now facing surgery again, of course, they surface again.
Like most people, I haven't had brain surgery. So no comparison there.
The cervical ADR is supposed to be "easier" than lumbar.
You do have to listen to the doctor's instructions about activity. If they don't give you specific instructions, ask for them. I don't think the admonishment to not do anything that hurts is specific enough.
With lumbar surgery, I was pretty much told what I can and and cannot do and some of it was not something I thought would be restricted.
From what I have seen on the various boards, a lot of people complain about some throat pain after surgery and then say it resolves. From what I understand, you don't have to stay in the hospital as long as lumbar surgery.
I wish you the best next week. I have seven weeks until surgery, but I will be seeing you on the other side. You will soon be offering your opinion to others on this forum.
Runner