Take a deep breath!! A neurosurgeon, if familiar with Chiari and the treatment options, will talk to you and discuss your options. Basically it will be a "can I live with this" or "I need it gone now!" I had the surgery 6 weeks ago and I've gone back to work full time with very little lingering effects. Of course we all are different and there are different approaches. I was referred to a neurosurgeon just for consultation because the neurologist didn't really treat Chiari.
I don't really have sharp pain in neck and shoulder but rather my forehead area. This was caused, for me, by a block in spinal fluid. I met with my neurosurgeon and we discussed the pros and cons (my hubby was there too.) For me, my symptoms had spread to mimicking MS with loss of fine motor skills, memory loss, severely decreased balance, loss of tone, choking/swallowing difficulties, etc. We discussed what MY life would be like in 10 years with and without it.
There is no "cure" for Chiari. The surgery is a treatment for things Chiari has caused (like the blocked flow of CSF fluid.) Also, from what I have read, it's often times not a one-time treatment. As for the surgery, in my case, it was a "quality of life" surgery than 100% necessary. He estimated that for me, my symptoms, herniation, and progression that within 10 years I would be unable to work, drive and would likely have little if any motor skills with my hands.
Here's the GOOD part of surgery. Please remember that this was MY experience. We all are different, recover differently, and react differently---I just want you to see some hope. It was a 4 1/2 hour surgery. They offered meds to help me calm while waiting (this wasn't good because I waited forever due to an emergency stealing my OR.) The staff were friendly, helpful and so nice. I was wheeled to OR, the anesthesiologist put the mask on me and told me three jokes and I fell asleep. I woke up thirsty. But not in pain. I had a 3 day hospital stay where they kept me VERY comfortable with meds and pillows, blankets, food, drinks, etc. After being sent home, I got oral pain meds which kept me comfortable. The incision for me was about 4 inches, but my hair covers it completely. It was healed and stitches out after 2 weeks. I have regained 80% of my range.
THE BEST PART!? IN THE SIX WEEKS SINCE SURGERY, I HAVEN'T HAD ONE HEADACHE OR SHARP PAIN IN MY HEAD. NOT ONE! I consider it a success and if it only lasts 10 years, it will be well worth it!!
If you can live with the symptoms and things then live with them by all means! Surgery should be a last resort when you can't take it any longer. There are great success stories and there are some not-so-great ones. There is always risk with surgery, so it has to be worth it to you. If you don't like the neurosurgeon they referred you to---get a different one! Find one that you like and is helpful and willing to help you through the process.
And DEFINITELY hang around here! :D