It's going to depend on a lot of things and obviously severity is going to vary.

I have one in my lower back and I've had a good athletic life, but it has very much limited my time on the mat/under the bar and put me on my back occasionally. I didn't play college football primarily because of it. As long as I've kept my GPP up its been manageable; when I've gone to weekend warrior status it's been bad, and I never get away with being stupid in the gym.

My ortho mentioned but didn't push surgery last time I fell apart but I've been doing ok with PT and occasional common sense. It will always be a limit on my physical ability but I'm a relatively strong middle aged dude who can still jump a little. No regrets yet.

My brother also had one. He didn't play football or lift seriously or grapple, and weighs a lot less than me, but he had to have surgery because it was ruining his life. He had surgery and can play a little basketball again and live his life.

Make your own choices and take care of your neck.