I had an mri which shows that a part of a disc has broken off and is pressing on a nerve in my spine , the pain i have is my left arm and left side of neck and the worst pain is in my left armpit, i am seeing a neurosurgeon in two weeks and i wanted to know what i might need to have done (ie. surgery) or if i would need anything done, the pain is at its worst when i am sitting, driving or in bed at night
Based on the MRI findings and your symptoms YOY might be having severe pain. However, surgery may not always be the first choice. If you are doing any job then you should take rest from job, Chat Doctor.  Using painkillers and cervical collar can relieve your pain.  Physiotherapy to neck relieves your pain and prevents the worsening of disc bulge. Those patients who do not get relieved by trial of rest and physio may require surgery.