Is it harmful? Beneficial?

Is there anyone here who was or is an avid swimmer who had a herniated cervical disk? Did you have surgery? How did it affect your swimming? Did swimming help your condition? How?

Is there anyone here who was or is an avid cyclist who had a herniated cervical disk? Did you have surgery? How did it affect your cycling? Did cycling help your condition? How?

Especially swimming, which is my passion. Before being tenatively diagnosed (general practioner and simple back xrays, mri pending) I was planning to swim from alcatraz to san francisco in two weeks. I guess that's on hold.

My wife and inlaws are urging me to give up cycling and open-water swimming. I'm willing to forego the alcatraz swim for now (if I can't get in lots of training this week, I don't want to swim it anyway.)

if I really had to, I could give up cycling. I'd sell my bike and use the money for a wetsuit.