I put off fusion in neck to look 4 alternatives. have more pain in hand than b4 . is this a sign of muscle wkness? should i be worried ?

Get reevaluated : weakness won't usually cause the pain. The hand pain could be something else, coincidence, non related to your neck, but sounds like it certainly could be. If you're weaker as well, then you could be looking at permanent neurological damage if it's not dealt with surgically, possibly. May need updated MRI and see spinal doc for best option, while still young and healthy in general, & b4 damage.

Not necessarily: Pain does not automatically mean that there is weakness developing. But, if the pain is getting worse then clearly the nerve is still pinched and there is risk of weakness which could become permanent. I would see the neurosurgeon again for a repeat exam - he/she can tell whether there is worsening of the muscle strength or atrophy of the muscles.