I had ACDF surgery on 9 Jun 14.  (2 weeks ago).  I felt pretty good immediately after surgery, my throat felt like a truck had been driven thru it, but all was well.  Now, the creaking and cracking from pre-surgeryis gone, but the back of my neck is killing me.  I have toed the line in regards to no lifting, driving, etc.  I was not given a cervical collar.  I have been sleeping in the bed, now, I am almost completely sleeping in the proper position.  To bend my neck forward or back, I have to actually put my hands on the back of my neck and give it an assist.  I am calling my surgeon this morning, this cannot be right.