I am now in the hardest & longest healing stage - Maturation Phase!  I wake each morning with stiffness in my neck & by the end of the day depending on how much head movement I do I hurt.  So I have been using [not on any Doctors orders] my soft neck collar which does help in cushing my head in movements throughout the day in any basic activities!  But I do not wear it while driving or when I go to sleep at night.  Yes as stated in different stages - pain & discomfort, especially after any activity is something I will need to deal with each & every day!  I do take some pain pills at night but they do not work that much in limiting any pain at night therefore I do not sleep as well as I would like.  But just have to realize this healing process will take time & there is a need to balance out any basic stuff to do each day.  It will be a happy day when I can wake up without any discomfort in stiffness or pain or aching in my neck!!!  All those who are going through the exact procedure I have just be patient & be careful in any daily activities that you do!  I have a very good support group plus my caregiver in helping me with household chores,etc. which in turn relieves me in doing any extra physical strains on my body till it heals up into this year & most likely into next.  Best wishes to all!  Shirley Mae~