u/Mysterious_Big_1324

Hey all, so I’m (34F) and I’m 2.5 weeks post surgery for C5-C6. I’m going really well however my neck hurts when I stretch it. It doesn’t feel like it’s coming from my spine, but rather my traps right next to my spine. I’ve added my xray and circled where it feels like the pain is. The thing is, I don’t know if this is just muscle, is it my spine, is stretching it okay? I’m just co fused and lost on how to help myself. I’ve been applying wheat packs, magnesium baths, massage from my partner, stretching. Is this normal? How long can I expect this pain to last

Hey! So I’m 10 days post op and I’m just wanting to hear other peoples experiences. I acknowledge that everyone is different but I just feel so in the dark here. My surgery went well and I am extremely grateful for such a wonderful team during the procedure.
One thing I’m just unsure about is.. I feel pretty good, there is some minor pain re surgery but most pain, I believe, is coming from muscle tension. However I don’t know if it is tight muscles or my spine and I don’t know what I should be doing to assist myself during the healing process. Discharge papers say 4-6 weeks of no bending and a weight limit. But I’m struggling because I’ll feel okay to do things and then I do them and it hurts and I just think to myself, surely I don’t actually have to wait up to six weeks.
I don’t even really know what I’m asking here. I’m just rambling. I’m a little lost.

Pic added for surgery reference. C5-C6