I had surgery on l5 s1 once, and currently have a couple up in the c range messed up. The neck ones were just like one day woke up like I slept wrong. Some days are better than others. Been to the VA several times,physical theropy, heat treat, massage, exercises etc. They have me use a home traction unit. It helps some days. My back was so bad I couldnt walk upright. 4 or 5 muscle relaxer shots at the ER and finally the muscles ez'd up. My Ciro got me an appointment with a surgeon and he did a dichotomy. In a couple weeks it was great. Un fortunately for the neck it was sounding like fusion which for now I want no part of.