After my second surgery (cervical fusion) I wore a Miami-J cervical neck brace for 12 weeks, and had 6 weeks of massage therapy once it came off.  You would be suprised how much wearing one of those messes up your neck muscles!  All was fine after intensive massages by a German gal named Brita.  WHEW!  She even did some of the shoulder muscles with her elbows!!  Let me tell you, I felt great afterward.