Post multi-level ACDF pain

I'm about 5 weeks post-op from ACDF of C 5-6 and C6-7 with allograft and plating. The pre-op nerve pain in R arm and numbness was remedied by the surgery. I'm still having quite a lot of muscle tightness, spasms and pain down both sides of my neck, across my shoulders, around my shoulder blades and upper back. The pain seemed to improve around the 2 week mark but returned around 3 weeks post op. I wore a soft collar for 3 weeks and I have a rigid collar to wear when I leave home until my 8 week post-op appointment. I haven't been taking pain meds for about 3 weeks, eventhough I feel like I could still use some at night. My doctor is pretty conservative with narcotics and I haven't really pressed. I'm only taking Soma presently and am not seeing much relief. I am also using a bone growth stimulator that attaches to either side of the neck with 2 small electrodes. I'm walking daily but my doctor hasn't mentioned any exercises or PT yet. Should I still be having muscle spasm pain to the point it disturbs my sleep? Would it be unusual to take pain meds at this point and should I talk with my doctor about that? I understand that's not a good idea long term. Maybe a change to something like Tramadol? I've taken that before for lower back pain.

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

PT and pain killers are not needed: you will be excellent in 2 months