I had neck suregry at 50 & was told I probably would need another one later in life. My neck looks awful on X-Rays. The surgery helped greatly, but there is still a lot of arthritis in my neck. Besides exercises, Ibuprofen, etc., if my neck is really bad, I apply heat. ANY type of heat. A shawl wrapped around my neck ,, even while riding,,, one of those foam neck brace collars, even when riding/sleeping,,, etc., etc.