I can bend my neck and have no restrictions since my surgery. Neither do my two friends who had the same surgery. But, as I mentioned, i do know of someone who had an unsuccessful surgery and his head is now permanently bend down. I do not know the statistics on this. But there is a risk. I think within 5-6 weeks, i was in very good shape. The bone stimulator was prescribed by my doctor. A tech delivered it in person to my home and explained to me how to use it, which was super easy. You can get a prescription for Walking in the pool for therapy or if you have a pool near you, you can just go on your own. Walking forward, backward and side by side were the most important movements. I also concentrate on balance exercises in the pool, like standing on one leg, etc.