I had cervical laminectomy C5-C7 in December of 2024. I did not think pain was bad. I did take hydrocodone for 2 days after surgery, then switched to just Tylenol and ibuprophen after that for a couple weeks. Recovery overall was not bad at all. Getting dressed, showering was easy. No issues with getting out of bed or positioning. Just follow post op instructions about not turning head too far certain ways and do not lift anything heavy. I wore soft cervical collar when leaving the house for a few weeks and at home when needed.