I had a C5-C6 cervical fusion on the 16 and recovering great. Mine involved decompression and osteophyte removal that was pressing on my spinal cord. Had a spacer, cage and plate. I had mild/moderate pain the first two days and currently no pain at all. (My worse pain was a 4 on scale of 1-10). Worse part was a moderate sore throat. Had oxy for day one and Tylenol thereafter. Muscle relaxers help a lot. Don’t be anxious about the pain as it can be easily controlled with scheduled medications. Best wishes on your surgery.