Neck Surgery
Welcome to the club. I had 2 discs removed and fused in my neck about 8 years ago.
I wasn't given a neck brace and I didn't have any restrictions on sleeping position.
Did they put in a steel plate and 4 sheet metal screws? That's what my x-ray looks like……
Anyway, After about a week I was up and around, driving and visiting friends and family. I had restrictions on what I could lift (10lbs the 1st month, 20lbs the 2nd month, 30lbs the 3rd month).
The pain goes away quick.