I was over a year before pain let up for me after ACDF. I still feel weird on the left side of the neck over 2 years later! I don't think I'll ever be right. In fact, the doctor told me, "I'm gonna have to hurt you to save you." I don't know if that goes for everyone but in my case the damage and compression was so severe he reemed me out like Roto Rooter on a drain pipe.