look at my sig, Had hard neck brace for 3 weeks and soft collar for another 3 weeks. Started driving after hard brace came off, doc said could drive after 2 weeks but waited for hard brace to come off. I took it easy for the whole time i had neck braces on, no house cleaning or lifting anything heavy. My chin and right below chin was really numb after surgery, now very little numbness on chin and neck. My arm and shoulder pain is much better since surgery. Also did pt to help with stiff neck and upper back. Seemed to help.