I hope you get to rest a bit more. 5 weeks is soon, to be doing so much. Pain for me lasted somewhat longer than that.
The placement of the hardwear,can indeed look very crooked. Mine does too, and it did concern me at first. The neruo said this was common for them not to be perfectly straight.
Do not hesitate to talk to your Neuro again, if the pain you are expeiencing is really different from what you have been feeling since your surgery. I hope you get well and have less pain day by day. ginnie