HI Checker , its very common to have flare ups esp now your posture is so important. You being a previous smoker did ur surgeon get u a bone growth stimulator? Its a machine u where around your neck 4 hrs a day--u dont feel anything but it send currents in helping to aid a solid fusion --usually if you have a multi level fusion or was/or are a smoker with a single fusion most surgeons get the insurance to approve it. I had surgery in 7-2010 I dont have any regrets--but i do suffer from major flare ups esp in right shoulder and neck and between scapular area. I had a multi level fusion and did achieve solid fusion.