I did still have shoulder issues ---noises in neck is normal cracking & crunching freaked me out at first--but is normal still get them but not as often. The zapping --I called them zingers asked dr he said he heard ppl say the same-- its the nerves--nerves do strange things---i still have numbness in fingers and my right hand is always much colder then left. 2 1/2 yrs out i get twinges in my scar as well and sometimes it itches my scar is longer then most ppl because my disc actually crumbled during surgery and dr had to fish out the material from the back of my neck. You will always get flare up when you over do it ---the main thing as much as you hate it --because your in the most important phase of healing-- is making sure you acheive a solid fusion. Even if you dont want too--- you have to very carefull and take it easy --and I mean not do too much. I walked everyday even if it was just around the block or house ---just to try to get energy back. I read alot of books. Sometimes I miss my recovery period it was one of the few times in 30yrs of working I ever spend so much time relaxing.