Question
Thank you for the reply, the surgery was due to extreme pain in my left arm and I could not sit or stand due to the pain. An MRI and mylogram proved that surgery was the only option. I have a titanium plate and screws in my neck.
The neck swelling does not hurt where it is at, but it swells more on days that I "do something" to aggravate it more, like it I used my hands over my head, or lifted something, or vacuumed, repetitive motion. Then it puts more pressure on the nerves I guess. An EEG shows some nerve damage also.

Sincerely,
Judy
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
After C6 and 7 surgery I have had continuos pain. But what worries me the most are two things that no one can figure out. I have swelling in my neck right above the collar bones. And I have a sensation all the time in my mouth as if I drank dry wine or burnt my mouth on very hot food and it never goes away! I drink alot of water at night which I never did before. I have had numerous tests for all kinds of diseases, but nothing is shown. I have gone to several specialist and all they say is they never seen anything like it and have no idea what is going on. I need help and direction please! I was thinking of going to Mayo Clinic I am desperate.
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Dear Judy,

The swelling in your neck is in the C6/7 area, and it may not be swelling, but muscular contractions -- a common result from all wounding events, including surgery.

As to the sensation in your mouth, is that numbness?  or is it painful?  It's possible that muscular pulls emanating from your lower neck are affecting the tissues in your mouth, leading to the sensations you experience.

The question we haven't considered is, Why did you need surgery, to begin with?  Most neck issues are neuromuscular in origin; tight muscles cause compression of vertebrae and discs, which often leads to breakdown.  Surgery does nothing to or for the muscular side of things, but only addresses the long-term consequences of overcompression.

The article on whiplash injuries at somatics.com/page4.htm may illuminate things for you further.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold

Answer
Dear Judy,

The only things that would put more pressure on the nerves when you use your arms is muscles.

I still think that the nature of your problem is (and originally was) muscular, any degenerative changes resulting therefrom.

See I article I suggested.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold