What you are experiencing is similar to the late effects of radiation in some so that is why you were asked about radiation, in my opinion. What happens is the muscles start tightening up from scar tissue that is being generated by the body from the damage caused by surgery. If blood doesn't flow, the body knows something is wrong and starts generating tissue in defense. In addition, muscles are compensating for the others that were damaged from the surgery. Sometimes physical therapy can help "stretch" the muscles involved so they aren't so tight and get you some relief for the jaw.

As far as the other aches and pains I'm sorry I don't know much about the recovery process of neck dissections since I only had chemo and radiation.

I hope this helps.

Ed

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023