Hi Ellen, martin had a modified radical neck dissection where they took a few nodes but left the muscle. There was only one positive node. The scar goes from the back of the ear down the neck and accross to the middle of the neck. After the operation Martin was fine.He was numb but had fairly good movement and no pain. But movement worsened after radiation as did the pain, as it scarred the muscle tissue we are told. Martin has learnt to manage the pain with medication. But not everyone is in pain after a ND. I think it depends a lot on the treatment with it, the aftercare you get (physio) and of course everyone is different. Good luck.