Everyone's recovery time is gonna differ, but it took me about a solid 6 months before I felt my neck could handle it. Mostly from fear I'll admit that. I was seriously not able to hold anything out in front of my body without dropping it. Whether it weighed an ounce or 10 lbs. I worked out very light, but would always try to do too much too soon, which would always set me back. In and out of the gym. Like 3-4 weeks on and 2-3 months off for like 2 damn years.
I finally decided to change my entire approach when I started TRT. I spent an entire 4 weeks doing nothing but push-ups, chair dips and sit ups. Several sets in the morning and again in the evening. And, I shot basketball 2-3 times a week.
The next 4 weeks I did a basic 4 days a week (EOD). I did basic lifts with a light-medium weight. I stuck to the same weight and focused on form and concentrated mostly on foundation.
The next 4 weeks (month 3) I concentrated on increasing my weight incrementally while maintaining strict form. I really believe strict form and taking my time rebuilding is why I'm still hitting it hard 2 years in a row.
Beginning Month 4: I started my first blast (or real cycle since I was 28) The gym has been my second home ever since.
I still have pain in my neck, but nothing like before. My lower back keeps me from a lot of leg work, but I don't compete so I'm not as concerned with building my legs as I am having a healthy spine.....Although I have recently made a mental effort to building some decent wheels.....