<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.Nine years ago I had cervical spine surgery with instrumentation. The last three weeks I am experiencing low-grade pain in my neck--radiating up the back of my head; and, I have noticed odd tastes metalic and smells burned grain like Could all this be connected? If so, what should I do? Cant afford fees.  <response>: Ok. theres a nerve from the top of the neck that runs up the back of the head C-1 nerve. Problems in it cause pain in that location, often triggered by neckhead movement. Tastesmells are from the totally opposite side of the head nose and the first cranial nerve that runs under the brain near the nose. A stretch to connect it to neck problems.X-rays of the neck to establish the surgery didnt fall apart then physical therapy andor traction andor injections, pain management would be standard treatments. Nasal inflammationinfectionsinus blockage can cause changes in smell and taste, I cannot say in your particular case without an exam. 