I never rode w/ apes when I had my harley but I did ride w/ higher bars (for me they were high) - I couldn't do the "beach bars" that were on them stock. BUT, When I first starting seeing doctors for my neck they pretty much told me riding days are over because the position I was in - laid back cruiser - was bad for me and said ergonomically the sport bike position would be better for the compressed discs in my C5-C7. Ya know what? Now on the Spyder, even though it's not full sport position but totally opposite my old laid back position, my arms and hands don't tingle and fall asleep anymore and my neck isn't killing me after a long ride. Sometimes I think the full face bothers me but it's nothing compared to the problems I had before. So you being in rehab - do you think this position is much better for someone like me - Spyder position versus laid back cruiser position? Glad there's a rehab person on here - I paid tons of $$$ to have dr's tell me all about my neck and I walked outta there all confused.
I cannot legally advise you regarding your particular condition being I have never assessed you...what I can say is the following...
Cervical spine disc problems can settle down without the need for surgery...surgery is only necessary when muscle function is lost...most surgeons will not operate with tingling/numbing symptoms...the C-spine is a lot more tricky as compared to the lumbar spine...
Not enough can be said about ergonomics and proper posture. The truth is that as long as there is a lack of a 'proper' cervical spine lordosis, there will be disc compression. The c-spine is supposed to have a lordotic curve but very few of us have one. When we lose it (trauma, years of sitting at a computer, etc...), the pressure goes from the back joints (facet joints) and ends up loading the discs...hence the disc problems we see.
When it comes to riding, ideally, you want to be upright with the head straight...the cruiser position might have had you sitting back with the arms very much forward, thus creating what we call anterior head carriage...this creates a lot of c-spine strain...the muscles that have to keep your head back, primarily the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, are getting hammered...in effect, it's like being in a 'turtle' posture...
Riding position is only part a problem as we have the rest of the day (work, sleeping patterns, etc...) to adversely affect the spine. With that being said, the Spyder may be a little more comfortable for you as if you are more 'forward' (meaning, flexed at the hips, NOT the low back), you'll have to keep the head more upright...this will maintain the c-spine lordosis better than sitting back, reaching forward, and straining your neck.
Some things to remember about spinal biomechanics...NEVER bend (flex) the lumbar spine...this is the best way to create spinal compression...we have hips...use them...
As a general rule for the cervical spine, try to keep the head back (your ears should be over your AC joints), sleep on your back, and try to get the bottom of your computer screen at eye level, yes, this high!...this alone will help many neck problems...