Here's hoping you feel better soon, sounds tough wearing a neck collar, good there were no surprises from what the Dr. said.

If it's any consolation, the few people I've known that have had back surgery wish it had been the first option, they were pain free after surgery.

But like anything to do with your back, cutting is the last option, my mother had years of supposed physical therapy, OTC pain relievers, exercise on her own (mostly walking) and when they finally decided to operate she was pain free after that, no more brace, Tylenol, nothing at all.

So on the upside once you're over the initial healing you very well could be done with back problems.

Steve