Henry,
I second Jeffs post!!
I had the same reservations on the neck. Had no pain when I went and second guessed it. Just knew deep down I couldn't continue since it wasn't a life anymore but episode to episode and crap in between.
Try not beating yourself up and what you are feeling is normal anxiety.
Freefall if you can and rest up now. No need to trigger pain to justify pain relief. You know your back won't get better from history and you made your choice to get fixed.
You should only have one more hill to climb and you will do great and look back and be glad you moved through it. It will take time so stay as calm as you can.
Good times are coming
Be well my friend.
Frank