Just how bad is the neck pain for fighters?

Howdy,

In the off chance someone reads this, how debilitating really are the neck and/or back issues from the 9G sorties? Every fighter pilot I've spoken to has basically said "yeah my neck hurts but there's ways to manage it and its cool." But one of them has a fused neck. Is it chronic pain and certain cervical degeneration that follows you even after the conclusion of your 10 year stint, renders you incapable of playing with your kids/turning your head fully, and poppin oxys for the rest of your life? Or is it a mild ache that surfaces occasionally throughout life after you're done?

I have a 99 PCSM with a PPL, a STEM degree, and some other accolades that are probably not that important. I'd like to make the best use out of my credentials for a rewarding military career, and while I am captivated by the fighter mission (like almost everyone I guess), the thought of turning my head with an effective weight of ~150 lbs bearing down my cervical spine makes me nervous. Currently deciding between pursuing Fighters AD/ANG, or Heavies ANG. I know we all pay a price in one way or another for our passions and professions, but I do enjoy being able to look around at stuff without pain.

I appreciate any and all info