I had cervical spine surgery Sept. 14th of 06. I was restricted until I begged the doc. to let me hunt with a promise of padding my shoulder. I bought a simms / limbsaver slip-on recoil pad and put it on my Rem. Model 7 -- 7mm-08 . It worked great. Killed 3 deer. I did take the pad off and try it. It was sharper, but manageable, though I still put the pad back on, it felt that much better. But for the cost, a slip on pad is a great help, and safety precaution. Back or Neck surgery is nothing to take a chance with.

But I have been shooting the 7mm-08 for 16 + years, and it is a wonderful deer round. I do have experience with other rounds too, as I also have and shoot .270 , 30.06, .308, .243 and muzzleloaders. The 7mm-08 is definitely the better round for your situation .... over the 30.06. Been there - done that. And yes thats is 165 gr. in the 30.06 and 139 gr. in the 7mm-08. Don't take a chance. I am reinjured right now, after being hit in a head on collision. on Feb 14th. I am back to seeing my Neurosurgeon, and everything in my neck and back hurts. ...... Probably facing another myelogram soon. Have numbness and tingling down both shoulders, arms and hands.

I am speaking from experience ..... don't take the chance of messing something up. and if you need any more specific information ... feel free to pm me. I'll help any way I can.

Good luck in your recovery....

God Bless

Michael

PS ... Muzzle breaks help recoil but they also kill your hearing very quickly. I had one and a few shots later it was gone. It hurt bad.... nuff said.