I just read this "...The pain is worse first thing in the morning because I haven’t had any pain medicine. I immediately think that I’m going to be in terrible pain all day. Then, I think I will be in terrible pain for the rest of my life. Some Jedi mind control is definitely called for here!"... after coming from seeing my pain psychologist, where I reported a pain-free neck for the first time on maybe 40 years!
She reminded me, near the end of our appointment, that there WILL be relapses and exacerbations in the future, and I need to resist jumping back into thinking "I will be in terrible pain for the rest of my life."
In the mornings, when I am most stiff and sore, I do some flexing exercises before and immediately after getting out of bed. If it feels like a possibly bad day, I step into the shower and ease my muscles with some nice hot water. Then I get dressed and head for the kitchen.

I have also incorporated some mindfulness and deep breathing exercises in my day, and especially use them when I am frustrated by what I cannot do, or because I have overdone and know what is coming. And at least once a day for many years, I have paused to be grateful. It was hard to do after hip surgery, and when in pain, but I would pick any little thing I could - maybe even a song I liked on the radio.

Hang in there - it does imperove.
Sue

Less vocal is an improvement even if it seems like it’s a very small one. I was still using a walker one month out. I haven’t taken a Tramadol in months now and I’ve cut down the acetaminophen by about 50 percent. My x-ray shows a cable and a screw in the mix. Given all that I feel fortunate and grateful. You will improve a bit every day. Keep up the good work.