It's alright. I really should have, and probably did know, that something like this would eventually happen. I'm 6'4" and pulling hundreds of pounds off the floor with a family history of spinal stenosis and other back problems was pretty idiotic.
At this point I'm just trying to focus on the positive and will take it as a learning experience. I had a few beastly years but can't expect to continue like that forever. I started lifting at about 20 and made it to my prime by 25. I'm 27 now and need to look more long term. I'm not on any anabolics or recovery drugs so I can't treat my body the way I have and not expect to destroy it.
Immediate goals are to increase reps per set to 20 (and adjust weight accordingly) to shock my body while adjusting diet and cardio to lower body fat. It really is for the best I think. The fact that I was simply too heavy to make it on that hike without injury should have been the wake up call I needed. Apparently it wasn't enough because I was pretty stuck in my ways.