Hi Dave. I think everyone's experience is different. Reading your post brought back some awful memories for me though and I really sympathise with you. It is such a traumatic experience. I was misdiagnosed initially so was in agony (head, neck and back) for five days before I was admitted to hospital.
At that point I was given a paracetamol drip and and valium which really helped. I stayed in hospital for eight days on paracetamol and codeine but initially really struggled between doses and had to take morphine at night.
For me the really excruciating pain started to abate around day 10 but I had constant headaches and a stiff neck for several weeks afterwards accompanied by intermittent shooting pains. The intensity of the headaches slowly reduced and they became more intermittent after a while.
I'd say it took about three months or so before I stopped having to take regular painkillers. I'm now 14 months on and whilst I'm slightly more prone to headaches than I used to be and get tired more easily, I feel pretty much back to normal.
A word of warning on the DVLA front. Their admin is extremely slow. It took them over a year to confirm they weren't going to revoke my licence. When you feel up to it I'd seriously suggest you try to get a letter from your consultant or doctor confirming you are fit to drive while you wait for their formal confirmation.
WIshing you all the best for your continued recovery!