For your back issues, I would stay with the 12 only because of the variety of ammo available. Go with the heaviest gun you can comfortable handle and shoot the lightest loads that work in that gun (O/Us have more leeway with really light loads than semis)
Start slow and work your way up shot-wise. If you can't do an entire round at once, then don't push it - go with whatever your doc says and your body tells you
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