I hate being the squeaky wheel but chronic pain sucks

[Imnotokay]

Like the title says, I hate being the squeaky wheel, but I injured my back during a TDY late 2020 and have been dealing with chronic pain since. It was of no fault of my own, and I could tell right away that something happened to my back. Took me months to be seen since COVID was at a its peak, during which I was just taking ibuprofen and dealing with it. I am a female in a male dominated field so it's tough enough, but even more so if you complain and are on the sideline. My career field is very physically demanding and Ive never been one to shy away from work, but I did fuck up and work through pain. I was on and off a profile for my back, and eventually I ended up seeing mental health since I have been feeling more and more like I am damaged beyond repair. MRI showed damage to my back and they recommend and RFA which I have tried to postpone since I am not a fan of medical procedures. Had the steroid shots which did not help at all btw. Now I have also been dealing with severe neck pain for about a year, I am taking anti depressants and just overall feel expired and broken. I have finally come to terms that if it comes to a MEB, I am ok with it and my health and happiness are more important than me proving myself within my career field and among my peers. Just some insight, I am an NCO, mid 30s, with 2 kiddos and a spouse.
What exactly triggers a MEB? Is that something that will sneak up on me? Will medical let me know if they will recommend me for one? Also, I know I have tinnitus, I can hear the same repetitive sounds in my ears at night when Im trying to sleep, but the audio tech never seems to document it. How do I go about having that on my record? Its surreal that they wouldn't annotate it, when I have specifically mentioned it. Plus I work in a very loud environment, around planes, and running engines etc.I am worried that the USAF will finally give me the boot and I'll end up with the short stick.
Thank you

 

[Provis]

A profile that prohibits you from doing your job is usually how its triggered. For the USAF you don't always go directly into a MEB (Code 37) unless they believe you won't get better. So usually you start with code 31 and then code 37 to start full MEB. So start with getting a profile that reflects what you can't do due to your health conditions. For reference below:

Code 31 is: Temporary disqualification for worldwide duty, including PCS (non mobility profile). Date of availability in AF From 469, Duty Limiting Condition Report, section IV (not to exceed 12 months from date medial problem incurred), or expiration of medical hold imposed by HQ AFPC/DPAMM"

Code 37 is full MEB where they kick you out or medically retire you if they find that you have any unfitting health conditions.