Appreciate the input, and I totally agree.
In fact, mid-September I was squatting. Last rep of my last set I felt a sharp spasm in my right mid-low back. I was dumb, kept working out, but just lighter. However, by the time I got home, I couldn't move. I just loaded up on ibuprofen, tylenol, and laid down and didn't move. It actually got better surprisingly quick, and a little over a week later I was squatting again, but much lighter (didn't want to re-injure myself). However I ended up injuring the same spot again. This time the pain wasn't as severe,but lasted way longer (like almost a month).
Anyways, I still haven't squatted yet. Been doing stuff like single arm carries and lunges, leg press. But I miss squats and deadlifts. Also been doing some planks and side-planks. I am a little scared to start squatting again, so looking for all I can do to build up my core again and reduce risk of re-injury.
Gonna definitely keep doing the one armed carries though, and some farmer carries too. Also, gonna probably keep the squats light for a long time.