Exercise to strengthen the abdominal muscles will often minimize lower back pain.

For the occasional "over-use" sort of pain, I rub a sports creme (Ben-Gay, Theragesic, or other smelly stuff) on it.

I'm already routinely doing exercise that's designed to flex or strength muscles in that area, and am currently looking into physical therapy. But I will probably need meds as well.

I already use Icy Hot or the equivalent, as well as a rotation of pain pills (Motrin 600 or Vicodin when it really hurts, regular Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin when it's less bad). Also use Skelaxin for a muscle relaxant. I avoid Naproxen because it upsets my stomach, even when taken with food and water. At first, I found Vicodin to work by far the best, but an unfortunate attribute of that medication is that it becomes less effective the more you use it. So that's why I try to rotate amongst pain relievers and not routinely use the same one.... and find something else that may work as well. Your body gets used to being hit with the same drug repeatedly and and stops responding, at least for some medications.

I think you are correct in suggesting that changing drugs from time to time might be a good idea.
PB

I agree with the above poster. I change OTC pain releivers
from time to time. I have arthritis in my lower back.
I have had acupuncture, which helps, but is very expensive
and insurance or Medicare doesn't cover it. However, it
is deductible on taxes.

I agree with Lazygardens. Excercise to strengthen your back muscles. Works better than any OTC drugs I have found.

Michelle

I lighten my wallet - by having a massage. I also exercise and see a chiropracter. It's tough to find even semi-permanent relief. I think I am going to give up walking for exercise. I know it is good for my bones and overall health, but it is tearing up my hips. I didn't know just how responsible walking was for all the pain I have been in until rain kept me indoors for a couple of weeks. I still swim and do aerobics. I don't know why aerobics is easier on my hips than walking.

Try good old fashion Epsom salts(I think I spelled it right)I had leg pains and nothing helped. Doctor took ex rays and found nothing wrong.Still hurt.so in the back of my mined I remembered that old remedy .Tried it last night and got up this morning pain free.Thankyou God

Since they took Vioxx off the market, I now use Arthrotec. I only take it when I feel that my back is starting to be stiff or a feeling that if I don't do something at that time, I won't be able to get out of bed in the morning. I also take 1/2 muscle relaxer at the same time. If I take more than that amount, I'm not able get rid of the groggy feeling for much more than a night's sleep.

I realized this week that for the first time in about 15 years, I haven't had a lower back attack in over a year. Before now, I had an attack about twice a year. Maybe the arthrotec works better than Vioxx did.

So, I've learned to pre-medicate as needed, which hasn't been too often.

Has anyone tried inversion boots, I hang upside down for 10 minutes in my garage when it gets real bad, seems to help.