you, sir, are an idiot.....

Usually when my back bothers me I take a really hot bath and just lay in the tub. My mom tells me to use Epson-salt in the tub and sometimes I do and it helps quite a bit. So try that right before you go to bed. Either that or some sort of heating pad..or a really good massage.

I was gonna say that. Find a significant other (lol) to massage. Nothing fancy, just rub it.

Hmmm lots of good advice. I know what I will be doing for the rest of the week/weekend.

I just took Aleve before I sat down at the PC. I hope it works. Im going to go out to the Pharmacy today after work and look at the back pain isle.

My GF swears by those patch things you put on your back so I'll probably pick those up. If after the weekend im not better, its Doctor time.

I just think I stretched a muscle somewhere and im just hoping it will heal on its own. If not, then I know I did somehting more serious and I'll have to go to the doctors office.

I'll let you know if any of the suggestions work I sure hope so

I suffer pretty bad back and neck pain daily. I take 20 mg OC for pain but since its a controlled Substance I take it sparingly. I find grinding 2 extra strength Excedrin seem to help out alot.

theragesic works good and so does BioFreeze spray. I use both of them on my shoulder or back when needed.

See a Dr, who will probably send you to physical therapy after the xrays.
A good hot bath helps me. I try to soak for 20 minutes minimum.
And I highly recommend Alieve Gel tabs

Some things to help you get out of bed in the morning, laying on your back bring one knee up to your chest and try and stretch, then back down and repeat with the other leg. Girl pushups (sorry ladies, don't know the pc name for them) where you leave your lower abs on the ground and only pushup your upper torso, will get you some good arching in the lower back. Lastly, once your up and about the pain usually becomes bearable, its a good time to go for a walk. Walking does wonders for disk bulges.

good luck and I hope you feel better soon!!

***Exclaimer***
I am in no way sying that YOU are out of shape, I don't even know what you look like.

Having said that, I would have to say excercise. Eat right, excercise, and gradually strengthen your back and stomach muscles. If your stomach muscles are weak, your back has to carry more of the weight. Lift correctly using your legs. (Tough to do when trying to yank something out of an engine bay)

ohhh yea....and alcohol

...Chiropractor and Massage therapy!
As said in another topic, its awesome, it works

Well the Aleve seems to work wonders but I still feel a little bit of pain here and there. Im going to stick with some OTC drugs and home therapy until after the weekend. If then it still persists, then off to the Docs.

I AM out of shape and probably should work out and take better care of myself, but Ive been this way for years without a problem......to my back anyways.

But now im suffering and hope something will work.

After work im going to:

1) Buy a heating pad
2) Buy some Aleve
3) Buy those back patches for work
4) Buy some beer if it doesnt react with my Muscle relaxer meds.