... a bunch of old men at the coffee shop, discussing our ills (so I'll contribute). Chronic low-back ache, and back has been "going out" occasionally for about 10 years now. I get the "S" shape for a week, can't straighten up. Not much shows on the MRI- just some L4/L5 aging. MD used to tell me to "take 200 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day" and rest. After a week of laying around each time, decided there had to be something better. Went to PT and they put me to work instantly- heat, stretching and exercise- and it works (if I would just put in the work between episodes).
Sidebar- Sitting at the office is the worst thing I can do, and I actually feel better after a weekend of riding. But I stretch religiously now before riding. And the hot tub is perhaps the best "investment" I ever made.