Travis,<p>I went through this two years ago, started just after I turned 30. The first thing I did was cancel all heavy-lifting and twisting jobs (hauling, tree trimming, etc.) and get back to the basics (namely lawn mowing). My doctor had me taking 3-4 Advil 3-4 times a day for pain and advised me to keep working, as normal activity is better for the healing process than lying about.<p>However, I had a very specific condition: lumbar sprain. There are different conditions (slipped disk, pinched nerve) that require different remedies. See your doctor. I never went to a chiropractor or acupunture, though many swear by them, so I'd advise seeing a regular doctor first.<p>Oh yeah, I also bought and wore a back brace for the longest time.<p>Today, knock on wood, my back is as healthy as ever. It didn't knock me out of the industry or stop me, it just slowed me for a while. <p>Remember, though, everyone's different. See your doctor ASAP.<p>-TGC