I have very bad lower back pain?

Distressing ...: Chronic back pain is discouraging. One thinks if you knew exactly what the problem was it could be fixed...but often one can't precisely diagnose the cause. It requires a multifactorial approach: proper evaluation & testing; proper physical activity (rest/walking); physical therapy eval/treatment; medication; ? TENS units; acupuncture; stress management; injections; surgery: Back Specialty Center

Be seen: Thankfully, the natural history if most episodes of back pain is very favorable. Approximately 80 percent of Americans develop back pain bad enough they will see their doctor, only about 20 percent become chronic. If it does not respond to rest and over the counter meds, I would not hesitate to be seen by an orthopedic surgeon to discuss various treatment options.

Have PrimaryCareDoc?: Low back pain has many possible causes, including some you may not automatically think about including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, sexually transmitted diseases & food poisoning (sero-negative spondyloarthridities), bone &prostate dz. I believe it is best to set up with a primary care physician who can know your whole history & follow you over time, & guide your care where it needs to go.

See doctor: Low back pain is very common. Often it is just from musculoskeletal strain, bad posture, not enough stretching or exercise. However it can be caused by more serious problems so it is best to check with your doctor for an exam to make sure it is not serious. If it is not a serious problem, then physical therapy or a chiropractor may be helpful.