Any advice on taking care of an aggravating back problem?

Back pain: Just back pain does poorly with surgery, unless there is instability or deformity. Typically, core strengthening and daily flexibility exercises with weight loss where needed and better posture go a long way. Take some anti inflammatories when you start to make the startup pain better and have a spine specialist md take a look at things if not some better in 6 weeks.

Depends: First, you need a regular exercise routine. You can try core stabilization exercises like pilates & yoga along with other flexibility routines & cariovascular conditioning as well as proper weight & avoidance of smoking. Good sleep habits on a good mattress helps & maintaining good bone density. If pain persists, get checked.