I've been having some low back pain for the last 5 weeks, tried stretching and staying active, wondering what i should consider next.

Regular exercise: For the short term you may take over the counter pain medication like acetaminophen. For the long term, exercise regularly. It may take a few months to see the full benefit. Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

If your low back pain is not improving, and is significant enough to affect your lifestyle, then a full and proper history and examination are in order. Your physician can then make sure you are not having more urgent or progressive neurological issues related to some causes of low back pain, but also this more comprehensive evaluation can help pin point the source of the pain.