I know what you mean by back problems. I have scoliosis that for most is not much more than a minor annoyance - oh, how I wish I was one of those people. Personally, yoga helps me now loads. However, years ago during a bout that was so bad I was under heavy painkillers (I was asleep for about 20 odd hours a day) and going to physical therapy during the few hours I was awake. (NOTHING is worse than having a PREGNANT physical therapist - all that extra weight!!!) ;-). You might look into massage therapy (although most insurance companies don't cover that). It's usually not that expensive and often, massage therapists give regulars a bit of a discount. It made the world of difference for me. I was up and walking for the first time (relatively pain free) in over a month. Best of luck as ever. (I've had plantar fasceitis - sp?? - as well in both feet - no fun at all!). Take care and keep smiling. Jenny