You can put what I know about painting cars in a thimble but when it comes to back pain that I know way too much about. From bucking hay when I was 14 to 35 years as a Structural Steel Ironworker my back is pretty much a train wreck (pinched nerves, scatia, degenertive disc, ruptured disc you name it). Lots of good advice on here but here is what I know in a nut shell.
1. Inversion tables work for some and not others, I have one in the shed didn't work for me.
2. One Dr says heat another says ice no two can agree. I personally like heat
3. Chiropractor-mine is awesome I crawl in and walk out known this guy for 25 years
4. Shine is correct do not sit on your wallet or phone that is huge
5. As crazy as it sounds to try to do, avoid twisting or rather pivoting as much as possible
6. Pain Management-Get a good Pain Management Dr-Facet injections are my friend
7. I believe someone mentioned MRI-you need to know whats going on in there, this is a must x-rays don't cut it
8. Take good care of it-I didn't and wish I had
9. Someone mentioned stretching-Most construction companies do stretch and flex every morning statistically it cuts down on back injuries.
10. Surgery is a last option I have been fighting it for 3 years, I do not know very many guys that had surgery and it really helped. Some swear by it but the majority of guys I know all regret it.
11. Almost forgot I have found hot tubs help relax your back
12. My personal favorite-the best $12 I ever spent was on a tens machine. That think really rocks, wire yourself up for 20-30 minutes and the relief is instant. When you get done rub on some bio-freeze and you will be good to go.