I have a few relatively minor problems in my lower back that have started to become really painful in the last 6 months..bulging disk, bone spurs and a small subluxation at L5. I tried massage, ART etc.. which helped to some degree, but only for a few days. I tried stretching etc... that seemed to help a little. 4 weeks ago after running a 15k on cement and absolutely killing my back, I bought the PIYO dvd series. It's a combo of Pilates and Yoga. It has helped tremendously. I'd done yoga before, but this seems to be more effective. I still get sore as I tend to overdo it when it feels better, but it recovers much faster. I think weakened core muscles and gluts due to loss of muscle mass post menopause and tight hips probably exacerbated my back issues.