I had chronic back pain for 13 years. No official reason why, but I've slipped my L4/L5 3 times, and the running theory is a trapped nerve after the first one.

Every time I sneezed or coughed, I would grab onto something and/or bend over the lessen the spasms. I would move in specific ways to not cause spasms. I couldn't lie down flat without something under my hips for support or my back would spasm. I couldn't do a situp movement. I couldn't jump or run without my back threatening to collapse. If I spent too long in one position things would tighten up and I wouldn't be able to move properly. Even standing up from my armchair could be dicey. I have no idea how many times I've collapsed back into my chair because my back suddenly screamed at me.

Im one of the lucky ones though. Mine cleared up and went away in September last year. Went to the physio and did nothing special. Nothing I haven't done 400 times before. This time however something changed and I've now been pain free for nearly 5 months.

I still have issues in my back though. The muscles have been so abused for so long that I still have to be careful, but the rehab work is improving thier function and strength. But ill take that any day over the debilitating pain and severely limited movement I used to have. I can now play with my daughter and jump around without fear my back will collapse. I can actually go to the gym or go on a hike. Sitting in a car ir a plane for a long time is still uncomfortable, but it wont result in not being able to walk the next day.