@Grayorm:
I certainly do NOT want to rain on your parade and am really pleased to read your problem is at least temporarily sorted.
BUT as a long-term back sufferer myself (albeit a bit older than your good self) do please remember what several members of the medical profession have told me independently several times in the past - pain killers will NOT cure the problem, only relieve the problem for a given period (maybe short, maybe long). In other words, according to what the Xray shows and what the quack says, you may need to start thinking about a long term plan for regular physioptherapy, etc, etc.
I'm not suggesting that I know it all (apparently all back problems, though very common, are often very different at root) but as a self-employed bloke myself I know to my cost what it's like having a sudden large financial loss added to a severe physical pain.
I absolutley HATE gymnasiums, sports of all kinds, and just about any other form of physical exercise which is "just exercise for it's own sake", but it's a fact that if I do the 10 minutes back exercises that the physio taught me every morning when I get up, and go to the Gym once or twice a week, even for only 30-45 minutes at a time, then I get much less backache, AND I can work when I want/need to. In my own case it's as simple as that.
I certainly don't want to pose as an expert but the above is my own (hard-won) experience, so I do strongly suggest you would be well advised to heed the "warning" you've just had and follow whatever advise your particular professional/s give you after the Xray results are in.
"Here endeth the Lesson" (and I hope I haven't given any offence - none intended).
All the best
AES
