I did sit ups every morning for years and still had back problems. Started doing back bends, standing and arching backwards, and my back problems were reduced by more than half.
Hot heat on the back is the best for me. NOT a heating pad. Heat wet towels in the microwave and use them for about 30 minutes. You'll be amazed how much better it will feel.
I hurt myself at L4/L5 doing dead lifts a few years ago. Would not have surgery and ended up gaining a ton of weight. It's been a long miserable struggle and even though I have lost a out half of what I put on, I still get pain in my right leg (quad area) at night. I'm headed back to physical therapy next week.
I found using bags of frozen peas helped me. Some of the drugs mentioned will cause ulcers. Weight loss is a big deal too.
Call Dr. Dwayne Hanson in Edmond. He is an excelent chiropractor that I have been seeing since I was 18. Its a long road but stick to his plan after he sees you.
341-4924