Lower back pain - I have it all day long, wake up sore, and I am stiff and my back hurts on and off all day long. Sometimes I have trouble sleeping at night because of it.

Doctor says I have a small amount of arthritis. Any suggestions on what I can do to feel better, other than pain killers?

What has helped me, tremendously, is getting some exercise. My back used to hurt everyday, but after a few months of Tae Kwon Do, I've been fine.

Try to find something you enjoy doing, so you can keep it up long term... martial arts, yoga, biking, whatever is enjoyable and includes stretching and strenthening core muscle groups (abs, back).

If you are overweight, losing some also helps, the excercise will help with that as well, of course.

There are several exercises you can do to strech and build the muscles around the sore area or you can try an anti inflamitory but always follow the directions as far as sleeping place a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your bach and between your knees if you sleep on your side but whatever you do do not stop moving or it will get worse