Lara, I know the knots in the muscle very well. My neck stays that way and the lower back has its spots that never feel good. I appreciate your candid response and I probably wouldn't be going to an orthopedic doctor if not for the friend I spoke of urgings. He has seen me dealing with this for a long time now and he finally talked to me about it last week. He had a bulging disc for years which then ruptured and he went down hill from there. This doctor was instrumental in his plan of action/care and now he leads a very active life once again and does so with minimal pain. I don't know if thats possible for me, but any improvement in my condition would be greatly welcomed as this pain has gotten really old, really quick. Anyway, I'm optimistic that if nothing else, I should have a better understanding of the cause and where to go from here. Take care