I have pain similar to that (they thought it was sciatica until it started happening other places). Used to take elavil. I still get quick flares, either hip/leg or mid spine. Enough to stop me in my tracks, pretty nasty stuff. If they started coming regular, I'd get right back on elavil.

If I'm sitting, something fluffy seems to help. And large amounts of muscle relaxers, just between you an me, is not too shabby either. I've had days where my back gets it so bad, it starts to spasm and lock up. Dh will take me out for margaritas.

The doc said ice then heat, but ice always makes it hurt more. So I just do a little heat - 20 mins or so. sometimes a ThermaCare if I have one, if it's going on all day.

Hope something helps you with this.