Husband has had on and off lower back pain for perhaps a year...the last six months it is coming more frequently.

A few months ago he had an xray and it didn't show much of anything. He was suppose to have some sort of nerve test at that time and didn't go in. The pain got better and then he forgot about it.

Now, the pain is worse and he is beside himself. He is mostly taking Naproxen and it rarely helps. He went to my rhematologist who scheduled and MRI the other day and the results should be back shortly.

He is usually okay in the morning, but it gets worse as the day goes on. It is REALLY bad after he has been sitting down for awhile. There are times he is in agony. One time, (a long time ago), he had me take him to the ER for a shot.

Does anyone know about back pain? Particularly the sciatic nerve. I do think it can be partly influenced by stress. However, I also think there is something physically going on.

He is against taking narcotics, but might consider taking one on ocassion for really bad pain. Sometimes Exedrin helps for a short time. Why is this?

What other medications and treatments are helpful?

Thank you.