First off I am sorry to hear you are having so much difficulty, with an injury at that level of your back is bad.

What I do for pain relief is to use therapies that help with diminishing my pain, I take hot (very hot) baths with a Swiss herbal mixture (Wintermint, Spearmint, Chamomile, Pine oil, Cedar) and crush in 3 to 4 aspirin. I call this my anti-inflammatory bath.

I have about 9 pillows in my bed (in a flare I cannot get out of bed) and have plenty of back support

I use a massage oil made up here in Alaska that is all natural and has birch leaf, pine oil, mint, clary sage and more just to massage my lower back and shoulder (up to my neck) at least 3 times per day. Aspercreme works wonders with my shoulder.

I drink at least 8 glasses of filtered water per day, and at least 2 cups of hot (red) tea per day.

Ice works best on the herniations I have in my lower back (L5-L3) as well as the nerve pain going down my legs. I have ice packs and apply 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off - ice works best for me, have tried heat but numbing the area just works best for me.

I still do take medications to help but no nsaids.

Using music is also very important in defocusing from the pain, I do use meditation and many relaxation exercises.

Along with this an anti inflammatory diet is also very very important.

I hope that you find some relief soon. I just came out of a severe flare and am preparing for surgery - finally.

Take Care
Kim