Further to my previous post. Last month we were off in the van for a 3 week trip. I had a doctor's appointment just before we left (not for back problems). I mentioned to the doctor that my lower back was giving me hell. He said "get up on the bed". He then proceeded to put 4 acapuncture needles in my ear and four more on my lower back. I had to lie there on the bed for half a hour, there was no pain from the needles just a bit of discomfort. After the needles were removed there was a noticable easing of the pain. The next morning the pain had gone completely and now 6 weeks later I have only had the occassional dull ache, and that is when I am doing something that I shouldnt be doing (ie gardening). Certainly worth a try, going to have it on my upper back soon.