definitly get your back checked out with a doctor.

PT, physical therapist/physical tor***** with "let me help you" can be discouraging at times but they really do help. So be diligent about going to them if you decide to do so.

Other big thing to is to take either Pilates, Gyrokinesis www.gyrotonic.com/gyrokinesis.htm or even do Tai Chi. All three work on what they call core strength. I prefer gyro and tai chi. And both has helped me imensely with my back, my posture, and my sense of balance. Most importantly, my back hasn't gone out in years. hurray

Tai Chi is martial arts. It's not just for old people its for the young as well. It focuses on the whole body. Tai Chi can be many things from martial art for fighting to more meditative exercise where you learn to listen to your body, how chi flows through your body, and how your body moves in effortless smooth motion. It also teaches you how to breath properly.

I know people don't think about Pilates, Gyro or Tai Chi for back exercises. But I would highly encourage you to think about it and give it a try. It helped me tremendously!!

take care of your back,
Shawn