The best way to treat back pain is to stay active.
Inactivity makes rehabilitation more difficult.
In the long run however, you will need to strengthen the back and make it more flexible to recover from an injury or strain. Before beginning any exercises, it is wise to have a spine specialist examine and evaluate you and determine the cause of your pain. Many people incorrectly assume that severe pain is an indication of a ruptured disc. Localized, excruciating pain is usually the result of a muscle strain, not a ruptured disc. A herniated disc will radiate pain down into your leg, past your knee.