I have lumbar pain as well. Like you, something for pain and heating pad, but then I went to a pain doc and was told never use heat.......ICE PACKS for twenty minutes and off for a while....then apply ice again as needed. This has really helped me!!

What you described of the off & on with worsening after sitting is EXACTLY what a pinched nerve does. Now the question is what has it pinched. Your Rematologiat or Medical doc can run the initial tests to see if you need a neuro. If it is pinched & you don't get treatment, it can cause permanent damage

I don't think it would be a pinched nerve because it comes and goes and is usually worse after a long car journey or something. Maybe I'll look into acupuncture, thanks :)

I had it. Wound up getting a discectomy followed by a lumbar fusion. Pain is gone!!! Don't wait too long to get it checked out. I did, and now I have nerve damage down the back of my entire right leg. I saw a neurologist. He gave me shits and physical therapy in the warm water pool before any surgeries. They will take an MRI to see what's going on for sure. xoxo

When I was pregnant OMG yes, it was so bad I would drop to the floor in pain, scared the crap outta my husband a time or two! It has gotten better over the years, stretching helps...A LOT! Every now and then it rears it's ugly head....mine is on my right side and my SI joint pain only fuels it! Ibuprofen and my heating pad are my go to fixes! Hope you find relief! :)