My own personal experience with a herniated disc in my back.  Not specifically for Mad Max's question but seemed to be a good opportunity to share some thoughts.   

1)  Chiropractor did more harm than good....for me.  Seems to me that they get you going to them and then you have to keep going the rest of your life.  Good deal.........for them.

2) Left leg almost completely numb.  Could not walk without help.  Down for almost a month.

3) Do stretching exercise and back exercise each morning before getting out of bed.  Does wonders for me.  Used to experience pulled muscles in back constantly.  No more since doing these.  Believe me, they work.  

4)Sitting in an easy chair is an invitation for back pain.  Sitting with good posture in straighter chair helps the back.  

5) Good mattress and box springs to sleep on did wonders.  Used to wake up at night from the back pain.  Wife bought expensive (to me) mattress and box spring.  Helped greatly. 

I firmly believe that much of the back pain today would be helped by just doing the above things.  Better than going to the chiropractor constantly or taking medication.  

Just my own personal experience.