Hit me with your best tip...for crazy back pain?

I had similar back pain. I just finished 4 weeks of PT to help. The PT exercises really helped. For the first time in probably 3 years, I can get up with no pain. I had a series of exercises. I'll see if I can describe them.

These 3 require a piece of rubber tubing--tie a knot in it so it will stay in the doorway. Close the door and have the tubing hanging out of the door about 6 inches above the door knob.
#1. Grasp the tubing in both hands. With elbows stiff, pull the bands back, so that it is like swinging your arms behind you. You should "sort of" feel it around your shoulder blades. Do this 20 times.
#2. sit in chair. (about 4 ft back) Pull the tubing back to your waist (elbows will bend)--both arms at the same time. Again, you should feel the shoulder blades strengthen. Do this 20 times
#3. sit in chair. Pull one arm back, bending elbow...arm is up, so that your hand is at shoulder level when you finish. When you do so, turn your head/body so that your face follows your hand back. 15 times

The next one requires a belt or length of fabric about like a dog leash.
#4. Lie on floor on your back. Bend knees. Put strap behind right thigh, near knee. Put left foot on top of right knee. Now pull back on the strap so that your right foot comes off the floor. Hold for a count of 15. Do this 3 times. Now reverse so that your left leg is pulled up and right foot is on top of left knee.

#5 - They called this "raise the roof." It was difficult at first, but as my back got better, it really helps.
Put your back against the wall (or closet door). Bend knees and slide down so that you are "sitting on the wall." Put your arms in the position of "hands up." Now, press the small of your back to the wall as you raise your arms above your head--Keep your arms touching the wall. Raise arms/lower 15 times.

#6. Lie on back on floor. Bend knees. Now gently, slowly move the bent knees from side to side. It makes your pelvis rock side to side. do this 20 times.

Hope you get some relief.

I'm not so sure I'd get a massage. I, too, have back issues, mostly lower back. I used my daughter's back massager. It was one that you put in a chair and it massages your back. It was wonderful when I was on it. As soon as I got off my back went into spasms. That was worse than childbirth. I had to go to the hospital and was out of work for a week. They put me on steroids for 2 weeks. On the last day of round 1 my back went into spasms again. After another 2 weeks of steroids my back was much better.

I hope you get some relief soon.

Let's see if I can explain this... It is my favorite move.

Find a door frame or wall that is the distance between your elbows when outstretched. Make like a "touchdown" or "Field goal" shape. Try to keep your arms level. Push out with your forearms and elbows. Hold it for about 30 seconds. I was taught this by a PT during a particularly challenging time.

Cat and cow yoga position every day twice a day - morning and evening.

Have you ever researched the benefits of using a foam roller? It could really benefit you.

I was rear ended last week and I immediately called my acupuncturist. Had a treatment yesterday and will go twice weekly for a month for my back and neck. Acupuncture does wonders for injuries and asthma, imho. You might want to consider it.  Of course, I always add my disclaimer about it being best to see an orthopedic doc.  Wishing you relief, quickly.

Try an anti inflammatory and ice.  I know the heat and muscle relaxers feel good but they are temporary and tend to hide the underlying issue.

hope you feel better.

I would either see my regular Dr or an orthopedist before chiro, massage, etc... If you somehow slipped a disc or have some other physical issue, it could be a bulge or even rupture that's pressing the nerves of your spinal cord. Until I was sure that wasn't the case, there is no way I would let someone blindly crack and "adjust" my spine. I've had 2 back surgeries already. I know that there are amazing and easy ways to treat simple injuries when treated timely. Never hurts to have a well qualified orthopedic Dr look at any back issues. Might save you years of agony!

So feeling your pain! I often get an intense burning pain in the same spot.
I have to lie down flat on a carpeted floor for about 10-15 mins and use that time to try and completely relax my body from head to toe.
I also have a chiropractor I completely trust and I see her once every few months.
After reading this thread I'm looking into yoga!