Hello @janpeterson65, Welcome to Connect. You might want to take a look at a discussion started by @jenniferhunter on Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR).

-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Have you heard of Myofascial Release Therapy?

Hello~
I also have a bulging disc at L-5....a bit of numbness in my toes as well. I found that turmeric..as well as the combo turmeric formulas have been most helpful..I am also bone on bone in my knees and was suggested I try the turmeric from the surgeon! It works...after a few months of taking it..most of my pain is gone...or at least much more tolerable. I also go to bed with a little pillow under my knees..for a while..I do this as well before I get out of bed in the morning and that alleviates my lower back pains when I do get out of bed! Simple you say?...certainly is..but hey..it's working! Give it a try! good luck! I'm 79..would love to be 65 again! I also take generic Keppra..had two grand mal's a few years ago..don't want another! I don't like to take Rx's...I do a lot of moist heat on my back and knees in the daytime...also have a far-infrared belt (LifePro)...that's really been helping me with Thoracic pain from 3 compression frx's. I wrap it around my knees as well for a 20 minute treatment. Best to you!

I am 68 and my back is terrible. You first need to know if it is arthritis or nerve. Their is a stimulator you can have surgically implanted for the back pain. But it works best if you have nerve pain. My back pain is so bad I barely stand it. I take 6 Tylenol a day and 8 Tramadol’s a day and it is barely cutting through the pain.