My husband has back pain too, and describes it similarly--not excruciating, but it is "annoying". He has trouble lying on his back in totally flat position, but can tolerate a recliner well. (Usually a side sleeper at night.) On the two days after chemo when he has to wear a bag with more meds, he sleeps in the recliner for those 2 nights because he is afraid he will roll over on the bag and pull it out of his port. The recliner lies almost flat, but because it is not totally flat, it is more comfortable. It also has a lumbar support. We looked at lots of recliners for him, and this one works great for him. (I can give you the link at Bobs Furniture if you'd like.) Also, he takes hot baths, sometimes more than one a day, and that seems to help too. His Dr. gave him oxy for the pain, but he takes only one pill right before bed to sleep. He still works at home during day, so needs to be "sharp" during the day.