Hello!
You have to maintain a normal BMI and follow proper ergonomics in your daily living. Start slowly with maintaining normal body positions, learn perfectly to sit and sleep properly and always use ergonomic friendly chairs, shoes and beds. Use warm and cold compress to get relief.
After this when your pain decreases you can start back strengthening exercises.
If you want to maintain a normal body weight for your height then consider cardio activities such as walking, jogging, swimming etc.
Take care!
. You want to strengthen your core and back muscles
Dear Loosy: I had a severe back injury when is was 14, could not straighten out in bed for 2 years. Didnt have the money to go to a doctor then. Well it bothered me for many years unil I started walking when I was about 30. I am now 70 and have walked 6-10 miles daily for over 40 years and my back problem has been non existant from about 6 months after I first started walking..The walking helped it go away...I think its the very best exercise for a back injury. hope this helps.. claytex