<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.I have lower back pain on my right side. It is very hard to stand in one place for more than a few minutes and bend and pick things up. Last week I had an episode where I couldnt move it at all without screaming in pain. That was an extreme but this has happened now about three times in the last two years. The pain standing and bending happens all of the time. I have RA and I am not interested in steroids or pain meds I just want this to stop. I am only 42 and I can no longer excersize like I used to. I have Florida Blue do I need a referral to see a back doctor?  <response>: Hello, Thanks for your query. It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc it increases the risk of disc herniation spinal canal stenosis. The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with painkillers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic. You can get the appropriate Chat Doctor. Meanwhile, you can follow these measures:- If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves. - Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments.- While resting, keep a pillow under your knees if it doesnt bother you.- Avoid lifting heavy objects.- Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist.- Avoid exercises in times of pain. - Improvise your posture while sitting.- Using an LS contour belt of appropriate size might be helpful in providing support to back muscles. Also, maintain a proper posture while working, sitting and standing. Keep your back straight. Physiotherapy plays a major role in treating such conditions. I do hope that you have found something helpful, and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care 