Jerome Goopman's article on chronic backpain in the NewYorker magazine?

Answer 1

Some natural remedies for chronic back pain are:
80% of back pain sufferers get some relief by drinking 8 8oz glasses of water a day.
Glucosamine/chondroitin works. Devil's Claw 2-4 grams daily; Valerian 100-300 mg helps relieve muscle spasms;
Willow bark 240 mg daily (use with caution if sensitive to aspirin). Vitamin C 500 mg 3x daily; MSM 1-2 grams 4x daily for at least 60 days; a magnet belt or pad. Chiropracty is often very helpful.