Don, I suffer back pain meself. Worse at some times of the year than at others. Years ago my chiropractor told me to use a little footstool about 5" high, and to stand with one foot on it when I play. Then shift feet after a while. When my pain is bad, I sit on a stool. Also you can get a crossover backstrap from Elderly instruments - they're on the Web- and I don't know how to do a blue clicky thing, that distibutes the weight of the axe more evenly. And get the other lazy buggers in the band to do their fair share of lifting the equipment! All the best, hope to see you at a fest somewhere this year. Seamus