Flipping heck - yes, I spent some years faddling about while doctors investigated a disc problem - in the end a sports physio said "lose weight and get fit - which at that stage I did, clanking iron about and stuff, little though you would so think today, and it's been more or less OK ever since. As you say, muscle spasm yields to relaxants and painkillers - and anti-inflammatories help both types.


Moral - don't have babies (it's what kills most womens' backs, that and carying them around on one hip and large handbags) and don't do ironing!


One of my usual sources for chillies failed me for Scotch Bonnets today so even harissa paste is doubtful and I won't be there Thurs for the feast unless I prep something here and drive up specially - and logcutting will be Friday PM at the earliest.