Inversion boots. My back used to kill until I got them. Now if I ever feel it start to get stiff I just hand upsidedown for a mins or so and stretch out the lower back. I used to have to take ibuprofen to fall asleep until I got these. One thing, I got some cheap ones off ebay for like 50 bucks. In hindsight I think I'd rather spend twice as much or more and get really good ones as I use them all the time.
Girljock is right with the deep tissue massage, that should also help. If you are concerned about the macho-ness of it, make sure to get a female massager as to limit the homosexuality of it. Also I would avoid all soy sources that day for sure... make it avoid all soy for the week if they only have men.
To be honest, if they offered them that cheap at my school (at least 25-30 bucks a 1/2 hour, 50 for an hour by me) I would get them much more often. Being a student they are too expensive.
Kava Kava I'd assume to work since much literature says it is a mild sedative, but I have never had any effects from it except a numb tounge. Valarian will probably help you sleep and might help a bit with the pain but I wouldn't take it during the day since it will probably make you tired.
For now you can lay on your back with your feet up on a chair, knees and hips both bent 90 degrees. This will help stretch your lower back. Also have one leg straight, the other bend it up and pull your knee into your stomach. Then do the other leg. Look up lower back stretches online, they have a lot.
