Misscath, welcome! You will find a number of fellow back sufferers here. Sorry you're struggling. Yes, let us know what the latest MRI results show. I assume, of course, that you know how to be careful in doing such things as lifting properly--by bending the knees and not just bending over to pick up things. I assume you're having to pick up children!

I sometimes use a cream (also available as a roll-on) called Biofreeze that I get from a chiropractor. People can just go in and by it without being a patient. You just rub it into the ailing areas. It's like an ice pack made easy. It's best to use ice packs, but at least you can just put the Biofreeze on and go about your business. However, it does smell like a medicinal ointment for awhile....

Maybe your PT can give you some exercise you can do at home, since your insurance won't cover over a week.

Let us know how things are going, please! You are in the right place to complain about back pain!