*puts hand up to indicate "me too"*
am just going through the process of diagnostics, treatement etc... and apt to agree, correct and early diagnostics very much a part of an expedient cure.
Also is the aforementioned exercise. Stretching out the spinal cord from neck to the nerves running down the back of your knees to your toes in conjunction with specific core building exercises (the muscles around the inside of your pelvis which support your spine) are paramount in both preventing scar tissue building up and a reoccurance of injury due to a weak spinal support.
I have few new toys... an exercise ball ("yoga" type ball - make sure this is the correct size for height) and some body bands for resistance training. Swimming and hydro based exercise is excellent for retraining muscles with a reduction in weight placed on the core muscles afforded by bouancy.
Anti inflammatories are just as important as the pain killers as any inflammation will trigger the body to react and "protect" the injury ie spasm again.
My back is finally starting to come good after two months of intensive physio and combined treatments under the supervision of a very good physio and my company doctor. And believe me, I am a hopelessly impatient patient!