Cycling has been the best physiotherapy for my back and keeps me off the mind numbing pain killers (or reduces the amount of them I have to take), nerve damage from a burst fracture and axial loading issues mean I need to take rests frequently as gravity is my main enemy. I have a TENS unit that is portable and can set this up to block pain signals although I have to be careful as none of these things are a cure.
My doctor would be happy to load me up on Oxy's and Lyrica but I prefer as holistic an approach as possible and exploit the good days and usually pay attention to my body's signals when I need to lie down, failing that I will find myself in a world of pain.