Q&A: Low-back pain, keeping kids from growing up fast

Q. I’ve had chronic low-back pain for several years. But last year I was in a car accident, and since then my back has gotten worse. My doctor says to take stronger pain meds, which I don’t want to do. I know exercise is supposed to help, but I’m afraid it will make it worse. What should I do? — Elaine, via email A. Healing chronic low-back pain is like curing the common cold: Whoever figures these out will win a Nobel Prize, and probably a Grammy, an Oscar and a lifetime pass to Disneyland, too.