text: i have some terrible pain in my back, it may be a pinched nerve, what do i do? i've had some terrible pain in my back for 3 weeks. i went to see my doctor twice and she insisted that it was only some muscle pain which could be relieved by doing some sports, swimming for example. i tried sports but it didn't help. i had my chest x-rayed and it said there was nothing wrong. then i tried an analgesic rub used by athletes for muscle and joint pain and it worked very well but didn't give me a permanent relief. i suspect that it might be a pinched nerve and i don't know what to do with it. try heat and ice.  i would suggest visiting a chiropactor who will determine if it is muscular, which it probably is if analgesics helped.  a pinched nerve can be relived with regular chirpractic visits.  or you may want to see an acupuncturist who can help with either.  but either specialist you choose will require regular visits.