Hi guys,
I'm currently using one let's say "fitness equipment" to relief my back pain and it works pretty good.
I'm quite surprised none is talking about this effective tool. Pratically it is a sort of hinged support-table on which you lay down hanging your feet: then, you turn it upside down by your hands inclining your head towards the floor. After some training time, step by step, you can reach a vertical stand position. I'm calling it the "Bat position". ;o)
This exercise, 10/15 mins per day (evening time), is a fantastic back pain relief and a proper corrective action for restore a safe posture.
Obviously, you may need and feel free to ask to a doctor before using it but consider this tool as a real help.
I personally have two slipped discs and other various trouble on my back due to an "eventful" youth.
It works guys, believe me. It's also cheap.

Here in Doha it's not easy to find (for me was not possible indeed) and I got it directly from my country.

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_therapy
Then, just google it as: "inversion table" and you'll find all you may need.

Hoping to be of some help. Bye, Dario.

P.S. Moreover, during your hanging, you can feel like Richard Gere in American Gigolo!