When I experienced the most serious bout of this (they call it many different things, basically herniated disk) Doc gave me steroid pills and muscle relaxant. Then I used only tylenol or ibuprofen.
The objective is reduce the inflammation (release pressure on the nerve). Then allow time to heal. Over time it worked - in conjunction with posture adjustments, forced walking (blood flow is very important even if painful), along with lower back exercises and weight reduction).
I still have periods of tightness. This will probably something that will always be there as we age. But managing it is very doable. Not doing so is not an option. The pain and discomfort is just too much to bear.