A stiff back after a long workday is one thing. Back pain that keeps returning, interrupts your sleep, or changes the way you sit, walk, or work is different. The difficult part is knowing when to wait and when to get professional help. Some episodes of mild back pain improve with normal activity, movement, and time. But if you're repeatedly planning your day around your back, avoiding certain movements, or depending on temporary pain relief just to get through work, it may b