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I had one but it was when I was about 23 and I got through it OK. Had some flares, and spent a year or so with problems about 5 years later, mostly due to poor sitting (i.e. bad chair), and sitting for too long. Since then, the occassional ache, but its mostly when I stand still a lot. Part of that is due to being a little thick in the midsection, which is in the process of being corrected. I've lost something like 40 lbs. since August and should lose some more pants sizes (though not necessarily weight) as I get back on my workout programs after being off for an "extended" holiday season.
2 suggestions:
1. Get yourself in tip-top shape. Not only will that help when you do "over-do" it, but I've found that lifting weights and running are the two best things one with back trouble can do. Obviously, you need to get a good program going and if you are just starting that sort of thing, get a trainer to teach you. However, the body responds well to being stressed, and you will feel better overall.
2. At the risk of being mildly hypocritical (because I don't do this enough), STRETCH. And then stretch some more. If you need to get on Pilates or Yoga, that's cool. I probably need to look into one or the other myself. But one problem for those of us with back trouble is the inflexibility of the muscles around our midsection, including upper legs.
I think going inactive is, contrary to what a lot of people think, the WORST thing you can do. When I had my major flareup for about a year, I was inactive and I think the inactivity extended my problem.
Start today with a walking program that works up to a walk/jog and then to a jog. Add a weight routine. You don't have to bench 300. Just get a few dumbells and a swiss ball. Learn how to do lunges, but start slow. If you can be on your feet for 2+ hours without any problem, then you should be OK for the season. If you are still worried, try to have a light schedule to start out.
Good luck. Back pain is something that I don't wish on anyone.
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