Most american doctors strike deals with drug companies because they get kickbacks so to say. I'll tell you one thing, I wouldn't see a Chinese alt medicine doctor after I had surgery. I'd stick with good ole percasets. Ahh percasets...the less addicting but none the less addicting counterpart of oxycotin.
For back pain, stretch, or workout. Stretching does wonders...I don't think herbs will kill muscle pain. Take some protein, stretch, do pull ups. Run, be physically active. Do swimmers stretches, on the bed sit ups. (You put your waist on the edge of the bed, drop down and sit up.)
Whenever I got back pain from muscle strain and fights, I'd just twist it until it hurt like a mother. I would then twist it the same way and it would be less intense and so on and so forth. If you have a low tolerance for pain I wouldnt suggest that. Hurting it does make it feel better if it is a muscle which it probably is.
Edit: I punch my back if I feel it's hurting or I'm slouching....a good habbit to break slouching if you do. Also, if this is your case because alot of people with poor posture have low self confidence, try affirmating yourself morning afternoon and before you go to bed.