Many people will turn to alternative treatments for chronic back pain. Before you do this, it is extremely important to be thoroughly examined by a doctor to rule out serious disease. Although rare, tumours can occur in the spine. Kidney disease as well as pelvic and abdominal disease can also present with back pain.
The one group of practitioners whom I would exclude from the above warning are osteopaths. They are trained to recognise and treat back pain and since 1998 are regulated by the United Kingdom General Osteopathic Council.
In my experience, they are quick to diagnose serious underlying disease which may require further investigation. Osteopathy is now recognised as a discrete clinical discipline.