so...I work as a housekeeper and literally every night my back aches and my legs try to kill me. I'm sure this is because I'm going head first into hard physical labor without doing any kind of stretching. Any one have any ideas of what I can do before work to ease this pain? Thanks:)

you should definitely do kegel exercises. they won't help your back or relieve any back or leg pain, but if we ever get together i will enjoy the fruits of your labor

I watched either "The Discovery Channel", "Health Network" maybe "Nova" or one of those shows regarding similar issues, questions and complaints.
Their response was "Sex".
So you've taken the first step by signing on here, now just start doing what "esebulldog" says give him a call and bring home the bacon with a smile on your face.

so....Im gonna go ahead and ignore everyone but Klc. Really? So like crunches and stuff with help back pain?

And it's in dunnville in southern ontario. They have a 'mudcap' festival there. The first time I saw it I yelled out 'WHAT THE ****' so my step mom had to have me hold a sign saying 'wtf' in front of it. It's scary...seriously.

Do a full body workout 3 times/week. This will give you strength and endurance. Also, work opposing muscle groups (i.e. chest then back) and take minimum breaks.

if it is back then you just want to do gentle stretches. sit on a soft
carpet or bed or couch and curl into a ball or position your legs and rock gently to stretch
your lower back. reach along a sink or railing and lean backwards
to stretch your shoulders and upper back moving side to side.

here are a couple links.

http://youtu.be/Aag2g9GvED4
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaDXNjFjjnU

your stretching will be most effective midday after you have been
warming up your muscles with some exercise.

you can see other videos of stretching online but they will all
be helpful. hope you are feeling toned and relaxed soon!

it is also very worthwhile to get a nice massage for an hour or so
if you have a place to go or if you know someone to exchange backrubs!

yes stretching, overall core work is a major key such as abs also all muscles in the back a strong core leads to a pretty healthy back

Poke the front of your calves. If they indent and take a moment to return to normal, then you have pitting edema. It's a sign that your body is retaining water.