There is no real definitive answer, as some things work for some people and not others. IN GENERAL, opioids are going to be his best bet, if his pain is severe. I will say, though, that all of those "non-opioid" so-called treatments do NOT work for people with severe pain; maybe mindfulness works for mild or even moderate pain, but I can guarantee you that they don't work on severe pain.

I don't think you'll get many answers as there's no definitive answer.

I'm in severe pain .I take duluxitine.and amytriptyline I take as much as I can.however stronger doses opioids I can't bear taking.as I suffer from anxiety and and they don't agree with my body.

I have a very easy stretch that he can do.

The long road ahead of chronic back pain,I also agree that opiods are your best option,I'm on fentanyl patches I'm also on tramadol I know that people in the U.S have difficulty in getting a GP to prescribe A class medication in the UK our doctors aren't under pressure from the DEA ! Good luck in your treatment options.