Well the reason I asked, was because I have been thinking of your back problem ever since that thread, and Tai Chi and QiGong strike me as something you should try immediately for immediate results. It was just a gut instinct I had that was sickeningly strong. I would recommend going to the library and getting the book I mentioned in the first post, as the author does an excellent job explaining every imaginable aspect of the arts, their history, techniques, reasonings, everything. I would also recommend seeking a full 64 form version for full benefit.

Oddly enough, Wing Chun is another art I am currently in the process of studying and practicing along with my traditional Shao Lin training.

I have a great amount of respect for Judo, and more so, Aikido, however the Chinese arts are a good deal older and more refined in methodology and effectiveness, as well as body conditioning, than Japanese martial arts.

Have a good one and good luck!!