For me, I have severe spasms in my lower back due to 2 herniated discs and a good, strong indica really reduces the frequency/intensity of those. I am always in pain and would say that mj does'nt really address that directly. What it does do is help take my focus off of the constant aching. I think the most important thing for me is that no matter how bad my back is acting up, I know a couple bong tokes of my current favorite indo at the end of the night will have me off to nite-nite land in a jiffy. Word!