I ended up at the chiropractor with pulled ligaments so just be careful take pain meds strecth, take breaks if you need them. But dont let it get in your way, your mind is stronger ^_^ so concentrate on your playing and not on pain

Stretching is a big factor along with Ibuprophen. Most people don't stretch properly, you need to stretch and hold that stretch. How many stretches you do isn't as important as doing them properly and holding them. Motrin or Advil will help at the beginning of your season, taken before practice will knock down the inflamation and along with stretches and and correct posture, you can have a pleasurable show or practice. If its from muscle weakness, then you need some basic exercises in building the muscles that need the most help.

I just get my friend to walk on my back and pop it. Helps for a little untill rehersal is over than i like to take a really hot bath to sooth the pain.

Soup_nazi

The pain never goes away, you just get used to it. Stretching, but not overdoing it, helps. Good posture and how the harness/drums sit on you play a big part in it too. Standing with a lean can cause pain and sometimes you don't know you're doing it, took me half a year to realize it my freshman year. Also, if the drums are too low on you, it will strain your back and cause pain (the way lifting heavy stuff all day could). Be sure you are marching right, as well. Also, it might be a good idea if you go to the doctor if the pain is getting unbearable and you've been marching a while. Scholiosis (sp?) can screw you up. Also, our top bass hurt her back really bad somehow (never found out how, sorry) but now she can't marching because of it. I remember seeing her as we marched off the field and the second the drums got off, she was in tears. If you are experiancing similar, you really need to go get that checked out. Like everyone seems to have stated, ADVIL HELPS!

http://www.cbass.com/Furey.htm
I gurantee that the body bridge will help you if you are experiencing back pain. It strengthens you up like a mofo, and it only takes a couple minutes out of your day. You don't necessarily have to do the hindu squats or pushups along with it, but those would also help you to build overall fitness. GO FOR THE BODY BRIDGE!!!

Ibuprofen we salute you.