(making 3rd post so I can post links in my next one...)
Additional Comment I forgot:
Hi all,

Checking back into this forum to share my experience so hopefully it will save people some time/money.

Basically from my experience, going to your GP is an absolute waste of time - they turn you away with a back exercises sheet and reassure you all will be fine in a few weeks - it won't.

I tried sports massages, these were £25 a hour and helped for short term relief but does not solve the problem. The guy actually advised me to go to a chiropractor (which was extremely honest of him as he could have referred me to the place he worked, but said this one was better (Ulrik Sandstrøm BSc DC. Chiropractic in Mansfield, UK) - i went to the sheffield one.
Its priced at £65 for 45 min 1st consultation then £28 for every 15 min follow up. Luckily I have private healthcare to pay for 75% of every treatment.

Anyway, they are extremely honest there, not out to give you as many sessions to fill their pockets, but want you sorted as soon as possible.

He said that I may have a lapsed (slipped) disc, which does not show up on x-rays hence why the Doctors had not picked it up. He also said i may have something called ankylosing spondylitis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankylosing_spondylitist), but hoped not, as this is a form of arthritis common in young males.

I had around 7 sessions of spine manipulation, and it genuinely felt better after each session. I slowly got back into footy, but it seemed that i never got past 80% comfortable.

Whilst all this was happening, my hospital appointments were ongoing (but slow). My doctor said he thinks it could be a lapsed disc, so sent me for an Wikipedia reference-linkMRI scan (only just had this, get results in ~2 weeks) to rule this out. He has analysed x-rays from when I first had complaints, to 6 months after, and said that my SI joint had signs of inflammation, so prescribed me Diclofenac, which is an anti inflammatory drug. It is take 3 times a day with meals, and the intention is to take the inflammation down which could stop the touching of the nerve caused by the lapsed disc. This has worked absolute wonders, as since I have been on this I have been able to play football at 100%. This is all I have ever wanted!! But the tablets are running out, and obviously don't want to be dependent on them so I will stop once my prescription has ended and see how I go from there.

Anyway, from my experience I would say the best way to go about lower back pain that is similar to mine is to ask your GP for NHS chiropractic referral, try to keep your exercise levels up (last thing you want is for your spine to get used to limping/non natural positions), and eat well. Also take plenty of cod liver oil.

Obviously seek GP advice before doing any of the above, as its each to their own with any case.

Hope this helps at least one person, I don't want anyone to go through the pain and stress I've been through over the past year. Not being able to play football is ridiculously depressing, and the sooner you're able to get back into your sport of choice, the better for both your body and mind.

Take care, Jamie