I get lower back ache also my ankles and calf muscles ache. I give myself a warm oil massage in these aching areas and it helps a lot.
I lay a towel on the rug and warm half an egg cup of almond oil (can get from pharmacy). To do this I put the egg cup of oil in a shallow cereal bowel of hot water not boiling and let it warm through (takes a minute).
Sit on the towel and massage in oil - bliss, leave on for 30 mins while I relax (but I keep warm with a long dressing gown). Then wipe off oil using a face cloth, little soap and warm water in the sink or have a quick shower.
Deep heat gel and supermarket own brand similar gels also work for me sometimes.
Thanks for getting back to me. I have pain in my ankles and my calf muscles too. I do like to go get a massage every week but as you can imagine these costs sure mount up, will give this a go