I have bulging disc in my back and facet syndrome. My back literally locks up from time to time. I'm out of commission for like a week at a clip. Thanks God it only happens like 2-3x a year.
With that said, i'm 55 years old, and i had bulging disc since about 40. It didn't start locking up till i was like 46, so long story short, i don't feel Amar;e is in any worst shape then Patrick Ewings knees were in all those years. Lots of ice after games, and lots of stetching, and know what bothers your back the most, and try to eliminate it, or adjust.
I think Amar'e realizes in a few days that Ice is his best friend now and heat sucks ass...we'll see...i'm sure this didn't just happen, and he was playing fine