Has your GP referred you for an MRI or anything? In my case, I went to my GP first, who ordered the MRI. After she saw the MRI results, I then went to a spine doc (office complete with pain doc and PT). My GP will also order PT for certain things. Rather than going to the ER, I'd recommend seeing your GP first. You may be able to get some necessary diagnostics done before seeing your new pain management doctor. You may also be able to get some effective pain relief from you GP.

For home remedies...try cold packs. You can buy large flexible ones at the drugstore (for under $30.00), and use those for temporary relief. Sometimes heat helps as well, or alternating cold and heat. If there is some inflammation, you can try ibuprofen or naproxen for a few weeks. Gentle stretches may help as well. If you can curl your back at all to help open up some space in your spine, that is like one of the exercises my PT recommended. Lying on a swedish ball helped too.

Good luck,

Kay