I have lumbar spine issues that radiate into my tailbone and also down me legs. It can happen for no reason. The doctor will always ask "what did you lift this time to throw your back out"? I'll reply I didn't lift anything and I didn't do anything!!!

It just happens on it's own now and again the discs will flare causing extreme pain and feirce muscle spasms pulling me to one side usually. I then look like I am walking like a duck.

If you do the exercise to strenghthen your back, you might still get the flares but they will not last as long because your back will be in better shape.

As far as pain goes, I rub Tiger Balm on my lower back, and lay on a heating pad with 2 pillows under me knees.I also take magnesium and other mineral baths with bubble bath every night. I try not to sit too much because my back does not like sitting,and I am forced to sit in a chair at work all day. I walk around,I lay on the floor and do stretches. I may go in for one or two PT appointments. I also take Voltaren. (antiinflammatory)

If your lucky enough to have one of those husbands or partners that will give you a a bit of a massage, that also may help.

But your right, the cardinal rule these days for back problems is to keep moving.

Thanks. That is what I read about the need to keep moving which I am trying. I do feel the chair aggrevates it. I was sitting at the kitchen table all morning and do I feel it. I wear those heat wraps too. You should check them out they have the ones that go on your waste like a belt or the stickies. A little thing I read on the instruction of the pad but you are not suppose to lay on a heating pad. I thought that was what it was for?I am upping my magnesium now and am suppose to take epsom salt baths but really the tub makes me feel worse. I swear I was just laying on the floor got up and felt the instant muscle pull. This is why I fear doing a lot because just doing nothing I get injured. I do have an issue though protecting my legs which puts strain on my other parts so that may be a cause too. At cleveland they were always telling me that. I am trying to be more balanced but it is natural when one part is hurting so bad to compensate using other areas.Thanks and sorry you guys suffer with so much too.

You can use ice for 20 minutes ,more helpfull ,but then switch to heat.
make sure you set a timer for heat because you could burn yourselve
with heating pad or a fire could and has happened. Hugs Sue

Thanks Sue. I will be careful cause I don't need any more issues. Sue I saw all you have going on now and the flu. Many hugs

I think you have a very ACUTE back issue, not the kind many of us with chronic issues have. You have the kind of problem where suddenly, doing some minor action (I once got his, decades ago, picking up my purse), it feels like a huge spasm is created.

The recommendation for that is generally rest. I think most doctors would treat your pain aggressively, if only to knock you out cold and keep you from moving for a few days. They'd give muscle relaxants and pain pills as much for the sedation as for a real effect. Then, you lie in bed, or the floor, and alternate cold and heat as seems to work best for you. With rest, these things usually mend in about a week.

But over and over I've heard that one should rest acute spasm.

Oh, and sitting is way worse than any other position--

You might check other opinions, but I think a few days on your back might really be good for you.

I heard that too but only for the first 48 hours to rest and this happened 3 weeks ago and is moving all around my back not just the original area. I did a lot this morning and can feel it let me tell you but I do think the sitting for too long strains it. I am so sensitive I move the wrong way and I am in pain for a long time.Remember when I hit my head I had a horrible head ache for a week and most people I think would of not even felt it after an hour. So frustrating

Heat inflames nerves and makes pain worse. No more than 10 minutes at a time..or you go into rebound pain.

can affect any part of the body.
I've sprained/strained my back occasionally since I was fourteen [serious sports injury a very long time ago!] And can only urge much of the advice spoken by others.
First off, heat-or heating pads....do not use more than 15-30 minutes on any given site.....While it feels good at first, opening up the circulation, after a time all that being 'open' is too much and your vascular system shuts it off. So more heat only defeats the purpose. If I need to, I do 15 mins on, rotate to another area nearby, then another 15min in the other place...and so on. Rotating to spots next to the really hurting area helps overall, because those other areas are compensating for the hurt one.
If you have access to a good orthopedist who specializes in backs get a look-see by them and get a program in action for exercise. There are dozens of safe, passive [lying on your back or stomach or side] exercises a person can do and not hurt themselves....I've been doing many for decades to keep things from getting worse-cause muscle spasms...especially those BIG muscles in your back, which are real killers in the not being able to sleep aspects. Hope this helps! = j