Having had lower back problems for many years, I would say your back is warning you that "The Big One is Coming" if you don't get some expert help, such as seeing a physiotherapist. The best streches I have found for lower back are laying on side, on a firm bed, lower leg straight, top leg crossed over, bent, and gently let it hang over the edge of the bed. Then do the same reversed on other side. Also laying on back, bring knees up to chest and gently hug knees, while trying to keep back flat, pressing small of back into mattress. This one might even be the best to start with. But these are just a band aid, you really need to see a physio to get a longer term fix and avoid future problems. At this point stay away from exercises which arch your back, although in the long run you will need these too. But if you do them the wrong way, or too soon, while your back is unstable, you could end up in a painful paralysed  ball on the floor for three days, like I did many years ago.

The whole spine works together, so your problem may seem to be in the lower back, but may be aggravated by muscular weakness in the neck, upper back, shoulders, or anywhere in the back.

-- Edited by Marlene on Friday 1st of April 2011 12:35:43 PM

I periodically have to deal with this.

Besides building up my back muscles, I have found the the homeopathic remedy "Bachache with Arnica" by Hylands has helped me whenever my back starts giving me problems.  It has also helped my husband.  It works best right at the first twinge, but it is worth a try even with an established case, you just may have to take more than one pill. 

I wish I had known about it decades ago, because of a car wreck my lower back was messed up for YEARS.

Feel better, Barbara!!

generally...if it is in the muscle (spasm) I go the route of robaxin/heat pad and theraputic/sports massage to take the spasms out.

I have suffered from muscle spasms for such a length of time I can find the pressure point and remove the spasm myself before it travels.

This is one of the best and most cost effective way to deal with them saving visits to the physiotherapist.

Homeopathy: Arnica in the early stages. Ruta, later on.

An osteopath can be a great help at unfreezing muscles. Recently I have found a supplement that has loosed my back up a lot plus Pilates.

http://www.figuerola.net/products/JointSaver-Human.html

The Joint Saver has released my stiff muscles and helped reduce my arthritis. I was having problems holding the reins but no longer. I can bend my fingers once again.