Back spasms

[catwalker]

I've been getting agonising back spasms for about 3-4 weeks. I'm probably getting them anything between 6-12 times a day (more if I'm not careful how I move). I feel generally a bit stiff, but it doesn't hurt when I keep still and I can make all sorts of movements without any pain. Tends not to be the big movements (picking something up off the floor) that cause them, but leaning forward slightly, sitting down or getting up. They last about 10-20 secs and I can't move when they start and am in agony.

I've had 3 sessions with an osteopath who says my lower back muscles are rigid. He's done all sorts of manipulation and even acupuncture, but it's not helping. I'm loathe to go to the doctor as I know they'll just say take ibuprofen and rest. Does anyone have any ideas what it might be and what I should do?

I had these for a while and they were fairly disabling - the dr prescribed anti-inflammatories (celebrex) and diazepam (mmmm) and I also saw an osteopath who showed me which exercises to do, it was alternating between rest and the right sort of exercise that helped but it all took quite a while and was a nightmare with 2 small children and a job etc

never found out what caused it originally, but also changed mattress and chair (was desk bound in those days, would not be surprised if it was the sedentary lifestyle at fault in my case)

you might benefit from seeing a physiotherapist for about the same £££ as an osteopath, a friend is having similar spasms in similar zone (L5 ish) and the physio she is seeing seems much better than the osteo

is it in the lower back area. does any pain go into the middle of your bum cheek.

Sounds as if your sciatic nerve is being impinged upon.