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A couple months ago, I did something that pinched my sciatic nerve. I had shooting pain in my lower back and down my left leg. I took a LOT of ibuprofen, but I didn't go to the doctor because after talking to a few people, I didn't think there was anything they could do about it. It was hard though because I couldn't pick up Xander and I had to take things slow and easy. My husband helped out a lot and it got better after a few weeks.

If I were you, I'd probably take some ibuprofen and use the heating pad, but if it doesn't feel like it's getting better in a couple days, call the doctor. And take it easy! As easy as you can anyway as the mom of a toddler.

@Applesandbananas: Yeah, Xander didn't really understand, especially since I was still picking up the baby (because I had to). But after a couple days, he was pretty good about it. And I've picked him up a bunch since I got better! Hope you feel better soon.

@Applesandbananas: If you just pulled a muscle, it hopefully won't take as long to heal. Sciatic nerve issues take forever to resolve, so mine being better after a couple weeks was actually pretty quick. Assuming that's NOT what you're dealing with, hopefully you'll feel better after just a couple days!

I'd say give it a week of heat and whatever Otc pain reliever you can take. Or try ice, whichever provides more relief. Gentle stretching in ways that don't exacerbate pain. If you aren't 25-50% better in a week I'd say go see your GP and get a referral to go see a PT. most back pain goes away on its own or with minimal intervention. It just sucks and it pretty debilitating when it's acute. Avoid lifting, bending and prolonged positions. Try to walk and move as much as you can
Numbness, tingling , weakness or over weird symptoms warrant a trip to your GP
(Physical therapist here, but obv this is general advice)

I good massage could help after its not so painful. But if you are still in pain it may be worth seeing a dr for a muscle relaxer.

I get a massage /adjustment once a month for ongoing back issues.

@Applesandbananas: chiropractor! And ice instead of heat.

@Applesandbananas: I have this ice pack and it's amazing for back pain. http://www.healthyyouweb.com/Chattanooga-Oversize-Black-Polyurethane-Colpac-p/CH1556.htm?gclid=Cj0KEQiAqK-zBRC2zaXc8MOiwfIBEiQAXPHrXgqFiUFwkpKgnCFQBoqrEBvFmnU6EIi19U0G5_t90XQaAtF-8P8HAQ

(Sorry for the super long link.)
I ordered it through Amazon but any drug store will have a soft ice pack that will help, I've just never seen one this big in a drug store.

Lucky or unlucky for me, both DH and I have had back problems so at least we are sympathetic. It's awful when you just can't do anything.

I have had two back injuries in the last four months alone! It's miserable. I'm actually worried my back will never go back to normal. I had sciatica really badly during pregnancy, but whatever I have now is different.

If you can get to a chiropractor - please do! They are amazing. I have been going consistently for 12 years due to headaches, migraines, and in recent years, back issues. They get me back to functioning quickly. I do a 15 minute massage with adjustment, and when my back is really bad I do the electric stimulation machine and the spinal decompression machine.

@Applesandbananas: did you get in to the chiro?

@Applesandbananas: You should definitely try to go soon. I went a couple of weeks after my car accident a few years ago and I wish I had gone sooner. I didn't realize HOW much pain I was in until I wasn't anymore. I didn't realize that I had had desensitization in my right leg until I was adjusted and it started tingling.

@Applesandbananas: For me, it took a few sessions (I was hit by a semi-truck) but there was definite lessening of pain. I was pain-free within a month of my first session. I've had adjustments in my neck when I had a crick in it and the pain relief was almost instantaneous, I just had to wait for the residual muscle soreness to fade.