text: my lower back really hurts.  what can i do to make it stop? i was lifting heavy boxes and now it hurts. i pulled my back years ago and have recurrent back aches, so i empathize with you.  its hard to stand when you're sitting, hard to sit when you're standing, hard to walk, hard to turn to look back, etc. etc.  first of all, you should see a doctor to rule out a slipped disk, ligament tear, etc..   second, and until you can get attention, the best help for back pain is to stay off the back, and that means lying down flat on your back on a firm mat/mattress (not hard floor or soft couch or mattress).  don't put a pillow under your head.  tent your legs at the knee and stay that way, for as long as you can. that is the best.  you may want to take an analagesic or something, and if you have a heating pad, heat helps reduce the muscle spasm.  i use a muscle relaxant tablets and an anti-inflamatory cream, heat and stay off my back at every opportunity till it eases.  don't exercise and try pulling your knees up to your chest until the acute phase of the spasm has eased or you ease pulling the muscle and have years of pain.  also, if you have to sit, be sure it is a firm chair, don't slouch and try to keep your back perpendicular to your lap.  hope the pain eases soon for you