<s>[INST] I have had low back pain since Saturday and have been taking ibuprofin and rubbing Voltarin gel.On Tuesday it was no better so went to the doctor, who said it is muscular and to continue with what I was doing. I'm also getting cramp type spasms in the muscles by the side of my spine, especially in bed at night. Is there anymore I can do to relive the pain. I am 71 years old [/INST] Dear friend,from my daytoday clinical practice,I think the vertebral disc that is situated in between vertebral bones has been displaced.so the nerves are getting pressure from the bony parts of vertebral column.and this irritated nerve is causing muscle spasm in the back region.my sincere suggestion is you take pain relieving pills like ibuprofen and take complete bed rest for a week.this will help the vertebral disc to come back in its original position.for short term measure to decrease pain sensation you can put hot water bag in the back and rub Voltarin.in this way you can deal with the pain and get cured with time.thank you. </s>