<s>[INST] Hi,I have chronic back/neck pain and muscle spasms. However today, I woke up with severe lower back pain and muscle stiffness and cramping. Im experiencing some difficulties urinating as well. For the past several days I have had moderate , consistant pain in my right flank too. However, I dont know if flank pain related, the cause of the hip pain or seperate issue all together. Should I go to emergency room or wait it out for awhile? [/INST] Welcome to Chat Doctor. 1. The history and symptoms suggest possibilities of spondylosis with disc pathologies. 2. This happens as an age related or hardworking individuals with bones and disc pathologies.3. You need to get a cervical / lumbar spine AP/LAT x-ray to see the status, ideal to evaluate the disc and nerve pathologies is MRI if you can get.4. Once the pathology is evaluated the treatment in this case includes back exercises followed by the physiotherapy. 5. Due to the nerve compressions the muscles get stiff and causes spasm and urinary symptoms as well due to nerve involvement in lumbar region.6. It does not need ER, needs a planned appointment with orthopedic specialist / neurologist. Good luck. Hope I have answered your query,anything to ask ? Do not hesitate to ask.http://doctor.ChatDoctor .com/doctors/ Chat Doctor.  </s>