Low back pain often results from straining a muscle in your back. To ease the pain:

Rest - Stop doing what caused the pain and lie down. Get
up for short walks.

Ice it - Wrap ice in a towel and apply for no more than
20 minutes at a time (a bag of frozen peas also works well).
Do this several times the first one to two days.

Take pain relievers - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
such as aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help. When you start feeling better, reduce the dosage.

Apply heat - When inflammation and pain lessen, a warm
compress, hot bath, heating pad or heat lamp may help.
But don't apply heat in the first two days, and limit applications to 20 minutes.

Move about - Gradually return to normal activities. Get
moderate exercise and avoid sitting for long periods.

Get it checked out - Although it may take up to two weeks before the pain completely disappears, you should feel some improvement within the first day or two. If you don't, see your doctor. See a doctor right away if your pain is related to an accident, the pain is intense and constant, it spreads down one or both legs, causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs, or interferes with bladder and bowel control.