[MarkRobinson]

I guess I can try the Ice: heat does reduce some pain & restore some mobility, as I've used hot baths for as long as I can remember: it's always worked but wouldn't hurt to try Ice.

I did make it to the gym last (9 days ago) monday for about 30m of stretching an a 1hr spin class with medium exersion: did not appear to increase my issues.

According to my doc, the spasm is caused by my spine getting a false report that it's in danger, so triggers the muscles to sieze around the reported area to protect the spine: fun!

When I herniated a disc in my back (due to inactivity after 15 straight years of weight lifting), my syptoms were totally different: numbness in my legs. I had an MRI done at that time, to allow the Orthopedic to say "let it heal naturally the best it can...if it can't, then we'll consider surgery". That was 11 years ago. I'm ok with this injury as it is today, though I had back spasms since I was 20, most all of which are unsolicited (nothing unusual to cause them).

A deep tissue massage was also suggested..>I guess I could check into Massage-envy by my office, give it a try. Seeing a back specialist shouldn't hurt either.