There are several reasons someone can have lower back pain. Muscle spasms, which are spontaneous, involuntary muscle contractions, are a particularly painful type. They are usually caused by a sudden twisting-type injury and are followed by immediate acute pain, although sometimes the pain can take longer to set in. Muscle spams can also be a symptom of an underlying problems such as tendon or ligament tears, or a stressed or injured spinal column.
An orthopedic spine doctor can diagnose whether the muscle spasm is simply that or something more complex. Once the right diagnosis is reached, the right treatment can be given. For muscle spasms not caused by underlying problems, the treatment can include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy (with an emphasis on strengthening the core muscles), and ice or heat.