Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] My elderly father is experiencing excruciating back spasms.  He has been moving between a chair and a bed for the past week, due to illness. His illness is better, back much worse. I am using ice, a lidocaine patch every 12 hours, and arthritis strength tylenol as directed. Any suggestions other than the ER?
[|AI|]  Hi. I am glad we connected. The symptoms you have mentioned may be seen with a systemic or local cause that causes the muscles to contract. This can be seen when toxins in the area are affecting the muscles and causing them to remain tetanized. Also, one may notice that the catch in the muscle persists for some time. Here are a few remedies that may be useful in some people. -Using a local warm compress to heat the area-Gentle massage of the area to reduce pain-Stretching of the muscles in the back-Taking a warm shower-Icing the area for 15 mins and using a warm gel pack for 5 mins-Using a local OTC painkiller spray or gel over the area hope this helps. Do reach out if you have more questions. All the best.