The pain may be in the center of the back or to one side. Symptoms may also include pain in the back and the buttocks or legs, stiffness and limited motion, and spasm. Being overweight may increase risk for low back pain because of the added stress on the back. We don't know a lot about what exactly causes low back pain. The problem is that these tears and pulls don't show up well on x-rays.
People get better faster if they stay active at home and work.
Your doctor may limit your activity if your job or sport participation is highly physical. You can stretch out dozens of times a day if it helps your pain. Hold a stretching position for 20-30 seconds, take a break and do it again. If a stretch seems to make things worse, or if it causes pain to go down your leg, stop for a while. There's nothing wrong with trying heat if it works, but ice may be better.