For the past week and a half I have been experiencing terrible back pain. It is right in the center of my back. If I move wrong, breath wrong, etc. this incredible pain shoots out from the center and seems to wrap around to my sides. Sometimes it is so painful it literally takes my breath away. I was at my doctor's last week and went for xray's of both my upper and lower back - I see him again on Wednesday. I don't know if I can handle it until then! I was on my feet a lot at work today and when I got in the car to come home I had the worst "spasm" yet - I thought I was going to pass out. I have not injured myself, etc. The only thing different in my life is that about a month ago I started on Diovan HCT for high blood pressure and Metoprolol for a racing heart. When I go to bed at night it takes about a minute for the pain to subside from laying down but then I sleep through the night. It progressively gets worse throughout the day.

I have dealt with lower back pain off and on for years (I'm 41). This is worse - I think probably because it "catches my breath" and I'm scared I'm going to pass out. I actually thought it was getting better the last couple of days (it wasn't happening as often). But today shot that theory down the tube.

Can anyone offer any suggestions as to what could be causing this? And/or how to relieve it? I have been taking an otc back/muscle painkiller and it helps dull it a bit, but I want it gone! Please help!!!