I am new here, and after looking for anything similar on these forums I've decided to ask about my own problem.

I am a stay at home mom and have been for almost 5 years. In a previous life I was a bartender for 13 years, always on my feet on concrete floors. I have had epidurals with all 3 of my kids. I am 5'7" and weigh 130.
I have problems with the mid-section of the left side of my back. All day I am up, chasing my 2 preschoolers around. Nine times out of ten my back will spasm while I am making dinner, and it will continue for anywhere from an hour or two, up to 5 hours. I also have numbness on the same side. The numbness is constant. It has been numb for about two years. I compare it to novocain after dental work. You are aware that your face is itchy but cannot feel yourself scratch. I really feel it in the shower with a sponge. I know I am going over the area but can't feel it. It is an area about 4" x 4" (I think, very hard to judge.)
I have been to an Urgent Care Center when it got really bad one on Christmas eve. The doctor there told me it was spasms (up to this point I had no name for it) and gave me a prescription for Naproxen (500 mg) and Soma (350 mg). Last week I went to my PCP who said to exercise and do stretches, but referred me to an Orthopaedic doctor before handing me a script for more Naproxen. I take about 2 or 3 a day, as my back always hurts, but the Soma? I took one and slept like a rock! That felt great except that my youngest is Autistic and I HAVE to hear if he wakes up, so I cannot take anymore. Also, as for exercise, I mentioned I stay home with my kids? They are 3 and 4 year old boys. I exercise more than a personal trainer.
I am frustrated, especially after reading the posts on here. Seems like unless you have a visible deformity doctors don't really take you seriously. I am hoping the Orthopaedist is understanding and knowledgable, because so far no one can say why my back is both numb and having spasms.
I guess I would like some feedback from anyone that has had similar issues, and what they did for help. Anything is appreciated!