Usually in a situation like that, I would try using moist heat on the area to loosen up the muscles and some sort of anti-inflammatory med to work on any inflammation that might have developed.

What I have found, is that the first thing that docs will try, is to get the inflammation "knocked down", usually with at least a 2 week stint of anti-inflammatory medicine. If I try that first, before going to the doc, then I save myself another couple of weeks of suffering while they try to do the same thing.

As you said, nothing can replace having a doc evaluate you, but you can at least try and make things calm down. So rest is also a good thing. In other words, try not to do anything that sets it off.

Welcome to Spine Health. There are a lot of good people here and you should also be able to find a lot of good information in the peer reviewed articles written by the docs as well as the search function of the forums.

"C"

Anti inflammatories is the way to go. Like Advil or anything over the counter. BUT if you notice you are still having problems after taking it easy for 10 - 14 days, the pain increases, or if you notice any parts becoming tingly/numb, then you should likely have someone look at it.

Emergency room (E/R) treatment may be an option. I do believe that a hospital is not allowed to turn you away just because you cannot pay or don't have insurance.

Another option to E/R: do you live in a state that has the state-run or charity hospitals? They usually are affiliated with clinics for low income or uninsured patients. Usually they will bill you based on income. And, you could become established as a patient, paying as you go and getting the help you need.

Good luck! Hope things work out for you!