I pinched my back muscle or nerve, what to do?

Should resolve: Most flares of back pain resolve within a few weeks. Nsaids, heat/ice, stretching, chiro or pt treatments are all indicated. Xrays should be considered if there is concern for osteoporosis (post-menopausal, steroid medication history, thin, white, smoker) and if you are very tender over the spinal bones. Otherwise, imaging only needed if you develop sciatica or other neurological issue.