Left side back pain above hip that comes and goes. keeps me awake when it starts hurting. start moving around and it goes away?

Low back pain: Intermittent low back pain is usually related to muscular inflammation and tension. Over-the-counter medicines such as Ibuprofen are effective also, the use of hot compress is helpful. If the symptoms increase or are not improving you must be evaluated by a physician. More serious causes are; arthritis, pressure on nerves, kidney stones, kidney infection.

Muscular v disc: This is either muscular issue if only several weeks. If longer, it may be from a disc issue that could be a tear in the disc or a herniation. If muscular, it will get better by about 6-8 weeks and 90% of discs improve over time. Otc meds can help as can heat &/or ice as well as guided exercise & activity modification. Lifestyle changes like weight control, not smoking & regular exercise are key.