Back spasms, upper left side.

raver, ten years of suffering? Have you received any pain care? I would go straight to a chiropractor while requesting an MRI of the area of the pain. Is this pain cervical thoracic or lumbar?
Chiropractors are less expensive, non invasive and usually you can see one same day. Chiropractors can define the location of the pain and if you accept an adjustment some relief.
The 18 hours of pain lead to suspicion of either fracture or disc bulging, but could be all muscular.

@gently thank you for your information. I've been to a chiropractor, no help. I am seeing a pain management doctor, the same one for about 5 years. Still nothing. cervical thoracic not lumbar. Ive now had one each day for 4 days. I'm at my wits end.

I’ve had a similar problem on R side …years ago, visits to Dr.John Sarno (now deceased) cut the pain in half…. I still can get spasms, very much helped by osteopathic manipulation and soothed by the Rosen method practitioner….these help manage the pain, with help from heat, Tylenol and occasional pain patch for long days….breathing exercises help a lot, walking, doing stretches/exercises, keeping postures that help make the rib cage more open are part of my management program… wish everyone dealing with this better days and relief !

@nycmusic I would add that what happens in our emotions (stress) can show up in our muscles…it is important to know if the problem is mostly in the muscles, like mine. There are many reasons people can get back pain.

I've always had stressful jobs. The pain is in the muscle. I don't know why I can't get a shot in that muscle like Botox.

Which muscle? You might be able to get botox or myobloc at a pain clinic. I know the Stanford Pain clinic offered those injections years ago.

I had a lot spasms to start with, and started seeing a physical therapist, massage weekly, heat and laser therapy helped also. I wish you some relief.