Rock hard belly with back pain

Jessica

My belly just won’t loosen up. I’m having contractions but I’m not timing them because I can talk through them. My back is hurting and I’m having cramping. I’m 36w 5d. Is this the beginning stages of labor? I also went to the hospital about 2 weeks ago and they told me I was going through prodromal labor. I don’t want to go back unless I know it’s actually something to worry about. Anything helps! Thank you in advance!