Back contractions vs back spasms

FTM so don’t judge. I’m 37 weeks and have been having what feels like painful spasms in my lower back on and off since 2 days ago along with what feels like gas pains. I had my OB appointment yesterday and totally forgot to ask. I’m also 1cm dilated, 50% effaced at a -2 station.

I know that doesn’t mean labor is close or anything but I wanted to know if anyone has experienced contractions in their lower back instead of abdomen. I don’t want to count them as contractions if it’s just normal pregnancy back pain.