Try Heat or Ice
It's usually best to use ice during the first 48 hours, after an acute injury. After that, either heat or ice (or both) may help. If you prefer heat, hot packs, hot water bottles or heating pads are advisable. Likewise, sitting in a whirlpool or hot tub (hydrotherapy) can be soothing and therapeutic. Heat dilates the blood vessels, improving the flow of nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to the affected tissues. Heat also alters the sensation of pain and can ease muscle spasms. Cold is known to reduce inflammation. Although cold may feel painful against the skin, it numbs deep tissue pain. Applying either heat or cold may bring temporary pain relief, but will not cure the underlying cause of chronic back pain.