Ice or heat therapy
The warmth from a warm bath, electric heating pad, chemical or adhesive heat wraps or hot water bottle can help in relaxing the stiffness of muscles and improves the blood flow to spinal muscles. The increasing of blood flow creates more supply of oxygen and nutrients that the muscles might need to heal and remain healthy. If there is inflammation in the lower back and it is causing pain then the use of cold or ice packs helps in reducing the swelling. It is also beneficial to protect the skin surface whenever you apply heat or ice by preventing the tissue damage. Moreover, by alternating the ice and heat methods a person can return to physical activity more quickly. Try to apply heat before doing any physical activity as it helps in relaxing the muscles and allowing better mobility and flexibility. The application of ice after performing physical activity decreases the chances of an area to inflame and irritate from exercise.