Ice vs. Heat for Lower Back Pain: Which Actually Works?
Ice or heat? Our La Cañada Flintridge doctors compare the two for lower back pain — honestly, based on what actually works.
When lower back pain isn't going away, the next question is usually: "Should I try ice or heat?" Here's how we think about it — and where the two overlap, differ, and complement each other.
The lumbar spine carries most of your body weight, and when the joints, discs, or surrounding muscles get overloaded, pain radiates through the low back, hips, and sometimes down the legs.
The Short Answer
For most patients with lower back pain, ice is the more efficient starting point because it directly addresses joint restriction, which is often the primary driver. heat plays a valuable supporting role, especially for soft tissue work, endurance strengthening, or when the primary problem isn't joint-based.
The best care plans usually aren't "one or the other" — they're built around what your case actually needs.
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Call (818) 707-5724 or book online. Same-week appointments in La Cañada Flintridge — serving Pasadena, Glendale, La Crescenta, Montrose, Burbank, and Altadena.