Ask Dr. Marks: 06/04

Which is better for relieving lower back pain—a heating pad or a cold pack?

It depends on whether the pain is acute or chronic and your individual preference. There are, however, some general recommendations that you should consider. If the pain is acute, such as that experienced after lifting a heavy object, ice may be more beneficial than heat. Ice reduces the amount of inflammation that the injured muscles suffer, and it can relieve muscle spasms.…