Cold, compression, and heat therapy for back pain — drug-free relief for muscle strains, chronic lower-back pain, sciatica, and post-surgery recovery.
For a fresh strain or flare-up, cold plus compression is the standard of care. A Soft Ice® Back & Hip or Lumbosacral compression wrap delivers targeted cold and support across the lower back, and our large Soft Ice® PRO-Packs cover broad areas when you need more.
For hands-free, longer-lasting cold — after back surgery or a serious flare — the Polar Active Ice® 3.0 Back & Hip Cold Therapy System wraps the lower back and circulates ice-cold water continuously for hours.
For the everyday stiffness and muscle tension behind most back pain, moist heat is the go-to — the Thera-Temp® Moist Heat Back & Hip Wrap loosens tight muscles and boosts circulation across the lower back. One rule of thumb: skip heat on a fresh injury or swelling — lead with cold.
Want both on hand? The Back Pain Relief Kit pairs cold and heat, and many people alternate the two through the day — see all our Drug-Free Pain Management Kits.