Hot Packs and Creams Don't Work For Back Pain

A recent study found that 2/3 of patients self-treating their back pain using hot/cold compresses, wrapping various substances on the back, and herbal preparations get no relief or get worse. 

While I am a big advocate of people doing self-care for their back and neck pain, getting proper treatment is still the first thing. After 2 weeks of self-care with little relief, it's time to have your back and neck evaluated professionally.

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24882024