I'd say that a good hot tub would do the trick. Everyone is different as to what temperature works better--hot or cold?

Here's the facts: Hot temperatures warm your muscles up for soon physical activity in which you'll need your back; for example, many baseball players have to heat up their arm directly before a game as opposed to icing their arm, and here's the reason why: Cold temperatures heal the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and so forth much faster than warm temperatures, but not if you need to soon be off to work. You'll need a few hours before any physical activity after you ice your back.

But don't forget that icing it heals it faster than heating it, but only if you have time to spare. I certainly hope I was of some help.
Patrick

Oh yes! I almost forgot! IB profin is great for this stuff. If I were you, I'd go for 2 or 3 pills of 200mg per day. (See a doctor before you take more than that.) You can take it right before physical activity also, because it works as a deflammatory agent as well as a pain killer.
Patrick

Yes, ibuprofen might temporarily take care of your pain but a friend of mine used it over a long term and had complete kidney failure. Be careful and take it only for short periods, if at all.

How long is long term, in her case, janice? That is scary.



Patrick

Long term otc pain medicines can *also* cause liver issues! Be very careful when using those meds...Those drugs are not for long term usage!

Also, do you know why your hips and lower back hurts? If not, that might help in deciding how to treat it! Have you spoken to your doctor about it?

If it is heat, there are these new heat thingies (thermacare?) out that help during the day when you cannot get in the tub or shower. They last for eight hours or so...I use them to help me walk when my lupus is flaring.

Hugs,
ladybrannon

Hi there! Ibuprofen can also cause stomach bleeding, get to your dr and get things checked out.