Some passive or physical therapy modalities are available for treating low back pain. These modalities are very useful in alleviating acute low back pain. The passive modalities are generally used by physical therapists or chiropractors. Some of the passive modalities used for the treatment of low back pain are:

Heat or ice packs for heat therapy and cold therapy: These are most commonly used types of modality as heat and ice are very easily available. Heat in the form of heating pads, heat wraps, hot baths and warm gel packs helps in providing relief to low back pain. Both, heat and ice therapy help in reducing inflammation and muscle spasm. Some patients get relief with heat therapy and some with cold therapy. These therapies are applied for about 10 to 20 minutes once every two hours and are more useful during the course of an episode of pain.

Iontophoresis: It generally means delivering steroids through the skin. In this process the steroid is applied to the skin which migrates under the skin after an electric current is applied to it. Then the steroids produce an anti-inflammatory effect in the affected area thus causing pain. This type of modality is effective in relieving acute back pain.

TENS unit (electrotherapy): TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. In this unit, an electrical stimulation is used to modulate the sensation of low back pain by overriding the painful signals which are sent to the brain. Electrotherapy is first performed with TENS unit and after experiencing substantial pain relief, TENS unit can be used at home for providing back pain relief on a long term basis.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses the concept of sound waves as it is a form of deep healing in which sound waves are applied to the skin penetrating in to the soft tissues. Ultrasound helps in enhancing tissue healing and in relieving acute low back pain.

These all types of passive modalities used for the treatment of low back pain are really effective. So, try them out!