Post Chronic pain here... maybe I can help. I have over 20 years of low back pain that progressed to partially disabled and using cortisone shots for years to cope to finally fully disabled/bed ridden. I hope you nor anyone goes through such pain. Luckily my 3rd surgery did the trick (thank God!).

Obviously the real question is what is causing your pain? If that is answered treatment is much easier. I would encourage anyone who has had pain consistently for a few months or more (i.e., chronic) that you see an orthopedic or neurological surgeon that specialize in spinal/low back disorders. Please do not isolate yourself with a chiropractor or GP who prescribes pain meds easily. If not in check those two, imho, MAY lead to a progressive downward spiral.

Once you have a diagnosis ask the important question, "if it was you what would you do?" Now either follow it or get a second opinion.

Bed rest in general is almost always a bad thing to do with low back pain. In general you will probably always be required to do at least 6 months of nonevasive treatment before you have surgery. And btw, if you are a candidate PUSH for the MRI!!!!

Now that is the preferred path, till then some basics.

Nerve irritation such as burning sensation usually reacts best to Ice Packs and/or Blood Thinners (ibuprofen). With a doctor you might try RX anti inflamatories such as celebrex, viox (i think gone now) and one other???

Heat will probably only help for muscle spasms. Be careful using heat because if there is an inflamtory issue, you may be making it worse. If you find heat works well and feel like it is causing other problems then a TENS Unit is a great method for treatment (electro impusles through the muscles). Personally a must have for CHRONIC back pain sufferers imo.

If you work sitting a bunch, take a walk every 20 minutes or at least stand up and stretch out a bit...

Well that's the top of my head, hope it helps...