Poor judgment - not knowing one's limit, pushing too far with work or exercise, or working without exercise or relaxation breaks. Medical conditions - for example, kidney stones, infection, or arthritis. Avoid doing any activities which increase your back pain, such as sitting, driving, jogging, bending and lifting, etc. During the first three days, you should rest in a pain-free position, ice your back and take short walks at least three times a day. If it hurts to walk, however, don't do it that day.
Ice is good for acute back pain because it helps to reduce pain and swelling in the area.
Ideally, ice for 15 minutes every hour for the first three days. After three days you can try using heat. If heat does not help, go back to using ice. Remember to rest. Lack of sleep and increased stress worsens back pain.