Ultrasound Multiple modalities are commonly employed to reduce low back pain. Physical therapists or chiropractors usually use passive modalities. Each helps reduce muscle spasm and inflammation.
Some patients find more pain relief with heat and others with ice.
The two may also be alternated. Iontophoresis Iontophoresis is a means of delivering steroids through the skin. The steroid is applied to the skin and then an electrical current is applied that causes it to migrate under the skin. The steroids then produce an anti-inflammatory effect in the general area that is causing pain. This modality is especially effective in relieving acute episodes of pain.