From the Guidelines

Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is not supported by the provided evidence as an effective treatment for lumbar pain [ 1 ].

Evidence Insufficiency: The evidence is insufficient to determine the effectiveness of superficial cold (ice therapy) for lumbar pain [ 1 ].
Alternative Treatments: Other treatments such as superficial heat, exercise, and low-level laser therapy have shown some evidence of effectiveness in reducing lumbar pain [ 1 ].
Clinical Considerations: When considering treatment options for lumbar pain, it is essential to weigh the available evidence and consider the potential benefits and harms of each treatment [ 1 ].

Exercise and Superficial Heat: Consider recommending exercise and superficial heat as treatment options for lumbar pain, as they have shown some evidence of effectiveness [ 1 ].
Individualized Treatment: Develop an individualized treatment plan that takes into account the patient's specific needs and medical history [ 1 ].

From the Research

The use of ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has been studied as a treatment for musculoskeletal injury and pain, including lumbar pain 2, 3, 4.
Cryotherapy has been shown to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm, and is often used in the treatment of acute musculoskeletal injury 3, 4.
However, the evidence for the effectiveness of ice therapy for lumbar pain is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations 3, 5.

The physiological effects of cold therapy include reductions in pain, blood flow, edema, inflammation, muscle spasm, and metabolic demand 3, 4.
Cryotherapy-induced reductions in metabolism, inflammation, and tissue damage have been demonstrated in animal models of muscle injury, but comparable evidence in humans is lacking 2.
The effectiveness of cryotherapy as a recovery modality is dependent upon its ability to maintain a reduction in muscle temperature and on the timing of treatment with respect to when the injury occurred, or the exercise ceased 2.

Heat therapy has also been studied as a treatment for musculoskeletal injury and pain, and has been shown to provide short-term reductions in pain and disability in patients with acute low back pain 3.
The choice between heat and cold therapy may depend on the specific injury and the individual's response to treatment, and more research is needed to determine the most effective treatment approach 3, 5.

Cryotherapy is often used in the treatment of acute musculoskeletal injury, and may be particularly beneficial in the first few hours after injury 2, 4.
However, prolonged use of cryotherapy may delay the start of the healing process and lengthen the recovery time, and its use should be carefully considered in the context of individual patient needs 5.