I use the number 2, it works, the docs may not like you to use heat, but my new back doc didn't bat an eye about me using heat to relieve the pain. I found out the HARD way COLD is only good for swelling, NOT FOR prolonged back pain.
I was telling you the truth about being mobile only because of the Hot Hands. I can barely make it up the stairs any more, have to stop ever 4th step to rest the muscles to finish climbing the 13 stairs. Not only am I cursed with the spine from Hades, but Fibromyalgia too and Peripheral Neuropathy that affect my right foot more than my left. Those $300 orthotics that I bought a year ago are now worthless, as the PN has spread to the entire right side of my foot.
Yet I am tagged as lazy, inactive, over weight at 129 lbs, eat to much salt, to much red meat, even though I watch both like a hawk.
BTW if you live with in driving distance of Memphis and need ear work done AVOID the Shea Ear Clinic like the plague. They come as far away as Al to go there, but believe me they are NOT the place to go, bad treatment deluxe. Not even an IV hook in the bathrooms. Stack you like cord wood, and don't give a D if you lie there in pain for 2 hrs or more, not even an ice chip or vitals taken regardless of age or health issues.