Acute Effects of Hot-Pack Therapy in Low Back Pain

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-65 years Nonspecific/mechanical low back pain (clinical diagnosis) Baseline pain ≥3/10 on a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Able to understand procedures and provide written informed consent Able to attend baseline, immediate post-session, and 24-48 h follow-up assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Neurologic deficit, tumour, or systemic inflammatory disease Prior lumbar spine surgery Heat or cold therapy to the lumbar region within the past 6 weeks Dermatologic lesions, open wounds, or skin conditions over the lumbar area Contraindications to heat (e.g., impaired sensation/neuropathy over the area, severe circulatory disorders) Pregnancy Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker) Inability to comply with the study schedule or procedures