If you really want to make it easy on yourself and don't mind spending a little cash, I highly recommend an automatic cold therapy cooler/pad system, like this one (http://www.cszmedical.com/products/localizedcold/portablecold.htm).

It may seem a little frivolous, but my mother has one and dude, that thing was a lifesaver last Christmas when I wrenched my back right before flying home. Much, much less problematic than dealing with ice packs all the time.

Hope you feel better, whatever you end up doing.