How Can Severe Pain Above The Buttocks Be Treated?

My wife, age 45, is in severe pain in the lower left quadrant of her back above the buttocks about 3-4 inches. It goes from a sharp pain to a throbbing pain. It is swollen under the skin, in the form of a band (across the back. perpendicular and to the left of the spine) , but there is no black and blue marks. She thinks it was a result of a rowing strain from a few weeks ago. The pain has gotten worse and, although she has a. doctors appointment Tuesday, she is now in severe pain and looking for relief other than from the motrin she has taken. Should she be using cold compress? Alternating heat? Please help