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Back pain
Ice or Heat- Which one is Best?
You have a pain somewhere in your body- do you use a hot pack or an ice pack? It depends on the problem and how long you have had it.
Ice Packs for Inflammation in the first 48 hours
At Wellness One, an ice pack is usually recommended during the first 48 hours after injury. Ice packs slow the circulation down to reduce inflammation and pain.
Flexible ice packs are inexpensive and easy to get from either Wellness One or your pharmacy. Wrap a towel around the ice pack and place it over the area of pain. Leave it in place for no more than 10 to 15 minutes. The ice pack should feel cold, but not painfully cold.
Heat Packs for Muscle Spasm
If your pain is due to muscle spasm, a heat pack can be helpful. Use a heat wheat (usually heated for 2 minutes in the microwave) or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the sore area for up to 20 minutes.
Repeat this every two or three hours. Heat therapy works by increasing the circulation to the area and relaxing the muscles to relieve the pain.
Ice and Heat together- help is needed!
In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend alternating hot and cold packs. If you have been advised to do this, begin with a cold pack wrapped in a towel placed on the sore area for 5 minutes.
Remove the cold pack and follow with a hot pack for another 5 minutes. Alternate the two for a total of half an hour. Please consult with your chiropractor to be sure that this is the right treatment for you.
Remember hot and cold pack should always be used with caution. It is a good idea to ask for advice if you are unsure prior to using a hot or cold pack. Heat wheats and cold packs are both available from Wellness One as is helpful advice on how and when to use them.