Dealing with back pain can impact daily tasks and keep you from doing the activities you enjoy. Whether your pain is the result of a chronic condition or a sports injury, finding relief is a priority. Using both hot and cold therapy as treatment is useful but only if applied appropriately. Here’s a closer look at when you should use heat vs. ice to treat your back.

When to Use Ice

Acute back pain that’s been present for less than four weeks or occurs due to direct injury can benefit from cold therapy. Ice lowers the body’s temperature and helps to constrict blood vessels, decrease inflammation, reduce swelling, and numb the area. Ice significantly improves delayed onset muscle soreness that occurs after extensive workouts.  

When to Use Heat

After inflammation has subsided due to the application of ice, use heat therapy to improve the movement of muscles, flexibility of soft tissues, and the overall functioning of the back. Doctors advise following up ice therapy with a heat blanket or wrap to improve tissue healing, although it isn’t necessary.

Use continuous, low-level heat for subacute or chronic back pain that’s been present for more than four weeks. Use a warming or heated blanket wrapped around your lower back or an adhesive wrap that sticks to your skin. Most wraps provide several hours of low-level heat. Both methods will stimulate muscles and encourage healing.

When Not to Use Heat or Ice

Some situations or conditions can’t be treated with hot or cold therapy. For example, any back pain that’s accompanied by an open wound that bleeds or has fluid discharge should never be treated by either of these methods.

Other chronic conditions, such as poor circulation, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis, could become worse after heat or ice intervention. Excess burns, inflammation, and/or skin ulcerations may occur in anyone with these conditions. Visit a doctor or physical therapist to receive the appropriate treatment for your back pain.

If you’re dealing with acute or chronic back pain, contact O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates. Serving St. Charles County, MO, with a personalized approach to pain relief, their professional and experienced team offers chiropractic care, massages, and physical therapy to ensure patients feel better as quickly as possible. Call today at (636) 978-3000 to book an appointment or visit their website for more information on their services.