Whether you suffer from chronic issues or a recent injury, back pain can be debilitating. It can affect everything from your everyday comfort to quality of life, which is why it’s critical to seek therapeutic remedies for relief. Using heat and ice has always been a conventional form of pain management, but it’s not always clear when to use each method.

A Guide to Heat & Ice for Back Pain Relief

When Should You Use Ice?

Applying ice to the affected area is an excellent way to bring down swelling and reduce inflammation. Do this in the days immediately following the onset of pain or injury so that you can effectively target the problem.

For the greatest results, ice for up to 10 minutes at a time per hour on day one. Transition to every few hours in the following days. Use a medical cold pack or wrap a dish towel around an ice pack to create a protective barrier for your skin.

When Is Heat Most Effective?

Heat is ideal for relieving the discomfort associated with chronic back pain and stress on affected areas. If you’re suffering from stiffness, muscle spasms, and tension, heat may alleviate some of those symptoms.

It also encourages blood and oxygen circulation in the area, allowing your muscles and joints to heal more efficiently. Utilize a heating pad or a hot water bottle to treat the problem area.

When Should You Use Both?

In some cases, it may be more effective to treat your back pain with both ice and heat. If you’re suffering from an acute injury, like an ankle sprain, you can first use ice to cut down on swelling and dull the pain. Then use heat to stimulate blood flow and facilitate the healing process.

When Should These Methods Be Avoided?

Be careful in selecting the right type of treatment based on the nature of your pain. Heat can aggravate inflammation, for example, while ice can make a stiff back feel even tighter.

Avoid using any type of extreme temperature when your body is not prepared for it. If you’re cold, avoid ice, and if you’re hot, steer clear of heat so that your brain doesn’t process the sensation of the ice or warmth in a negative way. For example, heat can loosen muscles prior to a workout, but should never be used following physical activity since it can exacerbate swelling.

If your back pain is uncomfortable and challenging to handle, find relief with the services at Lineberry Chiropractic in Mayodan, NC. Dr. Keith Lineberry is committed to your wellbeing and offers a variety of treatments to help you find your comfort zone. From spinal adjustments to laser therapy, you’ll have access to several effective options. Visit their website for information, or call (336) 548-2225 to schedule an appointment.