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May 19, 2008, 6:49 am
Flag as Inappropriate George  

Up until recently I used to put heat on my back whenever I was sore but lately I have been going to a chiropractor who has me icing my back after the adjustments for a couple of days to help with the inflammation. He usually has me put it on 20 min on then 20 min off for 3 times. It seems to help me as the pain is definitely not as bad.

Has anyone else heard of this?

George

Yes, I have heard about it and even tried it and it works effectively. Other than that I have used products like icy hot balm o rub pains, and those works well too.

I was always told ice for the 3 days after initial injury injury, then heat for the rest of the time.

Yes. I hurt my back a couple years ago and that is what I was told to do as well. I was not thrilled with the idea of ice on my back, but once I did it the relief was so great I always go to ice instead of heat now! I've heard that you should only use heat (alternating with ice) for the first 48 hours, then after that it should only be ice.

Heat or Ice? Using heat to quell back pain makes sense because it decreases the amount of inflammation, and often, it is the inflammation that contributes to the pain.

Swelling and inflammation are caused from increased blood flow to the injured area. Cooling this area decreases the blood flow, and therefore decreases swelling, which will cause pain to become diffused.

Therefore, it makes sense to ice an injury immediately after it occurs, and follow up with heat two to three days later.

I have heard this for all sorts of inflammation too, even arthritis.

It does make sense and also helps you figure out which makes you feel better at any time. I always get the feeling that the nerve ends just get too confused by the hot and then cold to know to keep hurting you and they just give up and stop hurting LOL!

I have used the Icey Hot that does this, the ice dulls it and the heat helps with avoiding it get swollen. I only use heat on my back (like a heating pad) right now though.

The cold also helps to numb the pain while reducing swelling so I can see that being beneficial. I however can never seem to follow this advice for some reason I always go running for something hot to help relax me.

Yes, I have always gone with ice for swelling and heat for pain. I also use my good old fashion La Maz breathing techniques to help ease pain and diffuse the brain waves. For Simplyme---you can always drink something hot while applying the cold pack.....

Hey Anniefromcalif that is not a bad idea at all. Cold pack and a nice big hot cup of coffee or tea.