2007-01-13 16:43:28 · 15 answers · asked by awalll 2 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
It depends if it's a recent injury or not. Generally, ice is applied only during the first six hours or so after an injury (on 20 mins, off 20 mins.) The ice reduces inflammation in surrounding tissue. If the injury is less recent, ice is essentially useless as it will not reduce inflammation significantly. Heat, however, can aid in healing. Application of heat to an injured area dilates blood vessels in the area and speeds the removal of inflammation byproducts, and generally increases healing time. Also, heat just feels very nice and acts to loosen muscles.
If it's a long term problem with your lower back, you should get a physician to take a look at you to exclude a slipped disc. I've had one and it bothered me for about two years before it went away.
Love you back - it's doing all the work throughout the day.
2007-01-13 17:01:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Dad has severe back problems and he uses heat. He likes spas and rubber hot water bottles. Even hot weather helps. When it gets cold outside, his back is in a lot of pain. There are also hot patches and special bags filled with rice you can put in the microwave. When I had elbow pain before the doctor told me to use hot and cold, on and off for about 15 minutes each totaling an hour.
2007-01-13 16:56:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sitting here reading this with an ice pack on my back!!! Ice is instant pain relief. Sometimes alternate between ice and heat. If you just injured your back, then ice by all means. If you tore a muscle or ligament then there is some bleeding that occurs, and the ice will help to stop that...use ice then for 48 hours. Then switch to heat to relax the muscle and help with circulation to the part. If you have access to a spa or hot tub there is nothing better!
2007-01-13 16:51:08 · answer #3 · answered by bflogal77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat is better... it helps relieve the tension better than cold. The heat make the skin expand (figuritly) so everything doesn't feel so tight. The cold will make your skin come closer to your body and make the tension worse.
2007-01-14 00:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think cold is much better than heat. I've tried both heat & cold & the cooling sensation feels alot better. I guess everyone has their own preference.
2007-01-13 16:56:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on where the pain is coming from and how it was causes. Back pain can be caused from nerve damage or overworked muscles, or damaged muscles and tendons. Cold is used to reduce swelling. Heat is used to increase circulation. It's your choice. Are you swollen from damage or sore from overworking?
2007-01-14 03:07:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I vote for heat even the doc says 20 minutes each.
2007-01-13 16:54:57 · answer #7 · answered by beachbuddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
trust me on this cold is the way to go, never use heat it may feel better while you have it on but you could actually end up doing more harm than good..
2007-01-13 16:49:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
heat. 20 min on, 20 min off. if there is swelling, them use cold. heat relaxes the muscles. if you feel you really hurt it, go see a doctor. you don't want to mess around with your back.
2007-01-13 16:49:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I think to alternate between the two is best. I would also take some ibuprofen! Good Luck!
2007-01-13 18:14:14 · answer #10 · answered by Aero Cat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋