Ice and Heat Application
Suggestions For The Application Of Ice And Heat
Ice is an effective and natural pain killer and anti-inflammatory.
Ice should be applied over the inflamed area in the acute or early stages of your problem.
Whenever you experience swelling, redness or sharp / stabbing pain it is generally considered best to apply ice. Repeat until symptoms ease – usually for 24 – 48 hours.
Following this you should alternate with ice and heat. If in doubt, contact your Chiropractor.
Application
Place ice cubes in a plastic bag or use a professionally prepared ice pack.
Place a damp face washer or tea towel over the problem area then place the ice pack on the material covering.
The first application should be as follows:-
10 minutes on
10 minutes off
10 minutes on
10 minutes off
10 minutes on
Then during waking hours, apply the ice pack every 2 hours, or as indicated by your Chiropractor.
As the inflammation reduces, it is often beneficial to apply heat between ice.
10 minutes on ICE
10 minutes on HEAT
10 minutes on ICE
10 minutes on HEAT
10 minutes on ICE
10 minutes on HEAT
Heat is an effective therapy for reducing muscular tension and pain and is best used AFTER the initial inflammation has subsided.
N.B. If you do not have ice immediately available, then use a pack of frozen peas or similar item.
Other causes of lower back pain include inflammatory arthritis (e.g. ankylosis spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis), and fractures due to osteoporosis. Back pain may also be ‘referred’ from another location entirely!
Less common conditions causing low back pain include cancer (usually from another source such as the prostate or lung), serious infections and compression of the spinal cord.
Ultimately, many of our patients who present with this condition, are experiencing it as a result of poor posture or poor movement (such as lifting heavy objects with poor form). Regardless of the cause of your discomfort, we are here to help you.