Call us at (818) 881-2225

Skip to main content
818-881-2225

Should I Use Ice or Heat to Relieve My Back Pain?

Steven Perry, DC Blog Should I Use Ice or Heat to Relieve My Back Pain?

Should I Use Ice or Heat to Relieve My Back Pain?

When I have lower back pain, should I use heat or ice? The good news is there is no wrong answer: both ice and heat can help with your pain.

When back pain is acute, start with ice. The cold helps reduce swelling and decreases inflammation. Once the inflammation has subsided, heat therapy can provide many benefits. Heat improves the flexibility of soft tissues and helps with muscle movement.

Alternating between moist heat and ice at a time can even help long term back pain. Use moist heat or ice for no more than 20-minutes per use. I often recommend 20-minutes of ice, followed by 20 minutes of moist heat therapy, and finish with ice for the best pain relief.

Call us to schedule a free consultation at (818) 881- BACK.

 

Author
Dr. Steve Perry D.C.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Flexibility and Exercise

Flexibility and Exercise
Flexibility is important.  It is not about being able to touch your toes, it is about maintaining a healthy spine and improving mobility with exercise. 
Chiropractic Care for the Pregnant Woman

Chiropractic Care for the Pregnant Woman
When a woman is pregnant there are changes with her body from the start. All of these changes are important for the growing baby inside. With chiropractic adjustments, the pain and discomfort can be minimized, greatly reduced or eliminated.

COLD LASER TREATMENT
Pain can limit activity, sports, and family time, impacting quality of life. Cold laser therapy offers a non-invasive, non-surgical solution to help people restore function and enjoy life more fully.

AUTO ACCIDENTS AND WHAT TO DO
After a car accident it is important to prioritize your proper recovery. If you were injured in an auto accident chiropractic care can help. It's one of the most powerful tools for ensuring proper recovery and returning to your daily routine.

LOW BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA NERVE PAIN
The sciatic nerve is your body's largest nerve when you stretch the length of the leg. If something presses against your sciatic nerve, sciatica may occur. Low back pain and sciatica nerve pain can be very painful...