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| Hi - The good news: I played my best round of golf ever today (woo-hoo!). The bad news: On the 2nd to the last hole my (already tender) back gave out; I couldn't play the last two at all.
It's very low back; I can hardly walk. Ok, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but not much! I've done 600 mg. ibupropen twice already, with no apparent relief. Just took 2 Aleve. Should I ice it or lay on a heating pad? (I hope you say ice, because it's very hot and humid here today!). I just don't know when to do which. Thanks! (ouch). Suzieque |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| ice for the first 72 hours - in intervals. Heat after that |
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| Thank you, Devorah! |
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| My doctor has told me that ice will always make the pain worse. I only use the heat for little periods of time.It helps right then and when I get through with it here the pain comes again. |
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| Sansan, that is very odd advice or at least contrary to mainstream medical advice. The point of using ice first is that it will reduce any swelling and it is the pressure from swelling that causes much of the pain. Using heat later is to sooth the inflammation. |
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- Posted by catherinet (My Page) on Mon, Aug 14, 06 at 19:58
| I always used to use heat for things (except in that first 12 hours of an injury), but I've learned from my sports doc that you should always use ice. But.....sometimes, heat just feels better! so I'd say use whichever makes you feel better. You could try ice first, and if that didn't help at all, go for the heat. |
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| I have to agree with devorah. I have had to use the ice, then heat. Sometimes it helps to relax in a hot tub of water (scented of course:) But if the pain continues too long, have it checked out by a doctor, It doesn't take much to slip a disc. |
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| Hi, I was told to try a product calle Biofreeze. It has a cooling and heating effect. It comes in a roll on applicator, too,, (so you don't get it on your hands!!) Good luck! |
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- Posted by littleonefb (My Page) on Tue, Aug 22, 06 at 14:14
| From the physical therapists and sports medicine docs. Ice is to prevent swelling and can temporarily numb the pain. Heat is to sooth the muscles and relax them. When having physical therapy, heat is used to loosen the muscles first, before any exercise is done and ice is offered after the session to relieve any pain. In the case of over used muscles, they say to use moist heat for the pain. Good luck |
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| A physical therapist just told me yesterday to use ice for swelling & inflamation ( like for joints) and heat for muscles. |
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- Posted by scarlet_morgan (My Page) on Tue, Apr 7, 09 at 15:16
| Ice is most definitely the treatment of choice for an acute (sudden) injury as it reduces blood flow to the injured area. This helps to reduce swelling, inflammation, pain and muscle spasms. Ice should be used for 15-20 minutes about every 2 hours during the inflammatory phase of the injury. The inflammatory phase is usually the first 3 days following the injury. You should totally AVOID heat and massage to the injured area during this time because it will increases blood flow to the injured area and will likely result in increased inflammation, pain and swelling with probable prolonged recovery. Heat is recommended and usually very beneficial AFTER the inflammatory phase of an injury. Heat can help reduce pain and muscle spasms as well as reduce muscle tightness and joint stiffness. The recommended use of heat is for 1030 minutes at a comfortable temperature applied to the injured area. Repeat 2-5 times daily and before exercise. Heat should not be used if there are residual inflammatory symptoms (such as pain at rest and/or achiness upon waking in the morning that eases with movement). If in doubt, don't use heat, use ice. For all acute injuries, always remember, RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
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Here is a link that might be useful: Ice or Heat??
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| When I had a broken arm, heat made it worse, ice almost stopped the pain. Try both. |
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| I had a broken arm couple of years ago and heat made the pain worse. Ice really, really helped. I just bought one of the heating pads that you can put in the freezer or micro wave instead of using a frozen bag of corn. It explained that ice helps pain. |
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| I agree, ice for swelling, heat for muscle relaxation. Feel better soon! |
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| Here is a little different approach. Electromagnetic pulse will start the blood flow better and remove inflammation. I used a unit I made using the Dr Bob Beck protocol and it works like a charm relives most pain in minuets and no drug side effects. |
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| Definitely use ice for swelling and inflamation! Your back pain could also be due to sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day at work. Herman Miller aeron chairs are great for support and comfort! |
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