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Hot & Cold Therapy for Back Injury

Back injuries are one of the most common types of injuries an individual can sustain. People have many views on what works for them as far as pain relief and preventing the injury from becoming worse. Most people alternate between hot and cold therapy to treat their back injury.

  1. Back Pain Is Intense

    • Back pain can cause some of the most intense pain an individual can experience. Back injuries can result from overuse, twisting the wrong way, not lifting properly and engaging in all sorts of sports activities. Back injuries can put people out of commission for several days to several weeks. It is extremely important to treat your back injury once it does occur.

    Alternate Heat and Cold

    • Most people alternate between heat and cold therapy to relieve pain and start the healing process. Cold therapy should be applied when an individual experiences swelling or when they have a muscle spasms. The benefit of cold therapy is that it reduces swelling, decreases nerve cell activity and decreases sensitivity to pain. Cold therapy should be applied for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. An individual can use either ice chips wrapped in a towel or ice packs that are purchased from the store.

      Heat therapy is used for more chronic back injuries and with acute injuries once the swelling has disappeared. Heat therapy should not be used when swelling is present due to the heat increasing blood flow and increasing the swelling at the injured area. Heat is used for back injuries when there is tightness of the muscles, sprain or mild injury with no tissue swelling. Heat can be applied to the back injury for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. Heating packs and heating pads work well for back injuries.

      If you experience a back injury with swelling then wait for the swelling to disappear and then you can alternate between the hot and cold therapy. Apply the hot therapy for 15 to 30 minutes first followed by the cold therapy for the same amount of time. You may do this approximately four to five times daily.

      If you do not see any improvement in your injury within 48 to 72 hours, consult your doctor.

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