Should I Use Ice or Heat for Back Pain?

Jul 15

Should I Use Ice or Heat for Back Pain? : Salford’s most experienced chiropractor shares her advice

I regularly get asked by patients dealing with back pain, whether they should use ice or heat for their pain. So here is a simple blog post explaining the benefits and considerations of both ice and heat therapy for back pain to help you make an informed decision.

Ice Therapy: mainly for Acute/New pain of sudden or severe onset

Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, involves applying a cold pack or ice pack to the affected area. It helps in reducing inflammation, numbing the area, and temporarily numbing pain signals. Ice therapy is commonly recommended for acute injuries or sudden flare-ups of pain. It is also useful when we have referral pain (eg leg pain radiating from the back- in these cases Ice should be applied to the back, not the leg)

So examples of when to use Ice include:

- Acute Injuries: acute onset of back pain, or back pain with radiation into the buttock/leg, then applying ice the the back within the first 48 to 72 hours can help reduce swelling and pain.

- Muscle Spasms: If your back pain is accompanied by muscle spasms, ice therapy can help calm the spasms and provide relief.

Heat Therapy: mainly for chronic pain/ache and muscle stiffness

Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, involves applying a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm towel to the affected area. Heat increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and provides soothing relief. Heat therapy is more appropriate for chronic conditions or to ease muscle tension and stiffness.

So examples of when to use Heat include:

- Chronic Pain: For long-lasting back pain, heat therapy can offer relief by improving blood circulation and promoting relaxation.

- Muscle Stiffness: If your back pain is accompanied by stiffness or tightness, applying heat can help loosen the muscles and increase flexibility.

How To Use Ice/Heat:

Both ice and heat therapies should be applied for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Allow your skin to return to its normal temperature before reapplying.

The Ice pack/hot water bottle should always be wrapped in something thin before applying to the back - it should never contact the skin directly in order to prevent an ice/heat burn.

Having said all this, we also know that each human body is unique and its important to listen to our bodies, especially when in pain. Some individuals may find more relief with ice, while others prefer heat. Experiment with both options to determine what works best for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

Initial Consultation (which includes first treatment)

During the initial consultation with your Chiropractor, they will make sure to take a thorough case history of your condition, including any relevant medical information. They will then complete an orthopaedic and neurological examination with you, in addition to a chiropractic assessment. All this information ensure they are able to make a confident diagnosis of your condition. Chiropractors are classified as “diagnosticians”, since their 4 to 5 year degree programme gives them the medical and anatomical knowledge to understand the workings of the human body and therefore know what and why issues arise.

Once a diagnosis is made, they can explain this in detail to you and the discuss the treatment options for your case. The first treatment is done during your initial consultation appointment, providing it is medically appropriate.

Treatment

The most common treatment methods used by our chiropractors are a combination of manipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue work and dry needling (a form of acupuncture). Some, or all of these methods may be used during your treatment, depending on your issue.

Follow up Appointments

Some patients only need 1 appointment. Many patients need a few appointments, since the body has “memory” and when manipulation and soft tissue work is used, the body only “listens” for a short time and then goes back to the way it was. This is why we talk about “retraining” the body. Experience tells us that normally within 3-4 appointments a patient should be significantly better, if not sooner.