When treating an injury, using ice or heat is always a question to keep in mind.  A lot of people like to use heat when treating injuries to the back, which we see a lot of here at San Jacinto Chiropractic.  However, we need to be aware of when ice versus heat are appropriate to use because both can affect how our bodies heal.  We will start this discussion by stating that we rarely ever encourage using heat on injuries to the back.  Reasons as for why we encourage ice over heat and when to use both will be outlined in this discussion. 

Primarily, we encourage using ice, especially on new injuries.  Using ice in the form of cold compresses and ice packs are beneficial to use shortly after an injury occurs because it will decrease muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain.  This is caused by the cold temperature constricting blood vessels, which decreases the blood flow to the area.  Heat, though it may feel more comfortable, will actually make acute injuries worse.  This is because heat will encourage more inflammation and swelling, along with delaying proper healing.  

So, when should you use heat?  72 hours after an acute injury occurs is when swelling has typically slowed down.  After this healing period, heat can be beneficial when using it for soft tissue and muscle related injuries.  This will allow strained muscle fiber to loosen, which will be beneficial in increasing range of motion and decrease pain.  However, this is not the case with all injuries as you should still use ice with joint or bone related aches.   With that being said, you should not use heat for all injuries and asking a physician which treatment you should use would be most beneficial.  Do not just assume. As stated previously, heat can feel more comfortable and can provide short term relief.  This short term relief is definitely not worth the long term effects of heat in that it can impede the healing process.  

Another thing to consider when discussing the ice versus heat debate is understanding that injuries can re-occur over time. Injuries that reoccur will still be considered acute injuries, regardless of how long they have been re-occurring.  For example, if one were to strain the same muscles in their lower back and over a month that strain would re-occur several times, each reoccurrence of strain would be considered acute injury for up to 72 hours. With that said, ice would be needed for each reoccurrence of that injury instead of heat in order to constrict blood flow and reduce inflammation.  A lot of what we see at San Jacinto Chiropractic is acute injury and re-occurrence of acute injury.  The most common mistake our patients make is applying heat to the area, which in turn makes them feel worse because of increased inflammation and increased healing time.  

Ultimately, we advise people to stay away from heat in general.  If people would like to use heat, we would advise applying it to injuries for short periods of time along with interchanging application of ice and heat. Another great source of information on this is the John Hopkins Medicine website that is linked here:

 Ice Packs vs. Warm Compresses for Pain- John Hopkins Medicine

For more interesting blog posts and discussions, check out our website at www.sanjacchiro.com or you can come to our office and ask our chiropractor in person!