Should I use hot or cold for my back pain or neck pain?

Have you wonder what you should do when your back is hurting? Should I use hot or cold for my back pain? Is hot better than cold therapy or the other way around? This can be a bit confusing from time to time. A general rule of thumb that I recommend to my patient is use cold therapy when you are hurting or in pain. Such as when you hurt your back lifting, bending, reaching out or other activities. Or when your neck is hurting after you slept wrong or at work. Or you experiences pain after a car accident or work injury. Should I use heat, soak in hot tub or take a hot shower when my back is hurting? Probably not, because even though the heat make you feel better at the time you are in the hot tub, but afterward the inflammation will increase and it will cause more swelling and pain.

How to ice your back correctly?

1. Buy a ice pack from drug store or use ice cubes in a plastic bag.
2. Wrap it with a thin towel.
3. Place it on the area that's hurting for 15 minutes. (Do not lay on it)
4. Remove after 15 minutes.
5. Repeat step 3 and 4 for 1 to 4 times depends on your condition.
6. Still bothers you? Please give us a call at 425-818-0086. You might need some professional help.

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at activespines.com