Many people are confused when it comes to home care of aches and pains...

With any new injury, it is very important to handle it the right way to ensure the fastest possible recovery.  In the event of a NEW injury, ICE is the best treatment possible. 

During the first 48-72 hours following most sprain-strain type injuries, an ice pack should be applied to the injured area for 20 minutes or until the area is numb.  This application can be performed once every two hours.

ICE should be applied through at least one layer of material (towel or shirt), so as to avoid ice burns. 

ICE primarily works by decreasing inflammation to the injured area.  In addition, ICE works to decrease pain and muscle spasm, all of which speed up the healing process.

HEAT should be avoided during the first day or two following a new injury.  Although it may feel good, during this first phase of healing, we are trying to control and limit inflammation.   HEAT application will increase the blood flow to the injured area, thus increasing the initial inflammation.  Although inflammation is a good thing for the healing process, at this point we want to CONTROL the amount of inflammation, therefore ICE is the therapy of choice at this time. 

After the first few days following an injury, or with a recurring injury that you've been dealing with for years, HEAT may be used for pain relief.  In this case the HEAT will increase circulation, flushing the waste products of the healing process out of the area.  HEAT also blocks pain, increases the flexiblity of soft tissue, decreases muscle spasm and increases patient relaxation.

When self administering HEAT at home, be sure to use a towel between the heat pack and your skin, and NEVER fall asleep with a heating pack on.  HEAT should be used for 20-30 minutes every couple of hours as needed. 

Remember, regular chiropractic maintenance is the best way to avoid recurring aches and pains.  Even if you are not currently in pain, be sure to schedule regular spinal checkups.  This will keep the pain from coming back, and allow you to function at your maximum potential.