Heat or cold for lower-back muscle strain

J

JBR

Senior Member
Location
Southern Canada mtn. valley, tad west of Rockies
I've not had much experience with lower-back muscle strain, but from time to time I am experiencing some if I've overdone it lifting something heavy. This isn't really a chronic thing with me.

We have a good electric heating pad in the house, and I've been experiencing that it can provide some comfort while using it. But I'm thinking that muscle strain can involve a degree of inflammation... and maybe normally does, even if nothing is detectable on the surface of the aching area.

For some sorts of inflammation or swelling, cold is recommended. And we do also have some gel cold packs that can be made cold in the fridge freezer. So my question to anyone reading this is, which have you found is more effective, warmth or cold?

Looking forward to experienced advice.🙂
 

I have lower back issues have had for many years.. I use heat pads to sooth and relax the muscles which are spasming...

I've been told on many occasions I should use ice.. but Ice doesn't help me at all with the pain.... so it's heat always for me...
 
JBR said:
Thanks @Ted01. Do you have an order in which you, personally, use one first, then the other?
Click to expand...
Honestly (and I know that this will sound silly) I let my body tell me.

Most of the times I prefer just moist heat. I'm not sure why moist heat works
better than say your heating pad, but it just seems that, for me, there is a
significant difference.
Cold is definitely needed when there is noticeably inflammation.
I only use a cold compress/pad for about 15 minutes or so.
A hot compress usually about the same... but sometimes I'll just fall asleep with it.
 
Here is what the whole world says...using Gemini AI... :)


For back pain, it's generally recommended to start with ice for acute injuries (new or recent) to reduce inflammation and swelling, then switch to heat for muscle relaxation and improved blood flow. Alternating between ice and heat can also be beneficial, especially for more chronic conditions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]


Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Ice for Acute Injuries:
  • Purpose: Ice is best for fresh injuries (less than 6 weeks old) with inflammation and swelling. [3, 6]
  • How it works: Cold constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area, which helps to minimize swelling and numb pain. [2, 6]
  • Duration: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. [2, 7]
  • Important: Always protect your skin by using a barrier (like a towel) between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite. [2]
2. Heat for Muscle Relaxation and Chronic Pain: [2, 3, 7]
  • Purpose: Heat is beneficial for muscle spasms, stiffness, and chronic back pain. [1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10]
  • How it works: Heat increases blood flow, which can relax muscles and improve flexibility. [3, 6]
  • Duration: Apply heat for 15-20 minutes at a time. [4]
  • Important: Be cautious with heat and avoid applying it directly to the skin for too long to prevent burns. [1, 2]
3. Alternating Ice and Heat (Contrast Therapy):
  • Purpose: This method combines the benefits of both ice and heat. [1, 4]
  • How it works: Alternating between cold and heat constricts and dilates blood vessels, potentially pushing out inflammation and increasing blood flow. [1, 5]
  • How to: Apply ice for 20 minutes, then heat for 15-20 minutes, and repeat. [1, 5]
  • Important: End the cycle with ice to help prevent inflammation from returning. [1]
4. When to See a Doctor:
  • If back pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (like numbness or tingling), it's important to see a doctor or physical therapist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan. [2, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] When to use heat or ice for an injury? It depends | Memorial Health
[2] Using Heat or Ice for Low Back Pain | Aurora, IL Chiropractor | Quality Care Chiropractic
[3] SHOULD I USE ICE OR HEAT TO REDUCE MY LOW BACK PAIN? - Orthopedic One
[4] What Is the Best Practice for Treating Back Pain: Ice or Heat?
[5] When to treat to pain with ice vs heat? | Orthopedic Blog |
[6] Ice vs. Heat: What Is Best for Your Pain?
[7] https://www.drbretball.com/tips-on-using-heat-and-ice/
[8] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ice-or-heat-for-back-pain
[9] https://www.phyxphysio.com.au/ice-heat/
[10] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hea...erapies/ice-packs-vs-warm-compresses-for-pain
[11] https://kiroclinique.ca/en/healing-strained-back-muscles/
[12] https://phoenixrehabgroup.com/articles/back-pain-treatment/back-pain-from-sneezing/
[13] https://www.keystonehcw.com/dealing-with-back-pain-tips-exercises-and-remedies-for-one-of-the-most-common-pain-related-complaints/
[14] https://naturalfittherapy.com/back-pain/are-you-looking-for-immediate-pain-relief-for-back-pain-here-is-what-you-need-to-do/
Not all images can be exported from Search.
 
Paco Dennis said:
2. Heat for Muscle Relaxation and Chronic Pain: [2, 3, 7]
  • Purpose: Heat is beneficial for muscle spasms, stiffness, and chronic back pain. [1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10]
  • How it works: Heat increases blood flow, which can relax muscles and improve flexibility. [3, 6]
Click to expand...
This is what I've always heard, and so I've always used heat for my back and shoulder pain and found it very soothing.
 
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