For patients experiencing back pain,
ice massage therapy is quick, free, easy to do, and it can
provide significant pain relief for many types of back pain.
In a world of sophisticated medical care, a simple ice massage
can still be one of the more effective, proven methods to
treat a sore back or neck.
Most back pains are caused by muscle
strain. The large paired muscles in the low back (erector
spinae) help hold up the spine, and with an injury the muscles
can become inflamed and spasm, causing low back pain and significant
stiffness.
Common causes of muscle strain of the
large back muscles include:
• A sudden movement
• An awkward fall
• Lifting a heavy object (using the back muscles)
• A sports injury
While it sounds like a simple injury,
a muscle strain can create a surprising amount of pain. In
fact, this type of injury is one of the most common reasons
people go to the emergency room. However, not much can be
done for a strained back muscle except for rest (e.g. for
up to two days), pain relief medications, and to use ice and/or
heat application.
Ice massages can help provide relief
for back pain in a number of ways, including:
• Ice application slows the inflammation and swelling
that occurs after injury. Most back pain is accompanied by
some type of inflammation, and addressing the inflammation
helps reduce the pain
• Ice massage therapy numbs sore tissues (providing
pain relief like a local anesthetic)
• Ice massage therapy slows the nerve impulses in the
area, which interrupts the pain-spasm reaction between the
nerves
• Ice massage therapy decreases tissue damage
Ice massage therapy is most effective
if it is applied soon after the injury occurs. The cold makes
the veins in the tissue contract, reducing circulation. Once
the cold is removed, the veins overcompensate and dilate and
blood rushes into the area. The blood brings with it the necessary
nutrients to allow the injured back muscles, ligaments and
tendons to heal.
As with all pain relief treatments,
there are some cautions with applying ice and using ice massage
therapy. Never apply ice directly to the skin. Instead, be
sure that there is a protective barrier between the ice and
skin, such as a towel.
Reusable
hot and cold pack alleviates back pain
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