How to use heat and cold for pain?

Ever thought to yourself if you should put some heat on your muscle pain or some ice?  Well, here is what the mayo clinic says.

Heat helps reduce pain by relaxing and loosening tense muscles, and it promotes blood and nutrients to speed healing. Use a heating pad or a moist towel warmed in the microwave and apply it to the painful area. Or you can take a warm bath or shower. Apply heat for up to 20 minutes three times a day. If you use a heating pad, never sleep with it.

Applying ice to a sore back, swollen knee or sprained ankle can numb the pain and may reduce some of the inflammation. Try wrapping an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a cloth and applying it to the painful area. Do this for the first day or two after your injury, every two to four hours. Don’t keep the cold wrap on the painful area for more than 20 minutes at a time.

Heat and cold. If you use both ice and heat, apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes, then a few hours later use ice for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this at spaced intervals throughout the day. By rotating between each temperature therapy, you’re reducing inflammation and loosening muscles simultaneously, increasing your chances of pain relief.

If you are unsure if chiropractic care is the right fit for you then give Dr. Jenkins a call! At Jenkins Chiropractic, the first step is an initial consultation to determine whether or not chiropractic care is best for you. You can reach us at (319) 393-4303. Our Cedar Rapids office is conveniently located off council St. Learn more about us here.,

To continue reading more on chiropractic visit our other article on the benefits of chiropractic visits.