What's the correct way to relieve lower back pain - a heating pad or a cold pack?
From George Goodstein, M.D., Senior Focus
Question: What's the correct way to relieve lower back pain - a heating pad or a cold pack?
Answer: The most common sources of back pain are strained muscles or sprained ligaments. The lower back carries most of your weight and is a common site of muscle strains.
In the case of acute back pain you should use cold packs initially to relieve pain. Wrap an ice pack in cloth and apply for about 15 minutes four times a day. Never place the ice directly on the skin. After 48 hours you can use heat to relax sore muscles using a warm bath, warm packs, a heating pad or heat lamp. Be careful not to burn yourself - by falling asleep while using a heating pad, for example.
If you find that cold provides more relief than heat, you can continue with cold packs or try a combination of the two.
Your back will heal most quickly if you continue your usual activities in a gentle manner while avoiding what may have caused the pain in the first place. Lying down can help relieve the pain, but long periods of bed rest (more than two days) can increase pain and weakness. Avoid heavy lifting, prolonged sitting and repetitive bending.
Contact your doctor if your back pain hasn't improved noticeably after six days. If you have symptoms such as numbness or shooting pain down your leg, call your doctor right away.
Maintaining your flexibility and strength and keeping your abdominal muscles strong are the best ways to avoid back problems.