Hot or Cold Packs for Back Pain

When you have back pain do you use hot or cold packs for back pain? This is a question that is asked by many people with back pain or any type of pain for that matter. I don't claim to be an expert; however, I have used both many times.

While I may not be an expert I sure know when to use hot or cold packs for back pain. I also know when to use hot or cold packs for pain in other areas. The reason for this is my many injuries including back, torn rotator cuff twice, broken knee, broken hip, sprained ankle, torn hamstring and so forth.

Most of these injuries were caused by sports or just plain carelessness. Nevertheless, I had to rehab them and use hot or cold packs to do it each time.

Pain is hard to manage, but hot or cold packs can help immensely when applied correctly and at the correct time. Timing is a key factor when it comes to using hot and cold therapy. You need to know which one to use and when.

Cold packs are generally applied immediately after an injury to reduce swelling as well as to ease pain. While it may be difficult at times for an ice pack to reach certain areas of the back it is vital that it be done. You can save yourself weeks of rehab by simply getting cold packs applied to an injury asap.

The reason for this is that the cold limits the flow of blood to the area lowering the temperature of the damaged tissue reducing the rate of cell damage and decreasing build up of fluid. It also numbs nerve endings resulting in less pain.

Then a couple of days later you can use the hot cold packs for the heat part of therapy. When heat is applied it causes blood to rush to the area, which brings oxygen and nutrients needed for the healing process.

If there is no injury then you don't need to use either hot or cold packs for back pain. When back muscles are simply sore and achy then it's safe to start with hot packs. Heat will help relax tight and sore muscles and relieve pain.

Remember, the rules for applying hot or cold packs for back pain are the same for most injuries. If there is significant pain then it can't hurt to apply cold therapy plus it can save you a lot of pain and help heal the injury faster.

Now let's check out some popular hot or cold packs for back pain that help to speed up the healing process as well as ease pain and discomfort.

One of the most popular hot or cold packs are gel hot cold packs. Many people love them because they are flexible and contour to the shape of the body easily. If you have ever tried to lay on a real ice pack for your back then you know that it does not contour at all. In fact, it can hurt until the ice melts somewhat.

Anyway, a cold gel pack will mold to the shape of the body providing comfort and do what it is designed to do. One of the most popular hot cold gel packs is Elasto Gel Hot Cold Wraps they have a hot cold pack for every area of the body. For the back check out the Elasto-Gel Large Lumbar Back Wrap on Amazon it rates 4 stars and there are several reviews you can read.

Elasto Gel also offers hot cold packs for wrists, shoulders, neck, feet, ankles, legs, Knees, hands and even the head. They are definitely worth a look see!

Another easy to use hot cold gel pack is the Caldera Multi-purpose Therapy Gel with Cover. As all hot cold gel packs this one conforms to the body like it was made special just for you. It is washable and reusable and excellent for injury recovery as well as prevention. Price is easy on the budget under $7, has a 4 star rating (almost 5) with good reviews and happy customers.

The Carex Bed Buddy for the Back is another popular hot cold pack or wrap that can be used to help heal the body faster and provide great comfort. When you have back pain all you want is relief and that is exactly what the Bed Buddy does. It is also affordable as it is priced under $15, rates 4 stars and has tons of great reviews. It looks like you can't go wrong with this one.

Many people love the Carex Bed Buddy because they use it to keep them warm in bed, so if you just want to keep warm it can do that too.

Lastly, for those who are into sports like myself check out the NeoWrap 3-in-1 Hot Cold Therapy for Back, Shoulder and Knee. A very versatile and useful cold hot pack or wrap that you can easily strap on yourself and stays in place with velcro. It is designed with portability in mind and will remain cold for long periods.Good reviews, 4 star rating and is priced to sell at $25.

Hot or cold packs for back pain are an excellent way to self treat, however, when pain is intense and relief doesn't come consult a doctor.

Another article of interest: Inversion Table Therapy for Pain Relief.