Hot And Cold - for lower back pain

American Fitness, Sept, 2001 by D.K. Howe

Which is better for lower back pain, ice or heat? According to the Texas Back Institute, the answer is: both. Immediately after an injury and for the following 48 hours, ice is best. Ice helps decrease inflammation associated with injury. After 48 hours, heat is generally recommended, but whichever feels more comfortable is also acceptable. Heat allows blood vessels in the tissues surrounding the injured area to dilate and provide the extra oxygen and nutrients necessary for rapid healing. This is also true for sprains and strains of other joints.

"I generally advise my patients to use ice or heat for no longer than 20 minutes out of any hour, to avoid extreme heat or cold. [Also,] to not put heat or ice on any part of the body [that has] decreased sensation. Diabetic feet are one example," says James Cable, M.D., recrea-tional/work-related back injury specialist with the Texas Back Institute.

The Texas Back Institute, an expert in solutions for back pain, offers diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs. Eighty-nine percent of their patients recover without back surgery.

For more information call (800) 247-BACK or visit www.texasback.com.